Woodland Elementary School is undoubtedly preparing some excellent future business leaders and owners. Students there have the option of participating in a unique year-long classroom-based business exercise. Students complete jobs and tasks in their homeroom class and receive a paycheck for their work!
They're paid with fifth grade dollars which students then use to fund their individual businesses. Once a month, students open up shop to sell things like bookmarks, pencil holders, school supplies, baked goods, as well as services like raffles and photo booths.
The fifth graders learn to navigate important decisions about taxes, business licensing, and customer service. The idea was brought to the school 13 years ago by fifth grade teacher Christina Butler. She said "The entire fifth grade currency system and business venture opportunity enables students to learn so much more about mathematics and economics. They get to experience trial and error, supply and demand, negotiating and competition, free enterprise and advertising, real-life learning experiences, and so much more!"
Wow, next time I need business advice, I know just where to go! So congrats Ms. Butler and the Woodland Elementary fifth grade for your hard work and dedication, we are awarding you this week's NewsDepth A+!