Gotham Avenue School

Gotham Avenue School’s second and third grade scholars in the Project-Based Learning Club, showcased their business acumen and entrepreneurship skills during PBL Market Day on May 13.

Led by second grade teacher Arielle Parisi, the scholars were challenged to create a business that would benefit the Elmont community. Starting in November, the club members began to brainstorm business ideas. They met once weekly after school, learning about profit, supply and demand, and other business topics. To gather information about entrepreneurship, the scholars interviewed Long Island beauty salon owner Justine Sprio, as well.

Once their business ideas were solidified, the scholars were paired together as business partners. Each partnership was responsible for pricing their items; developing a business name, logo and slogan; and designing flyers and business cards. They also utilized the school’s green screen to film commercials to advertise their business. The partners created a posterboard display featuring their items for sale, their responses to the Q&A with the local salon owner, and writing assignments on being an entrepreneur and their company overview. The businesses included Chocolate Café, Elmont’s Coolest Candy, Kalexa’s Kiddie Gym and The World of Art.

During PBL Market Day, the club members invited their peers in grades 1-3 to visit and view their business presentations. Parents were also invited to view the students’ business presentations. The scholars voted on the businesses they’d most like to see in the community. The winning business was Chocolate Café, who will sell Oreo cookies during lunchtime on May 20. The proceeds will be donated to Student Government for their fundraising efforts.

This hands-on club project allowed the scholars to learn more about business, practice their public-speaking and writing skills, and explore their creativity.