Friday, November 23, 2012
By NATALIE SCOTT
Fifth-grade Poland McKinley students in Laura Spey and Diane Gesacion’s homeroom classes hosted a trade show for their parents, complete with student-made products, on Nov. 14.
“The kids had to learn all about advertising techniques, such as propaganda and band-wagon, prior to the show. Then they had to think of things that were both inexpensive and green at home to use for their products,” Gesacion said.
Gesacion also said all fifth-grade language arts students at Poland McKinley learn about these techniques and put on a trade show. This tradition has been a part of the school for almost 10 years.
Students also made commercials for their products to present prior to the trade show. They used the techniques they learned to advertise their product over their competitors, often offering the incentive of free candy or free products to the first visitors at their stand.
With the cafeteria full of colorful creations, such as tie-dye shirts, pet rocks and ornaments, students took turns going to other students stations to trade for the products they wanted most.
In this way, students put into practice the lessons they learned about free enterprise and fair trade.