Primary 6 – Global Perspective Going Global: The Barter Game
Primary students introduced the entry point of Global Perspective of topic Going Global by having a barter game. For the preparation, the students worked in groups to create their own fictional countries. They described the location, climate, and the types of goods that could export and import. They used their creativity to make flags and short profiles that represented their country’s identity. This preparation helped them understand how different factors such as geography and economy influence what a country produces and needs from others.
During the game, the classroom turned into a busy trading market. Each country tried to exchange goods with others to fulfill their needs. The wealthy countries often had more advanced products, while the developing countries had more natural resources. The students had to communicate, negotiate, and sometimes make compromises to reach fair agreements. They experienced how trade connects different nations and how cooperation is important to meet everyone’s needs. After the game, students thought about what they learned. They saw that trade is not just about getting what we want, but also about making connections and understanding how countries depend on each other.
The activity helped the students to understand the concept of trade in a fun and meaningful way. Through the barter game, they were expected to see how trade connects countries around the world and how every country has strength and limit resources that influence what they offer and what they need. The game also helped them to develop skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving. By experiencing the challenges of negotiation and cooperation, students learned the importance of fairness, empathy, and respect when dealing with others. ***
