Market Day

Market Day is coming!!!!!

What is Market Day?

Market Day is an economics day where the children create a good or service to 
sell to the other 3rd grade students. They earn “Buckaroo Bucks” money based 
on their classroom behavior and participation.  As they participate in the 
actual day, they will earn money as they sell their product. This money can 
be used to shop with as well.

When is Market Day?

Market Day will be on February 13 in the afternoon. All projects are due in 
by 7:45 am on the morning of February 13. I will give the students time to 
set up their “booth” or “display area” after lunch. Your child’s booth area 
should be NO LARGER than a typical classroom desktop. 

Essential Questions taught through this activity:

How can I find goods or services in my world?
Where are there producers or consumers in my world?
What resources are used to produce goods or services in my community?


What will my child learn?

The children learn about producers, consumers, supply, demand, goods, 
services, scarcity, salesmanship, budgeting and counting skills.

Can I come to Market Day?

Although we know everyone loves to come see their children on special days 
like this, we do ask that Market Day be a kids only event. Please do not work 
your child’s booth or buy up the products which are intended for the 
children. 

What do I need to do?

NOTHING! This should be your child’s project. Feel free to input or assist 
your child as they prepare their project. However, there should be no need 
for parents to stress over this project. The actual project is NOT graded. 
Rather, the concepts learned during the experience are discussed and assessed 
in class after Market Day is over.

Can I buy my child a pre-made project and send it in?

No. The only rule is that your child must take part in “creating” a project. 
It could be that you buy the sugar cookies and your child decorates and 
packages them to sell. OR…you could help him/her bake the cookies and then 
decorate them. But please don’t simply purchase pre-made items.

What should my child’s booth look like?

Each child needs to create a “booth” or display for their project. When 
Market Day begins, the children have open and closed signs to use. They shop 
and sell as they wish by closing and opening their booths. The actual “booth” 
can be as simple as a poster advertising their product which gets taped to 
their table on Market Day with their product displayed above the poster on 
the tabletop. OR…It can be as elaborate as a freestanding booth. The amount 
of detail is up to your child’s creativity and interest level. Each child 
needs to have at least a poster advertising their product, and telling how 
much the item(s) costs as well as an open/closed sign. These should be made 
at home along with their product. 


What are some examples of products or services my child can make?

Goods:

Handmade Jewelry- beaded or braided necklaces, bracelets, etc.
Handmade keychains
Decorated flowerpots
Cookies
Handmade or decorated picture frames
Holiday themed crafts or ornaments
Brownies
Chocolate covered treats
Handmade gift cards
Hats, Scarves, or Purses
Decorated pencils or pencil toppers/accessories
Magnets


Services:

Back massages
Bowling Alleys
Make your own milk shake
Fortune Tellers
Beanbag tosses
NO HAIRSPRAY OR FACE PAINTING PLEASE
NO MUSIC CD’s please due to copyright laws.

How much money should my child charge?

This is completely up to your child. Part of the learning process involves 
having the children discover supply and demand, so we do not dictate the 
amounts they charge. The children can raise or lower their prices during 
Market Day as they see it is necessary.

What if I am still confused about Market Day?

Please feel free to drop by to look at examples of previous years products or 
email your child’s teacher for any necessary clarification.