Businesses Boom in Grade 1
First graders recently welcomed families to the grand opening of their classroom stores, the culminating event of a social studies unit focused on how businesses work. With the guidance of their teachers, students led the process from start to finish, making decisions, solving problems, and building their own understanding along the way.
The unit began with students exploring maps of local businesses and taking a walking field trip to Cherry Creek North, where they surveyed consumers and collected data. After analyzing their results and voting on a business idea, each class selected a type of store to create. This year’s shops included a bookstore, a plant and seed shop, an arcade, and a bird store.
In preparation for opening day, students created product prototypes and practiced their customer service skills. They also designed and distributed flyers around campus to advertise their stores, and in drama class, they filmed commercials to help promote their work. With support from Middle School graphic design students, each store developed a custom logo to represent their brand.
At the grand opening, families were invited to “shop” using classroom money while students took on the roles of shopkeepers. The event celebrated student agency, imagination, and the collaborative spirit that brought each store to life.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
