I had heard of Junior Achievement before, but never had a clue what is was really all about. So about four years ago, when my Emma was in fourth grade, I began to research it a little bit. I thought it might be something that Emma could do over the summer, kind of like a camp. Little did I know the impact that this little bit of research might have on my teaching.
Junior Achievement in my opinion is one of the best, yet little known programs that are out there and available to teachers and students. Junior Achievement is a program that teaches students about financial literacy. In the lesson, the students learn what a community is, why we support businesses in our community, philanthropy, what are financial institutions, what do they do, how to write checks, make deposits, and keep a register.
However, to my students the program is so much more. During the time that we are working on JA, the students have to fill out job applications for the job that they would like to have at JA Biztown (our simulation field trip) and then have a formal interview with a stranger. This is probably the most nerve day for the students. The students come in on job interview day dressed in their best. They have practiced what makes for a good job interview, and are ready to put everything they have learned into action.
At the end of the day, the students find out what position they will hold at JA Biztown. It is so exciting to watch as those students that may not always shine as bright in the classroom, shine very brightly as they find out that they were picked for some of the most important jobs at Biztown. AND isn't that why we teach. We teach so that kids can shine, be proud of themselves, and show what they know!
Junior Achievement gives kids confidence. Confidence to go out in the world and know that they can get a job or maybe even open up their own business. This type of confidence is priceless. So for the small cost of Junior Achievement materials and the time that it takes to work on in class, Junior Achievement is completely worth the effort.
