Third graders at Sunview Elementary in Lyndhurst are learning two very important lessons: 1. the basic principles of economics and 2. how to help animals in need.
Third grade teacher Kim Erwin runs an economics lesson designed to teach third grade students the basic principles of what it takes to make and sell a product. To do so, students make pet toys and scarves and sell the items at school during the lunch hour each day for one week and outside of Pet-Supplies-Plus in Lyndhurst on one day (Dec. 11th). Proceeds from the sale are then donated to Marilyn’s Voice, a local animal rescue group.
To get started with the project, students write persuasive letters to the banker, Principal Arika Taylor, to request a $300 loan from the United Bank of Taylor. This loan covers the start-up costs of buying the fleece material and other supplies needed to produce the pet toys and scarves. The students then experience the pros and cons of assembly line production vs. regular production, and experience what it feels like to take a product from start to finish and helping animals in need.
Representatives from Marilyn's Voice will visit Sunview on Friday, December 17, so the students can present them with a check. Marilyn’s Voice also will bring rescue dogs with them for the students to see.