Bargaining Game!
Most Japanese seem to be unaware of the skill of
"bargaining". In Asian holiday destinations
they always seem to be overcharged because they're afraid
of the local bargaining practices, where you gradually
beat the seller down from an astronomical to a sensible
price. This game introduces this vital skill and is good
practice of numbers.
Preparation
1. Introduce bargaining and where you use it (we don't
want them arguing in UK supermarkets or anything)
2. Introduce "How much?"
3. Practice bargaining with the kids. If you are really
persistent they'll love it!
4. Make sure they understand that "buyers" want
a low price and "sellers" want a high price.
The
Game
1. Split the class into two halves (left and right side
of the class is usually good)
2. One side is then the selling side and one is the
buying side.
3. The sellers (individually) have to go and find a
"buyer" and sell them something (pens, books
etc are usually good, let the kids choose!)
4. The usual conversation is something like
Seller: "Hello. Nice pen!!!"
Buyer: "How much?"
Seller:"10"
Buyer :"No! 2"
Seller "No! 9!"
etc. etc.
5. Give them a time limit of about 3/4 minutes (I usually
count down the last ten seconds to add to the tension)
6. Afterwards sit them down and find out who did the
best, and who did the worst!
7. Redo the game this time with the kids changing roles,
i.e. the buyers become sellers and vice versa.
The price range should be fixed in a range from around 1 to 10. This makes
sure they all know the numbers in English, and makes comparing who got
the best price a lot easier. Make sure there are equal numbers of kids
on each side - if you have an odd number then involve the teacher.
The time limit is important, without it there is no tension!
Tell them to be pushy, but watch they don't start hitting
each other!!
Readers' Feedback
Once again, you saved the day, this game hit the nail right on the head!
Thanks Richard
- Gavin
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