Grade 2 Marketplace

Grade 2 students held a marketplace last week in the Community Commons to offer goods and services as part of their unit of inquiry about how people create goods and services to meet the wants and needs of the community, tied in with their next unit which is about how the way people live is influenced by geographical changes and conditions.

Students were focused on concepts such as wants, needs, goods, services, supply, demand, pricing, as well as the system of production, distribution, and consumption. They researched how to create a small business and invited people from the school community to come in and share their business plans, in addition to going on field trips to visit real businesses. The students also inquired into what it means to be a sustainable, fair trade business and how this affects the price. This activity led the class to generate ideas about what the ICS community might want and need. Students worked in groups to approach staff from various departments in the school to collect data about what they would want or need from the G2 market. From there, they were able to write their business plans and create the products and services that were requested by the community. The students spent 3 weeks planning and producing their products.

At the marketplace, the Grade 2 students had everything from bracelets, to food, even advice, and class secrets for sale. There was a large turnout as many staff and parents came to support students.

The Grade 2 Hub had a goal of raising 50,000 Birr which they exceeded beyond what they could imagine. Instead, they raised a whopping 141,000 Birr. The plan is to use the money raised to put roofs over the homes of 20 families in the Kolfe area in Addis Ababa whose homes were destroyed by fire. This initiative will be implemented in collaboration with Bingham Academy.

"In our marketplace, you can find everything you need to buy. If you need advice, or you need jewelry, or a tasty snack to eat, you can find it all." - G2 student

“This was such a fun and authentic learning experience for the kids. Our next unit is all about how the way people live is influenced by geographical features and conditions so the kids have been thinking a lot about the rainy season here in Addis and how important it is to have a proper roof in order for our basic needs to be met.” - Megan, G2 Teacher

“In the past G2 has given their money to Kiva, an online microfinance institution. When I learned about these families in Kolfe, I felt it made more sense to work with people that are more local. Moving forward I’d like the 2nd-grade students to meet some of the people we’ve helped.” - Sarah, G2 Teacher

True to the ICS mission, this project challenged the talents, character and intellect of all students, challenging them to be a positive influence and empowering them to excel in their world.