teaching resource

Goods and Services Sorting Activity

  • Updated

    Updated:  08 May 2023

Identify things as either "goods" or "services" by looking at 20 examples and sorting them into their appropriate category.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  9 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  1 - 2

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teaching resource

Goods and Services Sorting Activity

  • Updated

    Updated:  08 May 2023

Identify things as either "goods" or "services" by looking at 20 examples and sorting them into their appropriate category.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  9 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  1 - 2

Identify things as either "goods" or "services" by looking at 20 examples and sorting them into their appropriate category.

This sorting game helps explain to students that, though we use money to purchase both, goods are tangible items, where services are typically provided by people. 

Practice Sorting with Our Goods and Services Activity 

This resource can be used as a center activity, with a small group, or as a full class activity (see below) to practice

In this sorting activity, students will look at picture cards and determine whether the image shows an item you can buy or a service, and place them under the appropriate category card.  

More Ways to Play Our Goods and Services Game + Scaffolding and Extension Tips

This resource can be used for individualized practice, especially if you’ve got fast finishers! You can also use this game to create full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more. 

Be the Writer

On a separate sheet of paper, students will put pencil to paper to write sentences that incorporate some of the examples of goods and services. This activity will allow you to assess each students’ understanding of the concept while letting them get in some creative writing practice of their own. 

Same But Different

Challenge students to access their critical thinking skills. As a whole class or in small groups, ask students to compare the cards within each category to each other, and then compare all the cards, listing out specific differences and similarities. For example:

  • Which services make something new?
  • Which goods do you eat?
  • Which goods do you use often? 
  • Which services do you use often?
  • Which services protect people?
  • Which goods do you play with?
  • Which goods and services would you find in a school?
  • Which services use medicine?

Choral Response

Show a card to the students and have them tell you whether it’s a good or service using choral response.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print game pieces on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

Because this activity includes an answer sheet, we recommend first printing one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.


This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 


Before you go, be sure to dig into more social studies activities! Starting with these:  

[resource:2651882]   [resource:4689161]   [resource:4655327]

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