Author: Kelly L. Graham

School/Organization:

Blankenburg Elementary School

Year: 2009

Seminar: Numeracy: Literacy in Applying Numbers

Grade Level: 1-4

Keywords: elementary math, local business, Math

School Subject(s): Math

Minding the Store: Strengthening Student Numeracy Through Role Play is a mathematics curriculum unit that guides students through the authentic task of running a classroom store.  Students will identify a product to sell, design and manufacture their product, organize and operate their store, and analyze data they collect to determine if their venture has been a successful one.  As students problem-solve their way through these experiences, they will expand their understanding of mathematical concepts like number sense, number operations, and collecting and organizing data.  The unit culminates with a field trip to a local business where students can measure their experience against that of a local proprietor.  Though this unit is primarily focused on mathematics, it is explained how other subjects can be integrated with ease. Minding the Store: Strengthening Student Numeracy Through Role Play was designed for kindergarten students in the regular classroom setting.  However, the lessons were designed with flexibility as a priority and could be adapted for use in the higher grades or in smaller classroom settings.

Download Unit: Graham-Unit.pdf