Stewart Manor School’s fifth grade classes put their entrepreneurship skills into action during the annual Market Day on June 11, the culminating activity of their economics unit. 

Since April, students worked diligently to develop their own businesses, creating handmade products such as sports stickers, key chains, little lizards, artwork, squishies, stress balls and puppets. Students either worked independently or with a partner, selected a product they believed would appeal to customers and explained why their item would be useful or desirable.

As part of the project, students learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. They calculated production costs, determined pricing, developed budgets and ensured they would not spend more money than they had available. Each student business was required to produce a minimum of 20 handmade items and carefully track expenses and potential profits.

Students began the project with a set amount of classroom currency and had to make strategic financial decisions throughout the process. Mandatory expenses included purchasing a table space at the market, obtaining a business license, creating a commercial using green screen technology and buying supplies. Students could also choose optional purchases, such as premium table locations or seating. Through these decisions, students gained a firsthand understanding of budgeting and resource management.

On Market Day, the fifth graders rotated through four rounds, giving everyone the opportunity to serve as both business owners and shoppers. During each round, students managed their stores by keeping stock, organizing products, handling transactions and making change for customers. A student-run bank, assisted by sixth grade volunteers, helped facilitate transactions, while a revenue department collected classroom currency and maintained records of sales.