Year 1 have been finding out what shopping was like in the 1950s, discovering just how different it was compared to today!

They learned that families would often queue each day for fresh food, paying with coins and notes, as there were no supermarkets. Instead, people visited a range of specialist shops, including the grocer, baker, butcher and fishmonger.

To bring their learning to life, the children took part in a fun role play activity, becoming shopkeepers and customers in their very own grocery store’s shop. They practised buying and selling fruit and vegetables, using coins and notes to pay for their shopping.

It was a fantastic way for the children to experience what shopping might have been like in the 1950s while developing their understanding of how life has changed over time.

Year 1 Shopping in the 1950s Role Play 2026