Young Entrepreneurs: First Graders Explore the World of Business
By: Kelsey Mercier, Grade 1 Teacher
Every June, the first-grade classrooms are buzzing with excitement as the students transform into budding entrepreneurs for the much-anticipated annual Mini Market, the grand finale of their economics unit.
Throughout the spring, students explored key economic concepts such as wants and needs, goods and services, and the basics of money management. To put their learning into action, each student developed a business plan, choosing to either create a good or offer a service. Working with business partners, they will design, craft, and prepare products to be sold at the Mini Market, which welcomes the wider community to shop and support the students’ hard work.
The Mini Market is a hands-on way for students to understand the value of planning, budgeting, marketing, and working as a team. It also helps them learn that it’s not just about money, but about responsibility, collaboration, and giving back.
Products range from handmade stuffed animals and a nail salon to books, jewelry, and colorful slime. Each priced thoughtfully at either 25 or 50 cents. The first graders carefully consider the cost of materials and the time involved in creating their items before deciding on a fair price.
To spread excitement for the big event, students practiced marketing their business by sharing their name, the business name, and their logo at a Lower School Morning Meeting earlier in May. In the weeks leading up to the Mini Market, the first grade classrooms turn into workshops as the students work together to create their goods to sell at the Mini Market.
“I am making seashells with paper,” said Brynlee B. “I picked this because I like walking my dog on the beach and I collected them while I was walking and decided to decorate them by putting the paper inside of them.”
Beyond the excitement of selling and earning money, the Mini Market also emphasized social responsibility. All profits from the event are donated to a meaningful cause chosen by the students and teachers. This year, proceeds are going to Newhouse Animal Rescue, the organization that brought our friend Nibi the beaver to Shore.
“We learned that Nibi was found on the side of the road and he was rescued by Newhouse Animal Rescue. They rescue any animal that is in danger,” said Sean M. “We are hoping they can help buy food and take care of the animals.”
The annual Mini Market has become a cherished tradition at Shore Country Day School, blending academic learning with real-world application and community service. By stepping into the shoes of business owners, even if just for a day, students gained valuable insights into the world of economics, all while having fun and making a difference.
Shore Country Day School’s mission is to provide an education that inspires a love of learning and encourages children to embrace academic challenge. We seek to build character, cultivate creativity, and value diversity as we help our children become healthy, compassionate citizens of the world.
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admissions, scholarships, and loans, and its educational, athletic, and other programs.