From Classroom to Marketplace: Introducing Business Concepts in Primary Education

From Classroom to Marketplace: Introducing Business Concepts in Primary Education

By Berliana Oktafia
(Entrepreneur Teacher at Stella Maris International School)

At Stella Maris International School, learning extends far beyond the traditional textbook. Our classrooms are dynamic incubators for future innovators and leaders. This term, our Primary Year students embarked on a delectable entrepreneurial journey: The “Sweet & Savory Startup” project. This hands-on initiative saw young minds creating, branding, and selling their own products such as Korean pancakes, chocolate dessert boxes, and marshmallow chocolate pop sticks by transforming abstract business concepts into tangible, real-world skills.

The Recipe for Learning: More Than Just Ingredients

The project began with a fundamental business question: “How do you create a product that people will love and buy?” Students were prepared with planning, producing, marketing, and selling their chosen product.

The learning objectives were seamlessly integrated into every delicious step:

1. Product Development & Costing (The “Ideation” Phase): Students had to make crucial decisions. Would they specialize in the sweet, syrupy filling of Korean pancakes, the elegant variety of a chocolate dessert box, or the fun, handheld appeal of a marshmallow chocolate pop stick? They then calculated the cost of ingredients per unit. Using practical math, they discovered how the cost of flour, sugar, cocoa, and marshmallows translated into the cost of making a single item. This was their first lesson in cost of goods sold (COGS).
2. Pricing and Profit (The “Math” Phase): Teachers guided students to understand that the selling price must cover costs and generate a profit. This led to vibrant discussions on value “Could they charge more for a chocolate dessert box with intricate decorations? Would a marshmallow pop dipped in premium chocolate and sprinkles be a premium product?” This introduced key concepts of perceived value and profit margins.
3. Marketing and Branding (The “Creative” Phase): Creativity was the key ingredient. Students designed their own brand names, logos, and packaging tailored to their product. A team selling Korean pancake created posters emphasizing “Warm, Sweet, and Authentic!” while the chocolate box team focused on “Luxury Gifts for You!” The marshmallow pop group advertised “The Fun & Tasty Treat!” This was their hands-on lesson in target marketing and brand identity.

• The Entrepreneur Day (The “Marketplace” Phase): The school hall was transformed into a vibrant marketplace. Each class set up their stall, showcasing their beautifully packaged dessert boxes, sizzling pancakes, colorful pop sticks and other products. As “customers” (fellow students, teachers, and parents) arrived, our young entrepreneurs handled money, gave change, delivered practiced sales pitches, and experienced the immediate reward of a satisfied customer. This was the practical application of sales, customer service, and transaction management.

The Secret Ingredient: Skills for the Future

While the smell of chocolate and cooking pancakes was wonderful, the true value of the project lay in the intangible skills students developed:

• Financial Literacy: Moving from abstract math problems to a tangible understanding of money, cost, and profit.
• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: How many pancakes can we cook at once? How do we ensure our chocolate doesn’t melt? How can we attract more customers to our stall?
• Creativity & Innovation: Expressed through their unique product variations and creative branding.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Each team member had a role, from head chef to head of marketing, learning to work together towards a common goal.
• Resilience: Not every pancake was perfect, and not every sale went smoothly. Students learned to adapt and persevere.

A Lasting Impact at Stella Maris International School

The “Sweet & Savory Startup” project was a resounding success. The excited chatter of students discussing their “business revenue” and “customer feedback” was a clear sign of deep engagement. At Stella Maris International School, we believe that entrepreneurship education is not about pressuring children to become CEOs. It is about empowering them with a mindset of creativity, initiative, and financial savvy.

By moving from the classroom to the marketplace with their unique creations, we provide our students with a authentic taste of real-world challenges and triumphs. We are not just teaching them how to make Korean pancakes, chocolate dessert boxes, or marshmallow chocolate pop sticks; we are teaching them how to think, create, and navigate the world with confidence and capability. And that is a lesson they will carry with them long after the last treat has been enjoyed.