Business as Usual

As part of our Business Math block, Arriana created a small business project. This project illustrates in a practical and real-world way many of the concepts we studied in this block: the usefulness of money, division of labor, percents, pricing, and more.

Since there's an annual Children's Craft Fair at our local Boys and Girls Club, and the timing was perfect, we decided to participate. All items are handmade completely by the children, who run their own table and transactions.

Arriana made most of the decisions about her business on her own. She knew right away, for example, that she wanted to make photo cards. She also wanted to make cookies, and we talked about how her customers could buy her cards as gifts for someone, and buy her cookies to enjoy during the Fair. It was a winning combination. Over Thanksgiving, Arriana learned how to make pom-poms, and then added some to her inventory. She also threw in at the last minute some bundles of dried sage.

Arriana determined her own pricing, including calculating her costs per item and considering her customers. She came up with $2.00 per card, and 3 cards for $5.00 (actually, I think her Dad came up with that last deal). Her pom-poms were a steal at $1.00. They are super labor intensive! Cookies were $0.50. Sage sticks were $1.00.

Handmade signs, twinkle lights, and a festive table cloth rounded out Arriana's table display. Sales were brisk on Fair day! Arriana did quite well, selling out of both pom-poms and sage sticks. She also fared well with her main product: the photo cards. They were a hit, and though she didn't sell out, she did make quite a good return. After all expenses were considered, Arriana earned over $40.00. She also had such a good time and wants to participate again next year!

A Roman Journey

It was a battle of sorts. Of course it was, it being Rome.

Having just completed a four-week expedition into Roman history, I can assuredly say it was at times a battle. For me, there were several elements that contributed to this mood. First, I did not have a solid background in Roman history. I had to fight to learn, to get a grasp on the timeline of major events from the founding of Rome to Julius Caesar. I was unable to get a big picture ahead of time. Instead, I was lucky to stay one step ahead of my student.

Second, my daughter and I both share a relative disinterest in stories of war, conquer, and all that is in between. In my research, I tired of the tedious chronicles of legions, Kings and Consuls. I had to dig for the gems that she could relate to. Stories of the feminine: Vestal Virgins, drunken muses, stoic mothers.

Third, I encountered the warrior in my 12 year-old daughter. And she can be tough, argumentative, infuriating. Pushing pushing pushing for justice. Where is the law? Am I a worthy Consul?

At points all along the way, despite these challenges, we did encounter experiences of true learning, interest and wonder. Some of the Highlights of our Roman studies include:

• Reading The Aeneid.

• Painting the myth of Romulus and Remus.

• Writing an essay on King Numa Pompilius.

• Following the larger-than-life Hannibal.

• Studying Patricians and the oppressed Plebians. And those who fought for justice.

• Inscribing "O Roma Nobilis" onto a wax tablet.

Looking ahead to our future Rome block, I feel confident that I will be more prepared. I have a better sense now of the Roman mood, culture, and events, and will be able to settle us into a rhythm much more quickly. The battles of the past four weeks have surely made me wiser. And in the end, truth be told, everybody won.