Learning to be a Smart Shopper

Shopping responsibly can be a challenging lesson in self-control, but it is one that is important to maintain fiscal responsibility. It is important to consider our wants and needs to make smart shopping choices while also being fair in how we meet everyone’s needs.

Grade Level: 1-3

Character Skills

Fairness
Responsibility

SEL Skills

Responsible Decision-Making
Self-Management

Academic Skills

Critical and Creative Thinking
Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
Persevere. Keep on trying.
Be self-disciplined.
Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.

Fairness

Play by the rules.
Take turns and share.
Be open-minded. Listen to others.
Don’t take advantage of others.

Responsible Decision-Making

Make decisions based on rationality, ethics, and effectiveness.

Self-Management

Regulate emotions, attitudes, and actions, and manage negative emotions and impulses.

Creative and Critical Thinking

Acquire, remember, understand, and apply knowledge.

Self-Direction and Engagement

Fully engaged in the educational process and connected to the school community.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.

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Materials/Preparation

“Learning to Be a Smart Shopper” lesson plan and worksheets
Pencils and paper

Instructions

Explore responsible shopping with your students using the “Learning to Be a Smart Shopper” lesson from Wells Fargo’s Hands on Banking curriculum. This lesson is designed for students in grades 1-3, but it can be modified to meet the needs of upper elementary students as well.

Discussion Prompts

Why is it important to be a smart shopper?
Why do we need to think about our wants versus our needs when shopping?
Does making smart shopping choices always feel fair? Why or why not?
How can you be a responsible shopper?

Family Connection

Making smart shopping choices is sometimes challenging when we are asked to think about our wants versus needs. Take your child grocery shopping with you and discuss the prices you see and how you decide what you will buy. Talk about how this is part of being responsible with your money to ensure you have enough for other needs and expenses. At a young age, it can be challenging for children to understand why they cannot always get the toy or game they want to have. Spending time discussing money and how you have to balance wants and needs will help them develop responsibility with money.

You can complete the Plan a Family Fun Event worksheet as a family to talk about smart choices and spending money.