St. Vincent first-graders learn economic sense

Friday, Jun. 27, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY — Economics is part of the first grade social studies curriculum at Saint Vincent de Paul School. Mary Gist, first-grade teacher, came up with a creative way for her students to study, goods, services, saving, spending and being thoughtful about the money they earn. As they learned about economics, she encouraged her students to think of a good or service they could sell with the end goal of giving back to the community and helping others.  

“This is what Jesus calls us to do at any age,” she told her class. 

The first-graders decided to have a bake sale during school recess and give the proceeds to The Road Home, a place where people who have fallen on hard times can seek refuge.  

Before the bake sale, students made creative posters that they then hung around the halls and also made announcements over the PA system reminding students to support their cause.  Then, during a recess in May, Saint Vincent students were allowed to purchase baked items and treats. The first-grade students took turns working the table, calculating prices and making change. During that morning they raised over $300 for The Road Home.  

The kindergarten class also jumped on the bandwagon and gathered food items and clothing. They decorated special donation boxes that were placed around the school. 

Later, students in both grades took their donations to The Road Home and toured the facility.

“We all left that field trip touched by how lucky our lives are and how we at any age can help others in our community,” Gist said.