Led by the dedicated third-grade team of Amy Hamblin, Mindy Sandoval, and Sherry Zamudio, Prairie Ridge Elementary School is transforming students’ learning experience with its captivating “Market” project. “This project breathes life into social studies, revealing how economic concepts unfold in the students’ everyday lives,” stated Zamudio.
Their commitment is evident as they emphasize the importance of delving into project-related standards. Their mission is to cultivate critical thinking and collaboration skills while imparting vital market concepts such as supply and demand, cost, quality, and marketability.
Guided by the McGrawHill Impact Social Studies curriculum, particularly in the “Our Communities” third-grade program, students embark on a comprehensive exploration of economics concepts. This journey begins with understanding economic principles, paving the way for discussions on earning and utilizing “Scholar Dollars” as currency within the classroom market.
Aligned with the exploration of market concepts is the practical application of math and social studies in product design. Students not only showcase critical thinking skills through the evaluation of product marketability, but also engage in reflective practices.
In math, students work on multiplication, addition, and subtraction with regrouping to calculate costs and make change for buyers. “Our aim is to bridge the gap between textbook economics and real-world experiences, giving students a taste of navigating a market,” shared Zamudio. The teaching strategies involve real-world examples, hands-on product design, peer evaluation, self-reflection, and discussions.
Staff attends the market, purchases products made by students, and assists in setup and preparation. These activities connect with broader community themes and real-world applications, discussing factors influencing local businesses.
Post-market, students’ reflections celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement.
“Adjustments, such as reevaluating pricing strategies or conducting more market research, are made based on the experiences,” explained Zamudio. Prairie Ridge Elementary’s “Market” project is not just a lesson; it’s a practical and engaging learning experience that extends beyond the classrooms.