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ideas. There are so many things that children can learn from “The Store”. From all the different
types of products to the basic operations, the store offers lots of great learning opportunities. The
topic promotes communication, autonomy and decision making skills. It also gives us the
prospect to enhance our students’ creativity by giving them the choice to create and sell their
own products.
Another significant meaning of the topic is that it will help children to develop critical
thinking and healthy skepticism as we discuss what the essential products in our lives are. In
other words, we can introduce the crucial concept of the 21st century regarding overconsumption
versus quality of life. From there, we can explore with our students worldwide markets and focus
on the comparison between developed and developing countries. For example, have we ever
wondered how the stores in developing countries of Africa are? Through pictures and significant
videos engage students and allow them to experience the difference between street market and
the ultramodern malls. Create a Venn Diagram to present differences and similarities. Older
students, 3 years old up can also use the Thinking Routine Reporter’s Notebook to identify facts,
thoughts and feelings! {Even if you never used the Thinking Routine before don’t hesitate to
try!!! We tried and the results were amazing!!!}