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Maths talk prompts for Scratch shop games

Simple adult-child questions that turn Scratch shop games into a short conversation about money.

Quick answer

Maths talk prompts for Scratch shop games are simple questions and conversations you can have with a child while they play or create Scratch shop games. These prompts help children think about money, prices, totals, and shopping decisions using maths words and ideas.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use maths talk prompts to help children learn about money and shopping in Scratch shop games. You will be able to ask questions that help children count money, add prices, and think about choices when shopping. Success signs:
  • You can ask questions about prices, totals, and changes
  • You can help children understand what happens when they buy things
  • You can talk about how much money they have and what they can afford
  • You can encourage children to think about the best deals

Why this matters

Maths talk prompts help children use real-life maths skills while they play. When children play Scratch shop games, they can learn about money, addition, subtraction, and problem-solving. These conversations help children understand how maths is used in everyday life, like when they go shopping or save up for a toy.

How it works

When children play Scratch shop games, they can buy and sell items. You can ask questions about:
  • How much does this item cost?
  • If you buy two of these, how much will it cost?
  • Do you have enough money to buy this?
  • How much change will you get?
These questions help children use maths to think about what they are doing in the game.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine a Scratch shop game where children can buy stickers, pencils, and erasers. Example 1: A pencil costs 30p. If a child buys 3 pencils, how much do they spend?
  • 30p + 30p + 30p = 90p
Example 2: A child has £2 and wants to buy a sticker that costs 50p.
  • £2 = 200p
  • 200p - 50p = 150p
  • They have 150p left
Example 3: A child wants to buy 2 erasers that cost 25p each.
  • 25p + 25p = 50p
  • They spend 50p

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Shop Keeper Challenge You are the shop keeper in a Scratch shop. You have these items:
  • Apples: 20p each
  • Bananas: 30p each
  • Oranges: 25p each
4th time: You sell 2 apples and 1 banana. How much money do you earn?
  • 2 apples = 20p + 20p = 40p
  • 1 banana = 30p
  • Total = 40p + 30p = 70p
5th time: You have £1. How many oranges can you buy?
  • 100p ÷ 25p = 4 oranges
6th time: You sell 3 oranges and 1 apple. How much do you earn?
  • 3 oranges = 25p + 25p + 25p = 75p
  • 1 apple = 20p
  • Total = 75p + 20p = 95p

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 25p + 25p = 5p
    • Why it happens: Confusing the value of pence
    • Fix: Count on fingers or use coins to show 25p + 25p = 50p
  • Mistake: Not understanding that £1 = 100p
    • Why it happens: Not knowing how many pence make a pound
    • Fix: Use a visual like 100 pennies or a £1 coin to show the value
  • Mistake: Subtracting the wrong way around
    • Why it happens: Confusing which number is bigger when finding change
    • Fix: Always check if the amount paid is more than the cost

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can support children by:
  • Asking questions like "How much will this cost?" or "Can you afford this?"
  • Using real coins to show how much money is in the game
  • Helping children count and add up prices
  • Encouraging children to think about what they can buy with a certain amount
  • Playing along with the game and making up shopping scenarios
What to say:
  • "Let’s add up how much these items cost."
  • "Can you find the change you get?"
  • "What can you buy with 50p?"
What not to worry about:
  • Children may make mistakes – that’s part of learning
  • It’s okay if they need help counting or adding
  • Focus on the fun of shopping and playing, not perfect answers

Practice questions

  1. How much do 3 stickers cost if each sticker is 10p?
  2. If a child has £1 and buys a toy that costs 60p, how much change do they get?
  3. A book costs 75p. How much do 2 books cost?
  4. If a child has 90p, how many 30p pencils can they buy?
  5. How much money do you earn if you sell 4 oranges at 25p each?
Answers:
  1. 30p
  2. 40p
  3. £1.50
  4. 3 pencils
  5. £1

FAQ

What is a Scratch shop game?

A Scratch shop game is a game created in the Scratch programming tool where players can buy and sell items, like toys, food, or clothes.

Why are maths talk prompts useful for children?

Maths talk prompts help children think about money, prices, and totals in a fun way. They make maths feel real and connected to everyday life.

How can I help my child with Scratch shop games?

You can ask questions about prices, totals, and changes. You can also play along and make up shopping scenarios to help them practice.

Can children learn about subtraction in Scratch shop games?

Yes! When children pay for items and get change, they practice subtraction. For example, if something costs 50p and they pay 70p, they need to subtract 50p from 70p to find the change.

What age is best for playing Scratch shop games?

Children aged 6 and up can enjoy Scratch shop games, but younger children can also play with adult support and simpler maths questions.