Exploring Grocery Stores in New Places with Your Kids


Visiting a local grocery store in a new country is a fantastic way to immerse your family in the local culture. It's not only practical but also educational for your kids. This activity will make grocery shopping a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

Activity: Grocery Store Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Help kids learn about local culture, practice budgeting, and use basic foreign language skills.

Directions:

  1. Set a Budget: Give each child a set amount of local currency (equivalent to $2-$5 USD).

  2. Item Selection: Have them choose two items:

    • One they've never seen before that they want to try.

    • One they recognize but is labeled in the local language.

  3. Cashier Interaction: Make them go up to the cashier, greet them in the local language, hand over the money, and tell you about the change they received.

Enhanced Activities:

  • Scavenger Hunt List: Create a list of specific items to find. For example:

    • A fruit or vegetable unique to the area.

    • A local snack or candy.

    • A drink they haven't tried before.

    • An item with colorful packaging.

    • A dairy product like cheese or yogurt.

  • Price Comparison: Compare the prices of a common item (like bread or water) in the local currency with prices back home.

  • Cultural Storytime: Discuss the origins or cultural significance of the items they picked.

  • Language Practice: Encourage kids to use phrases like "thank you," "please," and "how much does this cost?" in the local language.

  • Local Recipes: Buy ingredients to make a simple local dish together.

  • Interaction with Locals: Encourage kids to ask local shoppers or store employees about their favorite foods.

Prompt Questions:

  • What are some fruits or vegetables that look different from what we have at home?

  • Can you find a snack that looks interesting? Why did you choose it?

  • How do the prices here compare to the prices back home?

  • What did you learn about the local language while talking to the cashier?

  • Which item that you picked has an interesting story or background?

Tip:

Use Google Translate on your phone. Click the camera button to read ingredients before buying anything, ensuring it's safe to consume.

Marissa Goldstein