What children will learn
- Add and round amounts of money
- Compare unit prices to find better value
- Make trade-offs and explain decisions
You'll need
- A supermarket catalogue or online grocery site
- Paper and pencil
- A calculator (optional)
How to do it
- Set a budget — for example $30 for a dinner for four.
- Ask your child to choose a meal and list every ingredient they will need.
- Using the catalogue or website, they find a price for each item and write it down.
- They add up the total. If it's over budget, they swap items or find cheaper brands until it fits.
- Finish by asking: 'What did you change to stay on budget? What's the best value item you found?'
Make it easier
Round every price to the nearest dollar and use a smaller budget like $10 for a snack plate.
Make it harder
Compare price per 100 g or per litre, or add a rule such as ‘must include two vegetables’.
Parent tip: If you can, shop for the meal together and let them check the receipt against their estimate.
Fantastic work! Every little step helps you grow.