- 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
Grade Level: 4th Grade
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ShopRite — Budgeting
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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
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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
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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
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Team Gear — Following Directions
- Directions given by TEAM GEAR staff regarding:
- Selecting the correct shirt size
- Choosing a shirt color
- Providing staff with your initials
- Choosing a patch
- When to return to pick-up your customized shirt
- Paying for your purchase
- Directions given by TEAM GEAR staff regarding:
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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
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Team Gear — Functional Communication
- Greetings
Saying hello and goodbye - Asking questions
- When to come back to pick up the shirt
- What the cost is of the shirt and patch
- Ask for assistance or directions from store staff when needed
- Gesturing to or stating:
- Which shirt color you would like to purchase
- Which patches you would like to purchase
- Making eye contact while communicating
- Greetings
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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
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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







