The Business Basics Series is now provided in 4 models. The first part of this series, "Our Community: Needs, Jobs, Tools, is an exciting grade 3 learning experience that helps to increase students awareness of the variety of different jobs in the workforce and how they satisfy the needs of people living in their community. Students also learn about the flow of money and the types of tools necessary to perform different jobs.

Our grade 4 "Our Country: Technology and Innovation" program explains the movement from traditional to modern technologies. Students identify Canadian inventors and inventions and create future technologies used to meet current needs and evaluate their usefulness. Changes in technology in the Agriculture, Communication and Manufacturing sectors are reviewed.

The Grade 5 program "Our Business World," is designed to teach students all about the organization, management, production and marketing of a small business.

"A Business of Our Own" is the grade 6 program that through the hands-on actvities of operating their own business, students learn what a business plan is and develop one, how teams work together, about marketing strategies and the importance of financial record keeping.

Through four one –hour sessions, each program provides students with their first look at the business world by providing practical information taught by trained volunteers from the business community. The resource materials are easy to use and the activities allow students to experience the material that they are learning.

Outcomes - through hands-on learning, students learn about:

• the relationships between organization, management, production and marketing
• the role of small business in their community
• the relationship between jobs and needs
• tools used on the job
• cycle of money/economics
• technology and innovation

VOLUNTEER ROLE:

Working in partnership with the Teacher, the Consultant shares his/her expertise and experience with the students while delivering the program through materials provided by Junior Achievement. The typical role of the Volunteer is as follows:

• Facilitate 4 one hour lessons
• Bring practical, personal business expertise to reinforce the theories being taught
• Help students to develop confidence, leadership skills and critical thinking skills

Volunteer Skills, Attitudes and Knowledge:

• Business background an asset
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to communicate and enjoy working with youth
• Flexible, patient and understanding
• Commitment to the goals of Junior Achievement

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:

Ask any JA volunteer and they will tell you “You gain more than you give!” From professional skill building to personal development and reward, becoming a Junior Achievement volunteer, or expanding your participation is a “win-win” situation. Some benefits include:

• Increased self confidence
• Improved written and oral communication skills, time management and organizational skills
• Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people