In the bustling world of elementary education, the second-grade students embarked on a journey into the realm of economics through an enchanting project known as Mini-Market.

This innovative endeavour, nestled within the realms of social studies, offers a hands-on exploration of fundamental economic concepts. At its core, Mini-Market serves as a platform for young minds to grasp the disparities between wants and needs, products and services. Through the creation of their own goods or services, students delve into the art of persuasion, honing their communication skills as they advertise and promote their offerings.

On the day of the market, the children's efforts paid off handsomely. The classrooms were rearranged, booths were set up, and shouts and calls filled the air. The children showcased their carefully planned and crafted products that they had been working on for weeks. There were fresh cookies, homemade jelly, drinks served in hand-painted cups, as well as popular crafts like bracelets, origami, and hand-painted fridge magnets. One child even prepared a popcorn machine, offering a variety of flavours made on the spot, which was a huge hit! Coupled with lucky draws, buy-two-get-one-free deals, and discounts like two items for seventy percent off, these young entrepreneurs captivated their peers with endless creativity. With each successful transaction, the air was filled with excitement. It was evident that the children were proud of their achievements.

The Mini-Market project is not merely a showcase of entrepreneurial prowess; it also fosters a deeper understanding of the dynamics of consumerism. It allows students to navigate the marketplace, wielding their hard-earned “SHSID bucks” to procure goods and services from their peers, experiencing first-hand the joys and challenges of being consumers in a vibrant economy. As the young participants immersed themselves in this dynamic learning experience, Mini-Market emerged as a beacon of inspiration, igniting a passion for entrepreneurship and economic literacy that will endure far beyond the confines of the classroom.

Written by Jessica Nestel, Yuanjing Zhang

Pictures by Homeroom teachers

Edited by Cong Luo, Bianca Noguera