Exploring “Where We Are in Place and Time”: Learning about Public Places through a Supermarket Experience

In our unit of inquiry, “Where We Are in Place and Time,” Grade 1 students explored the concept of public places and how these places support people’s needs. Through this unit, students developed an understanding of their surroundings and how individuals are connected to their communities.

To deepen this understanding, students inquired into the idea of public places through a familiar and meaningful learning experience – shopping in a supermarket.

Learning Through Real-Life Experiences

The supermarket is a public place that many students regularly visit with their families. Using this real-life context helped students make strong connections between their personal experiences and classroom learning. Through role-play, discussions, and visual exploration, students learned:

• What a supermarket is and why it is considered a public place
• The different areas in a supermarket, such as the fruit section, shelves, and cashier area
• How shapes can be found in everyday objects by identifying shapes in items sold in the supermarket
• Expected behaviors in public places, including waiting in line, using polite language, and respecting shared spaces

One student shared, “We go to the supermarket to buy food so people can eat at home.”

Developing Skills and Learner Profile Attributes

This learning experience supported the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, particularly:

• Social skills: cooperating with peers, taking turns, and role-playing different responsibilities
• Communication skills: asking questions, naming items, and expressing needs politely
• Self-management skills: following rules and routines in a shared space

Students also demonstrated attributes of the IB Learner Profile. They became communicators as they interacted with peers, knowledgeable as they identified the purpose of a supermarket, and caring as they showed respect for others during the activity.

Building Understanding and Taking Action

Through this inquiry, students developed an understanding that public places are shared spaces that require responsibility and respect from everyone. They also began making connections to other public places such as parks, libraries, and hospitals.

As one student reflected, “All public places have rules so everyone feels safe.”

This inquiry-based experience helped students better understand where they are in place and time, while encouraging them to become responsible and thoughtful members of the community.

By:

Nindya Dewisari
Primary Co-Teacher
BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya