Teddy Bear Market
Here's What To Do
Set up a shop by picking a stuffed animal to be the "shopkeeper" and place a few toys or play food in front of them. Now play a buying and selling game.
Give your child some pretend money and let them trade money for food. Practice buying and selling items. Let your child decide how to use their money.
Narrate their actions as they buy and sell. For example you could say, “You gave Teddy two pennies for an apple. Now Teddy has money, and you have a snack!”
Swap roles! Let your child be the shopkeeper and decide prices and you can be the customer. Repeat as time permits.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Find a place free of distractions and take three deep breaths together.
Engage:
- “The teddy bear is selling apples and bananas! We need to buy some. What should we buy first?”
- “What do you think Teddy Bear will do with the money?”
Encourage:
- “I see you thinking about what to trade—great idea!”
- “You decided that it’s your turn to be the shopkeeper! I love seeing you make choices.”
Reflect:
- “What was your favorite part of being the shopkeeper?”
Not quite ready?
Simplify by just “buying” items with pretend money.
Ready for more?
Introduce wants versus needs and how some items we need like food, clothing and wants such as toys.
As your child masters this skill...
They will explore using money or other items to buy and sell things they want and need.