Grade Level: 4th Grade

  • ShopRite — Budgeting

    • Before shopping, set a budget: “I will spend no more than $X at ShopRite”
    • Activity: Walk through the store first to see all available items and their prices before choosing
    • Compare prices: if two snacks look good, check which costs less
    • Add up your items before going to the register — if the total is too much, put one item back
    • Practice the concept of a grocery list: decide what you need before you start shopping, and stick to it
    • Keep track of your running total for the day: subtract your ShopRite purchases from your remaining budget
  • ShopRite — Safety and Security

    • Keep money in your wallet until you are at the register and ready to pay
    • Walk carefully in the store — don’t run or push other shoppers
    • Check for allergens: if you have food allergies, ask the staff or your chaperone before buying an item
    • Carry your items carefully — use a basket or bag so you don’t drop things
    • Put any money you earn from ShopRite jobs directly into your wallet
    • Don’t eat food in the store before you’ve paid for it
  • ShopRite — Independent Living Skills

    • Navigate the store and complete the shopping process independently, with minimal assistance
    • Make decisions and choices based on personal preferences and priorities
    • Double-check the items you are purchasing at the checkout to ensure the price is correct before making a payment.
    • Make conscious choices to balance between indulgent treats and healthier options
  • Team Gear — Money Management

    • Check the prices: shirts cost one amount and patches cost extra — add them up to get your total
    • Before placing your order, count your money to confirm you can afford the shirt and the patches you want
    • If you want more patches but can’t afford them all, decide which ones matter most to you
    • Hand the correct amount to the cashier, or pay with a larger bill and count your change
    • Remember: the shirt is one of the bigger purchases in the village, so plan ahead by saving enough money
  • Team Gear — Following Directions

    • Directions given by TEAM GEAR staff regarding:
      1. Selecting the correct shirt size
      2. Choosing a shirt color
      3. Providing staff with your initials
      4. Choosing a patch
      5. When to return to pick-up your customized shirt
      6. Paying for your purchase
  • Team Gear — Problem Solving

    • If you don’t know your shirt size, ask the staff: “Can you help me figure out my size?”
    • Try holding the shirt up to your chest to see if it looks like it will fit
    • Ask for help from your chaperone if you are unsure
    • What to do if your preferred shirt color is out of stock:

      Choose a different color — practice flexibility and making a second choice
    • What to do if your shirt isn’t ready when you come back to pick it up:

      Ask the staff how much longer it will take, and decide whether to wait or come back later
    • What to do if you don’t have enough money:

      Ask about earning money at a nearby job station
  • Team Gear — Functional Communication

    • Greetings

      Saying hello and goodbye
    • Asking questions
      1. When to come back to pick up the shirt
      2. What the cost is of the shirt and patch
    • Ask for assistance or directions from store staff when needed
    • Gesturing to or stating:
      1. Which shirt color you would like to purchase
      2. Which patches you would like to purchase
    • Making eye contact while communicating
  • Team Gear — Time Management

    • Ensure you have enough time for your shirt to be made before your school has to leave the LifeTown village
    • Returning to pick up your shirt
  • Team Gear — Budgeting

    • Plan ahead: the shirt is one of the more expensive items in the village. Save enough money early in your visit
    • Break down the cost: shirt + each patch. Calculate the total based on how many patches you want
    • Practice making trade-offs: “If I buy 3 patches instead of 5, I’ll have money left for ice cream”
    • Activity: Write down the shirt cost, patch costs, and total before placing your order
    • Compare your total to how much money you have left to make sure you can afford everything