Flea Market Expedition

Let's face it: Playing pastry chef is more fun with a real rolling pin. Playing CEO works better with an actual telephone and calculator. Next time your child needs dress-up duds like a princess gown or a pretend prop like a magic lantern, take an expedition to your local flea market or yard sale. You may pick up some bargains of your own, plus you'll fuel your child's imaginative play and teach the values of reusing and recycling. What to Pack

• reusable bags
• cash—lots of ones, fives and tens
• a tape measure
• comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, a hat
• snack and water
• stroller
• sunscreen
• wish list

Now Get Exploring!

• Scout out the sales. Check local bulletin boards, newspapers, and online to find upcoming flea markets and yard sales.
• Make a wish list. What kinds of things are you looking for? Dress-up clothes? Costume jewelry? Storybooks? Kitchen gadgets or workshop tools? A bike? A bookshelf?
• Give your child a budget. Let him bring his own money to learn how to spend wisely for items he wants.
• Go on a scavenger hunt. Walk around and preview the sale before you decide what you want to buy. Make it a game. Can your child find a book, a mug, a game, a piece of sports equipment, a kitchen tool, a garden tool, a gown, a hat, a piece of furniture, a painting?
• Explore ABCs. A is for airplane, B is for beads. Can your child find something for every letter of the alphabet?
• Make a match. Talk about what things go together to teach matching, sorting and classifying. Which two shoes go together? Which two mittens? What dishes? (Caution your child not to touch breakable items.)
• Haggle. Most people at flea markets or tag sales don't expect you to pay full price. In fact, some even start with a higher price, expecting you to bargain them down. Try 60% of the price and negotiate up from there. Or ask for two items for a price break. If you can't make a deal, consider stopping back at the end of the day. If the item is still there, the buyer may be much more willing to negotiate.
• Investigate. Ask your child open-ended questions:
  • What's a record? What's a typewriter? What other things don't we use anymore?
  • How have everyday items changed over the years? Compare machines, tools, furniture, jewelry, and fashions for a firsthand peek into the past.
  • How do things work? What does that tool or gadget do?
  • There's an old saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure. What do you think that means?
  • Why do people have yard sales?
• Quit while you're ahead. Sun and crowds can make kids cranky. Keep an eye on your child's energy level, take a few breaks, and head home while everyone's still smiling.

Educational Perks Yard sales and flea markets are a great way to go green! Recycling gently used items shows kids how to save money, conserve energy, and reduce waste. Bonus Explorer Activity Plan a yard sale of your own to clear out furniture, clothes, and toys your family has outgrown.

For more exploring, play Dora's Great Big World game, find do-together Dora crafts, recipes, and activities, and print a personalized Explorer Kit for your child at DoraTheExplorer.com.

Thanks to Susan Hood

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