This is a performance based math task aligned with the Common Core for grades1-5.

In this task, children are given "budget" of $40.00 to spend at the grocery store. They are given specific criteria to follow. It is so much fun to watch as they problem solve and grabble their way through tis task!

This task:
* requires students to use a variety of strategies in order to add 2 and 3 digit numbers and find the difference between numbers ( Branching Strategy or Jump Up Method, Partial Sums Strategy, Open Number Line Strategy and other mental math strategies) Please see my mental math handout for explanations of each strategy!

*it asks students to write in currency and understand its meaning, such as knowing the difference between a whole number and a part of a whole

*requires students to round to the nearest friendly whole number to estimate

*it asks students to adjust and choose wisely as they move through the task

*requires students to draw conclusions about their experience and describe their results in written form

*requires student to collaborate!

Many of the 8 mathematical practices are embedded!

This task can be used:

*in small cooperative groups
*in pairs of two
*during regroup to differentiate instruction


Weekly ads can be laminated and placed in a math center or be used for enrichment!

** Please note -- Most grocery stores have their weekly ads stacked by the front entrance...I grabbed about 15 so that students could share! They had a blast!** ENJOY watching your students learn and grow as you facilitate in making math meaningful!