Lesson Plans > 3rd Grade
Buy, Sell, or Trade
Background:
- Seeaneye Inn — This store was the local hangout for teens. It included a soda fountain and pinball machine. It was owned by Tony Bleifuss. Photo: c1940
- Clothing store — This is an image of Lahti’s Clothing Store at 223 West State Street (currently Taxco Restaurant) from 1941-1966. This store quickly became the premier men’s clothing store in the area. Photo: no date
- Tin shop — The J.E. Bangs Heating and Plumbing Store was located at 126 Somonauk Street. For many years they sold furnaces to one-room schools. Photo: 1917
- Garage — Little Garage dealership also serviced cars. Elmer Little sold the first model T in DeKalb County from this shop at 112-116 Maple Street. Photo: 1915 Note: Materials are for educational purposes only.
Note: Materials are for educational purposes only.
Standards:
Coming Soon!
Materials:




Guided Questions:
- What products do these people or stores sell?
- How can you identify consumers in these pictures?
- Why would these consumers need these products?
Suggested Activity:
- Begin the conversation by asking if students are consumers. Ask what are they consumers of.
- Provide definitions for consumers and producers.
- Ask students if they know what products are being sold in each of these stores. How do students think these products were made: imported or made in America?
- Discuss the concept of trade. Could any of the people in these pictures possibly have traded products for other products? Example: Could the service attendant have fixed the clothing store’s cars in exchange for a new shirt?
Suggested Assessment:
Students could write an exit clip explaining the difference between producers and consumers.