biztown

is a mock town run by 5th graders.
they have been preparing for it for 6 weeks.
they had to write resumes and apply for jobs a few weeks ago.
they went through an interview process and were selected for a job position.
they have learned how to write checks, apply for loans, and keep track of money.

yesterday was the big day.
the field trip to biztown.
christopher was the sports shop manager (his first choice).

the kids worked in their assigned positions for the day.
there were all kinds of jobs and businesses.
each one had a ceo and a cfo.

here is christopher with his ceo.

they received paychecks.
and had to go to the bank to deposit them.
they were responsible for keeping track of their time and money.
they had job duties they had to fulfill and meetings to attend.

merchandise was donated by businesses who sponsor this program and the kids were able to go around on their breaks and purchase items from businesses by writing checks from their checkbooks.
they had to keep a check register and log of their checks and deposits.

parent volunteers were there to help, but the kids really did it all themselves.

there was a town mayor, christopher's good friend matthew (pictured below).

and at this morning meeting all the ceo's had to get up and give a speech promoting their business.

i was assigned to help in the tv/news station.
there were reporters, and photographers, editors, and a camerman.
the kids could purchase tv & news ads.
here is a reporter interviewing a customer on whether she likes justin bieber...

it was pretty funny.
these aired live on flat screens throughout biztown.

ashlyn was the dj...

and these boys started dancing to the cha-cha slide as it was playing during their lunch break...

it was such a great learning experience for these 5th graders.
and so neat to see them so hard at work doing their jobs.
man, they are growing up.
hard to believe but awesome to watch how wonderfully they are maturing.