Business Basics ~ Our Business World is a dynamic program that introduces Grade 5 students to the fundamentals of starting a business. Through the consideration of four key business concepts students develop an understanding of how a business is run. Topics covered in Business Basics lessons include: roles and responsibilities of management, application and interviewing skills, unit vs. mass production and an introduction to “smart consumerism”. Business Basics lessons have been created to link to current in-school curriculum and have been developed in such a way that the students are able to enjoy a hands-on, activity based program which makes learning fun.
Four Central Lessons
Organization: identify resources needed to start a business; consider business start-up expenses; contrast different forms of business organization and ownership.
Management: consider the responsibilities of business managers, including decision-making and the hiring of employees; identify the skills and attributes of successful job applicants; conduct mock job interviews.
Production: assemble pens using unit production and mass production processes; assess the merits of each production method; consider how management decisions effect production.
Marketing: become a smart consumer by identifying effective marketing and sales strategies; create mock advertisements for print, radio or television
Student Benefits
Reinforces team-building skills as students work in small groups
Develops an appreciation of the roles of small business in the community
Encourages “smart consumerism” by educating youth about marketing and sales strategies
Provides access to positive role models who can help explore future opportunities
Volunteer Benefits
Develops leadership, presentation and facilitation skills
Enhances their company’s/service group’s profile in the community
Educates students about careers in their industry sector
