Ridgewood third graders host vendor fair
Ridgewood Elementary School third graders engaged in an entrepreneurship project by starting their own business this year then hosting their own vendor event on April 27, at Burt Park in West Lafayette.
Their teacher Kayla Crozier also owns a business in West Lafayette named Mint Ivy Boutique. “They get excited because I have my own store and I am also a teacher. We teach economics every year in third grade and at the beginning of the year we go over everything it takes to run a store.” Crozier said. “They could sign up whether they want to participate or not. They have been making products throughout the year, so they will have enough to sell at their vendor fair. I thought this is kind of a hands-on thing where they can put in all of their hard work and see the actual profits of owning a business and all the work it takes to be an entrepreneur.”
The students will keep all of their profit from the event.
“In class we have been learning how to figure out your profit and business expenses,” Crozier said. “Some kids have taken it as far as pre-selling and having an online business as well. They received pamphlets suggesting things to sell but some came up with their own ideas. They could do absolutely anything.”
Maverick Glaister offered Ridgewood themed sports apparel at his store. “I’m selling armbands and t-shirts, hats, tank tops, arm sleeves and bands and if you want more I have an online sale right here,“ he said.
Brayden Piner sold blankets, wind chimes, spinners and candles that he made all by himself. He Googled some things to make and just got busy. He had three months to work. He spaced it out to every other weekend so he wouldn’t get burned out. He sold quite a bit the first hour.
Addie Laney had cookies for sale. No bakes, chocolate chip, oat meal and sugar cookies. They took a couple hours to make but she has done pretty well so far this morning, she said.
Addison Hains made cat toys, buckeyes. keychains and cat masks with a little help from her brother.
Lily’s Bracelet Boutique had jewelry in a variety of colors. “I like to make bracelets” she said.
Category: Education
