Shop 'til you drop!

Our shopping unit was particularly fun for me because it was the first time I used shopping as a unit topic.  It presented lots of neat opportunities.  They explored the physical properties of money (coin rubbings, penny vinegar soak-that experiment failed miserably!, etc.), briefly discussed presidents, categorized (which is difficult with nickles and quarters!), gained a better understanding of symbolic representation (the bar codes represent and item and price), and have a better understanding of the concept of exchange.  The role playing was so much fun to watch-the kids would take turns running the cash register and being the customer.  What I didn't expect was the kids would take the groceries "home" and unpack in the kitchen!