Type: Primary School

Recommended for 4^th grade

Market mechanisms and the global economy take on new meanings as children begin to relate to occupations and the labour market, supply and demand, resources and the economic connections between communities.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Part of JA's Life Skills Development national program, the Our Economy module creates contexts in which students can look at their world from a new perspective. By going through the simple process of planning their own business idea, the different jobs on the job market and the skills needed to get them, students explore their country's connection to the global economy and the importance of technology in the international business world.

EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

The Our Economy module provides classroom activities in the form of an optional or extracurricular subject, using a kit of educational materials which includes:

• teacher’s guide;
• student’s workbook;
• auxiliary materials.

There are five topics in the module, which students work through under the guidance of their teachers and volunteers from the business community.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

• Analytical skills • Creative thinking • Decision-making • Teamwork • Accountability • Problem-solving • Observation

ACTIVITY LIST

1. What's your brilliant idea?
   What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? How do you know you have a good idea? How do you turn your idea into a business? Students answer these questions by practicing being an entrepreneur.
2. What is a resource?
   Resources are essential for putting any idea into practice and students discover that an entrepreneur's main needs are people and capital. They also learn about the role of technology in making a business more efficient.
3. A variety of jobs
   Although labour market is becoming increasingly diverse, a type of high-demand occupations is emerging that attracts a substantial workforce. Students identify the skills needed for such jobs and analyze their own skills in relation to these.
4. A variety of skills
   Knowing their personal skills is very important and can guide students in setting directions for their future profession, but also for the type of studies they should pursue for such a profession.
5. Global connections
   Students discover how countries connect to the global economy, the role of technology in a country's economy and its effect on the global business environment.

"At first I thought it would be difficult going through so many new terms and concepts, but when I saw the enthusiasm of the students participating in the activities, I was happy to continue. Everything practical and interactive was very appreciated and highly stimulating. Students were given a truly innovative educational experience, to which the materials they received contributed greatly." – Georgeta Chisiu, Dr. Victor Babes School, Baia Mare, Maramures