Trade Fair

The trade fair activity that we took part in during class was quite interesting.  It allowed us to experience some of what those in history have been involved in as well as what our students will experience when they participate in this activity.  As I only brought in a singular item to trade, I was able to see what interaction is lost when there is only one need and there is enough supply.  However, after I traded my item I was able to observe others and watched to see what items people were interested in trading for.  Students had different wants and were generous to others.  Ryan gave a donut away at the end and Lauren offered scarves to Amber.  Some items were hand-made, but others were store-bought.  Students bargained in order to get what they wanted.  In an elementary school, a teacher may want to set guidelines as to what students can bring in.  Instead of a trade fair, or in addition to it, you could have students make their own stores and sell their items at a "Flea Market".  They could set the prices and use fake money, then buy other items with that money.  (Expense vs. Profit, inventory, advertising, etc.)

Items students brought in for trade fair:

• donuts
• bouquet of flowers
• scarves
• cards (b-day, anniversary...)
• wall decorations
• teacher sign
• grab bag
• candy
• hair barrettes
• bookmarks
• artifacts from foreign countries
• kids shoes
• laptop tray