Schools
'Fishington G.P.' Offers Lessons in Business
Ferry Elementary School teacher James Fisher uses problem-based learning and classroom economy to create businesses in 'Fishington G.P.'
Ferry Elementary School 4/5 Magnet teacher James Fisher is again using problem-based learning to teach business and economics. This week his classroom has been converted into a business district, which is open during lunchtime for sales.
Fisher said the project really starts much sooner than this week, when the students make selections about the classroom country and establish a government with all three branches.
Each of the students had to submit a business proposal explaining what items they wanted to sell. Once approved, each business had to gain a business license in order to open, he said.
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Additionally, the students had to prepare finances, which in some cases meant applying for loans to stock their business with merchandise. Each student business owner paid per square footage for their place in Fishington G.P., including the Italian Restaurant strategically located at the classroom entryway.
The Italian Restaurant also had a significant dining area complete with a red and white checkered table cloth, flower vase and a rose.
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The businesses are open for three days during lunch time, during which parents, grandparents and siblings are allowed to come shopping using the classroom currency, scales.
At the end of each busienss day, the students review their financial logs about business that day, Fisher said.
Making the leap between teaching the lesson and having the children experience it helps the learning process, Fisher said, noting how the students were thinking about the project long before they were actually working on it.
They essentially learn all that goes into opening, maintaining and closing a business, Fisher said.
Fisher is known within the school by students, who are eager to be in his class for the opportunity to participate in such projects. Last year, he converted his classroom into a coney restaurant, which was run by the students and served parents and family during the lunch hour.
Fisher has also been recognized by Metro Parent for being innovative.
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