Butter Busters

In third grade at Emerson elementary, our students study economics as part of their social studies curriculum. This unit is enhanced through our reading curriculum with a section called "Money". During this unit, the 2008-09 third graders read a story called, Kids Did It! In Business, by Judith Rinard. This story is the spring board for a discussion about all facets of starting a business.

For the 2008-09 school year Ms. Michelle Lawrence, a third grade teacher, wanted to take this lesson a step further and have our students start their own business. All third grade teachers felt that this would provide our students with the basic skills and knowledge to help them enter the workplace as productive members of society. After some research, Ms. Lawrence decided that a popcorn business would provide a wonderful opportunity for our students.

The students went through a multitude of steps to ensure their business success including choosing the name of the business, "Butter Busters"; creating advertisement for around the school using PowerPoint; writing, performing and recording an advertising jingle; and of course, working to set-up, make, sell and clean-up for the business. Popcorn was sold only on certain days during the school year and it was a huge success!

The class earned over $150 in just three weeks of sales! This money was then donated to Emerson's Giving Tree Program, which helps struggling families provide the type of holidays most of us take for granted. Not only did these terrific elementary students learn lessons that they will keep throughout their life, but they also gave back to the Dayton community in which they live and "work".

 

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