Market Simulation Activity

Overview:
In this hands-on simulation, students will practice real-world grocery shopping by using play money to “buy” items at classroom store stations. They’ll track expenses on their Budget Breakdown Worksheet, work with peers as cashiers, and reinforce budgeting, addition, and decision-making skills.

Materials:

• Play money sets (enough for each student)
• Price tags and product flyers at each station
• Calculators
• Budget Breakdown Worksheet for each student
• Station signage (e.g., “Dairy Aisle,” “Snacks,” “Produce”)

Station Setup:

1. Arrange 4–5 “aisles” around the room, each with a theme and display of “products” labeled with prices.
2. Place a small cash register tray or container for play money at each station.
3. Provide each station with a clipboard, flyer, and pencil for recording sales.
4. Assign 1–2 students per station to act as cashiers, with calculators on hand.

Roles & Rotation:

• Shoppers: Visit aisles, select items, record prices, and pay cashiers.
• Cashiers: Greet shoppers, read prices aloud, count money, make change, and record transactions.
• Calculator Helpers (optional): Assist shoppers and cashiers with adding totals and checking change.

Instructions (20 minutes):

1. Assign students to initial roles and stations. Ensure each shopper receives the same starting amount of play money (e.g., $20).
2. Shoppers browse each aisle, select up to 5 items, note the price, and keep a running total on their worksheet.
3. At checkout, shoppers hand money to their cashier. Cashiers count out correct change and mark the worksheet “paid.”
4. Rotate roles every 5 minutes so each student experiences shopping, cashiering, and using the calculator.
5. Circulate to support students with addition, budgeting decisions, and making change.

Differentiation & Support:

• For students needing extra help, provide pre-written price cards with item totals or a partially filled worksheet.
• Challenge advanced students by reducing the budget or adding “coupon” cards that require subtraction.

Teacher Observations & Assessment:

• Monitor accuracy of student addition and change-making.
• Note students who struggle to stay within budget or make correct change for targeted remediation.
• Collect worksheets at the end to review spending choices, totals, and budgeting strategies.

Enjoy building independence and confidence as smart, savvy shoppers!

Budget Breakdown Worksheet

Name: ____________________ Date: _______________

Part 1: Grocery List Creation

1. Think about what you need for one week of groceries. Write at least 5 items below:
   1. ________________________________ ____________
      
      
      
   2. ________________________________ ____________
      
      
      
   3. ________________________________ ____________
      
      
      
   4. ________________________________ ____________
      
      
      
   5. ________________________________ ____________
      
      
      

Use the printed grocery flyers to find prices for each item.

Part 2: Budget Table

You have $20.00 total to spend. Record each item and its price, then keep a running total.

Total Spent: $ ________      Budget Remaining: $ ________

Part 3: Checkout Reflection

1. What was the hardest part about staying within your budget?
   ___________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
2. Which item did you decide not to buy to save money? Why?
   ___________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
3. Did you have any money left over? If yes, how much?
   ___________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   

Part 4: Self-Assessment

Circle one for each question:

1. I was able to pick items I needed without going over budget:
   Not at all 1 2 3 4 5 Completely
   
   
   
2. I felt confident making change with my play money:
   Not at all 1 2 3 4 5 Completely
   
   
   
3. I think I can use this skill in real life shopping:
   Not at all 1 2 3 4 5 Completely
   
   
   
   
   
   

Teacher Notes: Collect this worksheet to review student totals and reflections. Use responses to plan any follow-up support.