Mini-Society^®

^{An Experience in Economics}

 What is Mini-Society^®?

Mini Society is an experienced-based approach to learning, which prepares children to meet the challenges of the real world.  It is a strategy of instruction, which allows teachers to fulfill curriculum goals in social studies, math, language arts, and science.  The program also enhances student skills in critical thinking, problem solving, practical arts and cooperative learning.  It does all this in a child-friendly meaningful format.

How Does Mini-Society^® Work?

 Scarcity situations serve as the springboard, which motivate students to establish their own society.  They name their society as well as design their flag and currency.  Students recognize the opportunities for business and government to fulfill the wants and needs of the consumers in their society.  Entrepreneurship emerges as students take advantage of market opportunities.  The typical program is implemented for at least 10 weeks with 3 class periods per week of 30-60 minutes each.  The lessons conclude with 1 or 2 MARKET DAY events.  Each student will be required to develop, advertise and sell a good or service at MARKET DAY.

 What Does Mini-Society^® Do for the Student?

·        Gives real world experience in the classroom environment

·        Makes the learning important to the student, as well as making the learning fun

·        Builds creativity, logic and problem solving skills

·        Demonstrates the importance of setting and achieving goals

·        Enhances a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency

 What Is the Parent’s Role in Mini-Society^®?

 Each student will have several weekly opportunities to be paid from their society.  In other words, not only will they be making money from their business, they will also earn a weekly salary.  Parents serve as the experts.  There are no goods or services provided by you without payment.  This is your means of earning money for Market Day. Your children will not lower their prices for you on Market Day, so be sure to charge them accordingly.  Charge them for materials used, advice given and errands run on their behalf.  You want to have enough money to purchase several items on Market Day.