Understanding the values of a major company like Tesco can be a powerful learning experience for kids. It helps them appreciate how organizations operate ethically, make decisions, and impact communities. Analyzing Tesco’s values with children not only builds their critical thinking and social awareness, but also introduces them to real-world business concepts in an age-appropriate way. This guide provides everything you need to facilitate a Tesco values analysis for kids, whether at home or in the classroom.
What You’ll Need
- Access to the Tesco website or printed materials about Tesco (such as brochures or annual reports)
- Notebook or worksheets for notes
- Pens or pencils
- Internet access (optional, for further research or videos)
- Whiteboard or large paper for group discussions (optional)
- Age-appropriate Tesco values summary (see below for how to create or find one)
Step-by-Step
- Introduce the Concept of Company Values
Begin by explaining what company values are. Use simple language: “Values are the important ideas that guide what a company does and how it treats people.” Give examples from everyday life (e.g., honesty, teamwork, respect) to help kids relate. - Explain Who Tesco Is
Provide a brief overview of Tesco. For example: “Tesco is a large supermarket chain in the UK and other countries. It sells food, clothes, and many other things people need every day.” Show them the Tesco logo or a photo of a Tesco store to make it familiar. - Find Tesco’s Values
Visit Tesco’s official website (www.tescoplc.com) and look for the section on company values or corporate responsibility. If working with younger children, paraphrase or summarize the values in simple terms. Tesco’s main values typically include:- Treating people how they want to be treated
- Every little help makes a big difference
- Using our scale for good
- No one tries harder for customers
Write these on a board or hand out a printed list.
- Discuss Each Value with Examples
Go through each value one by one. For each, ask the children what they think it means. Give real-life examples:- Treating people how they want to be treated: “Tesco tries to be kind and fair to everyone, just like how we treat friends well.”
- Every little help makes a big difference: “Even small actions, like picking up litter or helping a customer, can make things better.”
- Using our scale for good: “Tesco is a big company, so it can do big things, like helping charities or reducing waste.”
- No one tries harder for customers: “Tesco always works hard to make shoppers happy, like finding what they need and being polite.”
- Encourage Personal Connection
Ask the kids if they have ever shopped at Tesco or know someone who works there. Have they seen examples of these values in action? Invite them to share stories (e.g., “A Tesco worker helped me find something”). - Group Activity: Spot the Value
Read short stories or scenarios involving Tesco (real or fictional). After each, ask the group which Tesco value is being shown. For example: “A Tesco employee helps a lost child find their parent.” Which value does this show? Discuss as a group. - Create Value Posters or Drawings
Ask kids to pick a Tesco value and draw a picture or make a poster about it. For example, a drawing of someone helping a customer for “Every little help makes a big difference.” Display the posters for everyone to see. - Reflect and Summarize
Have a closing discussion. Ask questions like: “Why do you think Tesco has these values? How do you think it helps them?” Encourage kids to think about how values help everyone, not just companies. - Optional Extension: Compare with Other Companies
If time allows, look at the values of another well-known company and compare. What is similar? What is different? This helps deepen understanding.
Common Mistakes
- Using Complex Language: Presenting Tesco’s official values in adult language can confuse kids. Always paraphrase in age-appropriate terms.
- Skipping Real-Life Examples: Without concrete examples, values may seem abstract or irrelevant.
- Not Encouraging Participation: Passive learning is less effective. Kids need to discuss, draw, or act out the values to truly understand.
- Assuming All Kids Know Tesco: Some children may not be familiar with Tesco, especially outside the UK. Always provide context.
- Overloading with Information: Too many details at once can overwhelm. Focus on a few key values and build gradually.
Tips
- Make It Visual: Use images, props, or Tesco-branded items to make the discussion engaging.
- Relate to School or Home: Draw parallels between Tesco’s values and school rules or family values.
- Use Stories: Short stories or role-play can bring values to life and make them memorable.
- Encourage Questions: Let kids ask about things they don’t understand. This deepens engagement.
- Celebrate Small Insights: Praise kids when they make connections or share thoughtful answers.
Troubleshooting
- If Kids Are Uninterested: Try changing the activity format. Switch from discussion to drawing, or introduce a game like “Value Charades” where kids act out a value for others to guess.
- If Values Are Still Too Abstract: Break them down further. For example, instead of “using our scale for good,” explain, “Tesco is big, so they can help lots of people at once.” Use relatable analogies, such as a class helping clean a playground together.
- If There’s Confusion About the Company: Show short videos about Tesco or share photos of Tesco stores and products. This helps ground the discussion in reality.
- If Group Is Too Large: Work in smaller teams for activities, then share as a larger group. This ensures everyone participates.
- If Kids Disagree on Value Meanings: Encourage respectful discussion. Explain that companies sometimes interpret values differently, just like people do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Tesco’s main values for kids?
- Tesco’s main values include treating people well, helping others, using their size to do good, and always working hard for customers. These can be explained in simple, relatable terms for kids.
- Why is it important for kids to learn about company values?
- It helps children understand how companies make decisions, why they act a certain way, and how values guide both businesses and individuals in being responsible and fair.
- How can I make Tesco values analysis fun for kids?
- Use games, stories, drawing, and role-play. Let kids act out values or create posters about what the values mean to them.
- Can I use this activity with children who haven’t visited Tesco?
- Yes! Provide background on Tesco and use general examples. The focus is on the values, which are universal, not just the company.
- Are Tesco’s values different from other supermarkets?
- Many companies have similar values (like caring for customers or helping communities), but each expresses them differently. Comparing companies can be a useful extension activity.
- What age group is this activity best for?
- It works best for primary and early secondary school children, but can be adapted for younger or older groups by changing the complexity of discussion and activities.
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Tesco Values Analysis for Kids: A Practical Guide