Molly’s Barter and Trade Challenge Game

Ask your child to share what they know about bartering and trading. Explain that bartering is a way for people to trade goods and services. For example, Molly offers to give Tooey an eraser in exchange for a sketch he drew. Ask your child questions, such as, "What item would you want to trade? What toys, games or other items would you want to trade away? What would you want in return?" Search online together to learn more about bartering and trading in your local community or within your family heritage.

Print out the Challenge Cards or make your own with paper. Gather recycled materials and craft supplies.

Place the recycled material and craft items in a paper bag or other container. Invite each player to take turns drawing one item from the bag or distribute randomly until all the materials are assigned. Tape and glue can be used by all, or to add even more challenge and potential trades, limit 2-3 pieces of tape per player.

Then invite your child and others to play the game. Tell them that they are going to use recycled materials to create the objects — a basket, canoe, drum or necklace, etc from the Challenge Cards. Have each player draw a Challenge Card from the pile. Ask questions, such as, "Will your supplies work for your challenge?" Encourage players to look around and see what supplies other players have. What supplies do you have that others might want? What can you barter or trade to get the supplies that you need?

Let the bartering and trading begin! Allow time for each player to trade item(s) for another item(s). Talk about what challenge each player has and encourage them to use their words to create trades that are helpful for all.

When the bartering and trading has ended, allow the players time to create their object. Then, have players make a title for their recycled creations and describe what they’ve made with the other players.