'Ware Bears' learn to spend, earn at Market Day

By Pamela Redford, Fort Riley Public AffairsApril 10, 2012

Market Day makes spending, earning fun for 'Ware Bears'
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RILEY, Kan. -- Ware Elementary second-graders worked hard for their money March 30 during the eighth annual Market Day -- the culmination of several weeks of economics lessons.

The celebratory event allowed second-graders to attempt to sell homemade wares to the first-graders and visitors.

To learn about needs, wants, producers and consumers, as well as supply and demand, the "Ware Bears" were tasked with creating a business and selling either a good or a service to their clients. Students also learned the importance of good customer service skills.

With a $20 loan from the bank, teams of three to four students chose projects to sell like multi-colored paper airplanes, root beer floats, paper plate art, cupcakes, face painting, beaded necklaces, decorated paper bags and balloons.

First-graders were given $10 to spend on anything they wanted.

"I'm hoping that they understand the value of money because they only have so much; they have to decide what is important," said Michaela Larson, second-grade teacher.

Student Jason Fernandez said he learned it was important to be kind to others and say, "Have a nice day" before customers enjoyed his team's rootbeer floats.

"I think it's better to sell in front of the table, so that you don't have to go out (around) the other way, like if you're in the middle or something," Jahaun Thompson said.

Thompson also said she learned to say good words to customers, so they will be happy they bought from her.

"We talked about how important it is to have good customer service," Larson said.

After the sale, all five classes of second-graders counted their money and paid back their loans. They also had to pay $1 for interest and give $2 to charity. Dividing what was left, they went shopping at each other's stores for the leftovers.

"Market Day has become a second-grade tradition that the students look forward to each year," Larson said.