‘Why Do We Buy Stuff?’ Learning Activity

Overview

In this lesson students will learn about the two categories (emotional and rational purchases) of why people purchase products, enterprises, and services (PES).

NB Curricular Connections

English (Grades 6-8)

• Strand: Interactions Big Idea: Expression Skill Descriptor: Describe and contribute thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and compare to those of their peers
• Strand: Interactions Big Idea: Expression Skill Descriptor: Express and support ideas and opinions with evidence
• Strand: Interactions Big Idea: Expression Skill Descriptor: Summarize and present content to communicate facts, ideas, and opinions.
• Strand: Interactions Big Idea: Exchanges Skill Descriptor: Respond personally and critically to a variety of text.
• Strand: Representations Big Idea: Process Skill Descriptor: Develop strategies to enhance clarity in written works.
• Strand: Interactions Big Idea: Reception Skill Descriptor: Develop strategies to enhance clarity in written works.

Career Pathway Design 10

• Strand: Exploring Potential Career Pathways Big Idea: Employment Readiness Skill Descriptor: Develop the knowledge and skills needed to access employment
• Strand: Exploring Potential Career Pathways Big Idea: Collaborative Career Decision-Making Skill Descriptor: Engage in career-connected learning conversations

Entrepreneurship 110

• Strand: Entrepreneurial Individuals Big Idea: Entreprenurial Mindset Skill Descriptor: Distinguish how ways of thinking influence an individual’s decision to become an entrepreneur
• Strand: Planning and Career Connections Big Idea: Career Connected Skill Descriptor: Connect entrepreneurship to career pathways

What You’ll need

• Paper copies of worksheet (included)
• Writing utensils

Instructions

1. Have students complete the prompts on their worksheet about what they think emotional and rational buying is. Give them a few minutes to write down an answer. If they are unsure of the words have them write about ‘What do people buy things?’. When everyone is done facilitate a discussion before giving them the answers, outlined in the teacher copy.
2. Explain that rational buying is typically of things that we need, where emotional buying is for things, we want. Go through the list of 16 reasons why we buy things list and make sure that everyone understands what each one means. After going through the list give students a few minutes to place either an R (rational) or E (emotional) beside each one. When everyone has completed this task go over it as a class and make correction as necessary.
3. After students have made their corrections, they will come up with and write down their own examples of rational and emotional purchasing.
4. To end this worksheet, students will complete two writing prompts and answer a question about emotional and rational purchases. If time permits encourage students to share with partners or with the class

Reflection Activity 

Please see the attached PDF for several choices on how you and your learners can reflect on today’s activity.

Global Competencies

1. Communication
2. Critical thinking and Problem-solving
3. Innovation, creativity, and Entrepreneurship
4. Self-Awareness and Self-management