Career Week and the Mini-Society Project

When I was in the 3rd grade, my biggest accomplishment was reading at a level far above the grade I was in.  It seems that the kids are learning things a lot earlier now.  Annika's class has been working on an Economics project for the last month.  She needed to develop a good or service that she could offer a consumer.  At first, she wanted to offer a service: nail painting.  She decided against that and chose to make picture frames, drawings and bookmarks.  I didn't want to interfere with her process, so I helped how I could.  I am proud of her for choosing something, putting the effort into making it and being brave enough to "sell" it.  That takes guts!

She had her first selling day at the beginning of May. It wasn't as successful as she wanted it to be; she came home almost in tears.  It broke my heart.  I know that it's all part of the learning process, but, I also know that she is a sensitive one.  The purpose of the first selling day was to get a "feel" for what having your own shop was like.  She was able to make any changes to improve on what she was doing.  She decided to focus on the bookmarks only and to have a partner.

She had her second selling day on May 18.  Parents were encouraged to come and participate.  Each family was given some "crazy cash" to shop with.  Crazy cash is the class currency.  We found some pet rocks, origami, play dough and Annika's bookmarks.  I really enjoyed participating because it gave me the opportunity to see all of the children's creative differences.  Annika reports that she made more "crazy cash" this time.  I'm so proud of her for doing this.  She's coming out of her shell!

This week was also Career Week at school.  Annika really wanted Travis to come and speak to her class. He did that on May 18 at 0840.  He talked about being a Signals Intelligence Analyst and had a phrase in morse code for the kids to translate.  Annika was so excited to have him there; she kept reminding him that he was to come in on Friday.  She's a worry-wart!

There are only four days of school left.  After Thursday the 24th, Annika will be a 4th grader! Oh my.  How time flies!