Understanding the Euro and Currencies in the European Union.
The Let’s Play Shop activity helps Junior and Senior Infants understand how money works across the European Union. Through role-play and hands-on interaction, children discover that while many EU countries use the euro, some use different currencies, introducing early concepts of exchange, comparison and cooperation.
What’s the difference between Activities and Resources?
Activities are the interactive games or exercises your pupils will complete in class. Resources are the teacher materials that help you prepare : background notes, printable sheets, or instructions.
Learning objective
This activity helps children to:
- Understand that different countries in the European Union use different currencies
- Recognise the euro as a shared currency used by many EU Member States
- Learn that some EU countries do not use the euro
- Develop basic money-handling and counting skills
- Practise polite communication in a real-life role-play situation
How the activity works
Step 1 – Introducing shopping and currencies in the EU
The teacher sets up two toy shops:
- One shop inside the Eurozone (Paris)
- One shop outside the Eurozone (Copenhagen)
This visual setup allows children to see that not all EU countries use the same money, even though they are part of the same Union.
Step 2 – Playing the shop game
Each child receives a small purse with play euros and chooses which shop to visit.
- In the Paris shop, children can pay directly using euros.
- In the Copenhagen shop, children must first visit the bank to exchange euros into kroner before buying their item.
This step introduces the idea of currency exchange in a concrete and age-appropriate way.
Step 3 – Repeating and observing
The game is repeated with different children, reinforcing:
- Counting and comparison
- Decision-making when spending money
- The idea that money works differently depending on the country
Making abstract concepts concrete
Through play, children begin to understand that:
- The European Union is made up of countries that cooperate closely
- Sharing a currency is a choice, not an obligation
- Being part of the EU does not mean everything is the same
This activity transforms abstract economic ideas into a clear and memorable classroom experience.
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for Junior and Senior Infants
- Encourages active learning and role-play
- Builds early numeracy and social skills
- Introduces EU concepts without technical vocabulary
- Requires simple materials and flexible classroom setup
