As part of our Start Small Dream Big (SSDB) journey, our children became little shoppers and shopkeepers in their very own Mini Shop and Grocery Store — dramatic play corners thoughtfully created by our teachers using recycled and reused materials.
To bring sustainability into the heart of play, teachers transformed everyday items like cardboard boxes, milk cartons, egg trays, and paper bags into shelves, shopping trolleys, food displays, eco-money, and even barcode scanners! The project didn’t stop there — we partnered with our parents to collect clean, pre-loved toys and empty containers to “stock” the stores. This collaboration turned our classroom corners into vibrant mini marketplaces, filled with real-world learning and eco-conscious fun.
In these play areas, children took on various roles — cashiers, customers, packers, and stock assistants. They used bottle caps as coins, receipts drawn on reused paper, and repurposed paper bags to carry their “purchases.” Through these engaging role-play activities, they naturally developed skills in numeracy, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
More than just pretend play, the Little Shops became a powerful tool for nurturing sustainability mindsets. Children began to notice how materials could be reused, and many even brought recyclables from home to add to their shop collections. They learned that being kind to the Earth can be creative, collaborative, and lots of fun.
This project reminded all of us — children, educators, and families — that small efforts can create meaningful change. With every reused box and thoughtful exchange, our children are learning to care for their environment and their community.
Indeed, with little shops and big hearts, we’re growing a greener tomorrow — together.
