Third Graders Shine at Vogelweh Elementary School’s Market Day
Third graders at Vogelweh Elementary School (VES), part of the Europe Central District in Kaiserslautern, recently showcased their entrepreneurial skills during the school’s annual Market Day event.
The event supports social studies standards in economics as outlined in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)-adopted curriculum Social Studies Alive! Our Community and Beyond by the Teacher’s Curriculum Institute.
As part of Unit 3, Lesson 9, titled “Understanding Our Economy,” students worked collaboratively to develop products based on market research gathered through peer surveys. The activity aligns with DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards for History/Social Studies 3.9: “People in communities have various ways of meeting their basic needs and earning a living.”
Students created marketing plans, managed budgets using good behavior tickets from the neighborhood’s token economy, and applied key economic concepts. Lessons included budgeting, saving versus spending, identifying market niches, supply and demand, inflation, and understanding local economic events.
The event was a resounding success, with approximately 83 students, parents and teachers participating.
Market Day is a highlight of the school year for third graders, giving them the chance to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. It promotes a deeper understanding of economic principles while encouraging creativity, teamwork and practical problem-solving skills.
Organizers are already looking forward to next year’s Market Day. If you’re in the Kaiserslautern area, be sure to stop by and join the fun.
