In order to make our economy feel authentic, we held a design contest for our class currency. Submitting a design was optional, but every student studied currencies from around the world to learn how important symbols can be to a community. In the end, I received 7 design submissions. The designers got a chance to explain the symbols they included on their currency, then the students took a vote. After a few tie-breakers, the top 4 designs were chosen. These 4 designs became the 20, 10, 5, and 1 denominations. I copied them on colored paper to make it official. We then voted to name our currency, and the students settled on "albino bucks," a nod to our white-haired, red-eyed, furry friend. Next, we chose a symbol - which looks like an A with a B attached to it - and our currency was complete! As of this week, students either have AB5 or AB7 in their bunny bank, depending on the difficulty of last week's job.
Our mini-economy does not stop there. No, the students have worked too hard learning about how businesses work to stop there. The final, and perhaps most exciting, piece of our mini-economy is the opportunity for entrepreneurship! If a student would like to earn extra income, he/she can start his/her own small business selling a good or service at the monthly market. A student with a talent for bracelet-making can sell bracelets. A more task-oriented student could start a cubby-cleaning business. Whatever they decide, they must fill out a business plan and have it approved by me. Then, they must make an advertisement so that the consumers know what products are available for purchase at the market. With such a creative class, I'm excited to see what they come up with! If you are too, keep an eye on the blog! My final note on the mini-economy involves you, the parent. If you have small items or big-ticket items that you would like to donate to the market, please send me an email. The more diverse the market is, the more incentive the students will have to do their jobs well and start a business of their own!
3 Comments
brian nachis
1/17/2017 07:21:16 pm
If I were a third grader, I would want to be in your classroom! Excellent applied learning!
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Sheila Nachlis ( Harris` grandmother)
1/17/2017 09:19:02 pm
If I were a third grader, I would like to be sitting next to Brian!
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Mrs. Skillman
1/18/2017 06:52:48 am
Thank you, Nachlis's! You're welcome to come play "third-grader" anytime!
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