4th Graders Get Up Close and Personal with Economics

by Joanne Mitchell

For seven Mondays and Fridays in November and December, each fourth grade class has been charge of River Valley’s Store. Since our country operates on a free-enterprise system, these students have embraced the idea of becoming entrepreneurs by starting a business. In order for their business to be profitable, each class had to decide on a product that they thought the other students would want to purchase. Next, they estimated how much they thought they would sell, and how much it would cost to purchase these goods. After much discussion on where they would get this money, the PTA graciously stepped in and became our investors. Specialized groups were then formed and consisted of sales, advertising, and production. Soon they realized that each group needed the other in order to get the job done. The students used what they knew about supply and demand to create a price for the product. It didn’t take too long for students to learn that teamwork was necessary for success. The creative side of each class was especially a joy to observe. From creative jingles to giving away free merchandise, each class put their own flavor on their day of selling. What’s Fourth grades’ next step? They and the PTA will have to decide what to do with their profit? Many speculations are taking place, a picnic table for outside, an assembly for 4^th grade and some banners for the school are all being taken into consideration.

A BIG thanks to the PTA that helped volunteer their time to sit with the students as they sold during lunch.