Out and About at the Supermarket (Field Trips)
What’s inside...
Store employee Mark gives a guided tour of a supermarket, where he explains such things as which are the most popular foods, why some foods must be kept frozen, and how groceries should be packed in bags. Includes an activity and other learning resources.
Why read this book
- Engaging supermarket adventure fosters real-world knowledge.
- Identifiable scenarios build early social skills.
- Encourages counting and recognition in a fun setup.
- Supports language development through structured narrative.
Discussion points
What are some of the different jobs people do at the supermarket? How do you think these jobs help us?
Can you describe some of the foods you saw in the book? Which ones would you like to try?
What are some rules you noticed that people follow at the supermarket? Why are they important?
How do you think the supermarket gets all of its products? Where do they come from?
If you could create your own section in the supermarket, what would it have? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the supermarket experience in the book to your family’s own visits. Ask them to compare and contrast, or identify familiar and new elements. Use the book’s illustrations to spark discussions about different types of foods and their origins, nurturing curiosity about the world. Highlight the community aspect of a supermarket, reinforcing social and cooperative behavior learned during your shopping trips together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding money and budgeting
Explanation: The book illustrates how money is used to purchase goods at the supermarket, teaching children about the concept of budgeting and the importance of making wise spending choices.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this concept by helping parents plan and budget for grocery shopping, learning the value of money and the importance of spending within limits.
Example Lesson: Nutrition and healthy eating
Explanation: During the supermarket trip, children learn about different food groups and the nutritional benefits of various foods, promoting healthy eating habits.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children make healthier food choices when eating meals at home or school, understanding the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals.
Example Lesson: Social skills and manners
Explanation: The interaction with supermarket staff and other shoppers teaches children polite social behaviors like saying 'please' and 'thank you', and the importance of patience and waiting for their turn.
Real-World Application: Children can use these social skills in everyday interactions at school, playgrounds, and during family gatherings, fostering better relationships and polite behavior.
Example Lesson: Learning about different professions
Explanation: The book introduces children to various supermarket roles such as cashiers, stock clerks, and managers, providing insight into different jobs people perform.
Real-World Application: This can spark curiosity about how different professions contribute to community welfare, encouraging respect for diverse job roles and potentially guiding future career interests.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Out and About at the Supermarket presents opportunities to discuss the environmental impact of packaging and waste, promoting eco-friendly practices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice sustainability by making environmentally friendly choices such as using reusable bags and avoiding over-packaged products.