Lesson Plan: Planning a Dream Vacation

Grade Level: 2nd-3rd Grade
Time: 2–3 class periods (45 minutes each)
Subjects Integrated: Math, Writing, Social Studies, Critical Thinking

Objective:

Students will use budgeting, measurement, and planning skills to design a dream vacation. They will:

• Choose a destination.

• Budget for transportation, food, lodging, activities, and emergency funds.

• Create a packing list and consider space/area for their luggage.

• Present their vacation plan to the class.
  
  

Materials Needed:

• Dream Vacation Planning worksheet (See Below)

• Play money or classroom currency

• Price cards (transportation, food, lodging, activities) OR internet access for price research (simplified)

• Grid paper or suitcase outline (for area/space activity)(Grid attached to worksheet below)

• Crayons/markers for illustrations

• Chart paper

Budget Setup:

Each student receives $1,000 to plan their dream vacation.

Example Price Options (simplified for 2nd grade):

• Transportation: Car ($100), Train ($200), Plane ($400)

• Food: $20 per day x 5 days = $100

• Lodging: Hotel ($300), Tent ($100), Cabin ($200)

• Activities: Museum ($50), Zoo ($75), Theme Park ($100), Beach (Free)

• Emergency Fund: $50 required
  
  

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 min)

   • Begin with a class discussion: “If you could go anywhere for a vacation, where would you go?”

   • Show examples: beach, mountains, city, amusement park, national park.

2. Budget Explanation (10 min)

   • Give students their $1,000 in play money or budget sheets.

   • Explain categories: transportation, lodging, food, activities, and emergency funds.

   • Remind them: they cannot spend more than $1,000.

3. Planning (20–25 min)

   • Students choose a location.

   • Fill in costs for each category.

   • Make sure they include emergency funds.

   • Create a simple packing list (clothes, shoes, books, toys, camera).

4. Area/Space Activity (15 min)

   • Give each student a “suitcase” grid (e.g., 20 squares) (on worksheet below).

   • Each item on their packing list takes up space (shirt = 2 squares, shoes = 3 squares, toy = 2 squares, etc.).

   • Students arrange items to see what fits.

   • Extension: If traveling by car, let them also “pack” extra gear in a car trunk grid.

5. Sharing & Reflection (15 min)

   • Students present their vacation plan, budget, and suitcase choices.

   • Class discusses: “What was hard to decide? Did anyone run out of money? What would you change?”

Assessment:

• Completed vacation budget worksheet.

• Suitcase/area activity filled in correctly.

• Participation in presentation and discussion.

Extensions:

• Write a postcard from their dream location.

• Compare vacation costs: Which trips were most expensive? Which were budget-friendly?

• Use Google Earth or maps to “visit” their chosen locations virtually.