Character
Citizenship
Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking
Grade Level - 5th Grade
SOL/Standard - HC.2c - Economics
5.FFW - Foundations of Writing
5.W.1.C - Persuasive Writing
5.C.1 - Communication & Multimodal Literacies
5.C.2 Speaking & Presentation Ideas
Students from a 5th grade self-contained gifted class collaborated on a project that reflected student agency, community outreach, collaboration, and communication. We have had multiple lessons on economy overview, finances, and resourcefulness. Each student conducted a Shark Tank Prototype Pitch to their classmates on a product or service idea. Students ranked products, and we put them into businesses. Each business was responsible for compiling a business plan, designing a market survey, creating a website, and commercial aside from producing their products to sell for our class cash. Students had an in-class market day for one another and their families, as well as a schoolwide market day where classes could sign up to come shop. Lastly, we will have a culminating event at the VCU Market Day in the spring.
"My favorite part was communicating with people I don't usually talk to and building better relationships with my peers. I also loved people coming to our booth and asking questions! -Kennedy
"Running a successful company requires a lot of maintenance and teamwork. It's really gratifying when it works, and nothing is free!" -Penelope
"I learned how to collaborate better. Our team definitely disagreed, but we worked through it. My actions impact the team and to have a successful business, everyone needs to be productive." -Julia
"Creating a mini economy in my classroom transformed the way my students engaged with learning. They didn't just memorize concepts--they lived them. Watching them take ownership, solve real-world problems, and understand the value of hard work was one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching journey." -Ashley Peay, 5th Grade Teacher
Colson
Kennedy
Tye
Julia
Hope
Matthew
Virginia
Sathyadev
Short Pump Elementary SPES
Thank you to Henrico Education Foundation (HEF) and the following teacher innovators who made this event possible:
MC Bernheart, SPES Innovative Learning Coach
Ashley Peay, SPES 5th Grade Teacher