Economics, civics, government, and business management are on the minds of 5th graders at Bales as they continue to prepare for a trip to JA BizTown on Thursday, January 29.  BizTown is an experiential education program operated by Junior Achievement of Texas.

Bales 5th graders have been working hard over the last four weeks learning basics economics concepts, running a campaign for Mayor and Judge, learning to write resumes and complete job applications, preparing for and going on a "job interview", and working together in business groups. 

On Thursday, the hard work will pay off when they travel to BizTown and "run" the city for the day.  The city is made up of fourteen businesses, which the students will be in charge of including a variety of businesses such as "City Hall," a "Snack Shop," the "Book Scene" and "Web Design." Each businesses' requirements vary, but most will need to get loans from the "Bank", set prices, write checks, balance bank accounts, create goods, sell goods and services, and change prices with the ultimate goal of paying off their loans. 

Individuals will turn into consumers during their "Break Time" when they will deposit their paychecks, set up a savings account and then spend their paychecks on the goods and services provided by the businesses of BizTown.  Pennants, buttons, bracelets, newspapers, and other items will be for sale during business hours, but they will need to obey the laws of BizTown; violations could cost them some of their hard-earned money as the policemen diligently watch the city for law-breakers. 

By the end of the day, students will have applied the concepts we have learned in class and experienced, first hand, the working world and the free enterprise economic system.  Students will be exhausted as we travel back to school, but the reward for their hard work will be evident as they enthusiastically relay their stories from the day and are able to understand and relate to economic concepts that we discuss going forward.