pop to the shops instructions

Objective of the Game

The primary goal of Pop to the Shops is to be the first player to successfully collect six different item cards and fill their shopping bag board. Players race around the board, visiting shops and purchasing items.

Game Components

Pop to the Shops includes a colorful jigged playing board, 48 item cards, four shopping bag boards, four character stands with characters, 46 cardboard coins representing play money, and one standard six-sided dice to determine movement around the board.

Shopping Bag Boards

Each player receives a shopping bag board, which serves as their personal inventory space. The board has six spaces, each designed to hold a different item card. These boards are crucial for tracking progress, as the first player to fill all six spaces on their shopping bag board wins the game. The colorful illustrations on the boards correspond to the various items available for purchase in the shops around the game board, enhancing the shopping theme.

Item Cards

The game includes a deck of item cards, each depicting a different item that can be purchased from one of the shops on the game board. These cards are essential to gameplay, as players must collect six unique item cards to win. Each card displays the item’s name and price, requiring players to manage their play money carefully. The item cards add an element of strategy and financial literacy to the game.

Play Money (Cardboard Coins)

Pop to the Shops features cardboard coins, serving as the game’s currency. These coins are used to simulate real-world transactions, teaching children about money management. Players use these coins to purchase item cards from the various shops on the board. Learning to handle money, count coins, and give change forms a crucial part of the game’s educational value, helping children develop essential financial skills in a fun, interactive way.

Dice

A standard six-sided die is included within the game. The dice determines how many spaces a player can move their character during their turn around the game board. Players will roll the die to move their character towards the shops that sell the items they need to buy. Rolling the dice adds an element of chance and excitement to the game, influencing strategic decisions.

Character Stands and Characters

The game includes four unique character pieces, each representing a shopper moving around the board. The character stands are used to keep the characters upright and stable during gameplay as they move between the different shops. Each player chooses a character and places it on the starting space, ready to begin their shopping adventure and race to collect all six items.

Game Setup

Setting up Pop to the Shops involves assembling the game board, sorting the components, and distributing the initial resources to each player. Each participant receives a shopping bag board and starting item cards to prepare for gameplay.

Assembling the Board

To begin, carefully take out the jigged playing board from the game box. Gently piece together the board to create the complete game layout. Ensure that all the sections are securely connected, forming a stable and continuous path for the players’ characters to move around. Place the fully assembled board in the center of the playing area where all players can easily access it during the game. This provides the foundation for the shopping adventure.

Preparing the Components

Begin by separating all the item cards and shuffling them thoroughly. Place the deck of item cards face down in a designated area near the game board. Next, detach all the cardboard coins from their sheets and organize them into a pile. Place the character stands near the board. Finally, ensure the dice is readily available for players to use during their turns to determine movement around the shopping locations.

Distributing Shopping Bag Boards and Initial Item Cards

To start, each player receives one shopping bag board. These boards will be used to collect the item cards throughout the game. Then, each player draws one item card from the shuffled deck. This card indicates the first item they need to purchase. Players should keep their item card secret from the other participants. These initial cards help to kickstart the shopping adventure.

Gameplay Instructions

Players take turns moving around the board, aiming to land on shops that sell the items they need. They use play money to buy these items, following specific rules for handling money and giving change.

Taking Turns

The youngest player typically begins the game by rolling the die. After moving their character, play then passes to the next player in a clockwise direction. Each player gets a turn to roll the dice, move their character, and attempt to buy an item from the shop they land on, provided they have the necessary funds. Players should say “please” and “thank you” while interacting with the shopkeeper. If a player cannot afford an item, they must wait until their next turn or until another player buys from their shop, giving them money.

Moving Around the Board

Players roll the die to determine how many spaces they move their character around the game board. Movement is typically along a predetermined path connecting the various shops. The goal is to land on the space corresponding to the shop that sells the item they wish to purchase, as indicated on their current item card. If a player passes the bank in the center of the board, they may collect a specific amount of money. The number rolled on the die dictates movement, towards the desired shop.

Buying Items

Upon reaching the shop that sells the item on their current item card, a player can attempt to purchase it. The player politely asks the “shopkeeper” for the item and pays the appropriate amount of play money, as indicated on the item card. The shopkeeper then gives the player the item card. The player places the card on their shopping bag board. If the player doesn’t have enough money to buy the item, they must wait until their next turn to try again or until they have earned more money from the bank.

Throughout the game, players will need to handle money to buy items from different shops. Players learn to count money to pay the exact amount for their desired items. Sometimes, players may need to give change if they don’t have the exact amount. This encourages children to practice their basic math skills, such as addition and subtraction, as they determine how much change is due. The banker is responsible for overseeing transactions and ensuring accurate money handling.

Winning the Game

The game concludes when a player successfully acquires six item cards and fills their shopping bag board first. That player is declared the winner of Pop to the Shops, showcasing their shopping prowess.

Collecting Six Items

To achieve victory in Pop to the Shops, players must strategically navigate the game board, visiting various shops to acquire the items depicted on their item cards. The ultimate goal is to be the first player to successfully collect a total of six unique items, filling all the spaces on their individual shopping bag board. This requires careful planning, skillful movement, and some luck with the dice, ensuring a fun and engaging shopping experience for all participants. Claiming all six items first secures success.

Educational Benefits

Pop to the Shops offers educational value by teaching children about handling money, giving change, and improving number and counting skills. The game fosters role-playing and communication among players, enhancing social skills.

Handling Money and Giving Change

The game provides a practical introduction to money management, as players must use play money to purchase items from different shops. They learn to count out the correct amount, and the shopkeeper (another player) practices giving the correct change. This repeated interaction reinforces basic arithmetic skills in a fun and engaging way. It is important to say please and thank you to the shopkeeper every time, practicing good manners.

Number and Counting Skills

Pop to the Shops actively encourages the development of essential number and counting skills. Players roll the dice and must count the corresponding number of spaces to move their character around the board. They also practice counting money when buying items and giving change. These actions reinforce number recognition and basic arithmetic operations. The game improves numerical confidence through repetitive engagement. It also helps children relate numbers to real-world situations.

Role Playing and Communication

Pop to the Shops creates opportunities for children to engage in role-playing scenarios, enhancing their communication abilities. Players take on the roles of shoppers and shopkeepers, interacting with each other using polite language like “please” and “thank you.” They practice asking for items, negotiating prices, and managing transactions. This promotes effective communication, social skills, and imaginative play. This is achieved by teaching how to ask politely and respectfully for their desired items.