free enterprise (well for $16 per student)

i am a huge believer in active and hands-on learning and enterprise village is probably the best example of this.  for many weeks, the 4th and 5th grade students have been busy preparing for their day on the "job."  wyatt learned to write a check, balance a checkbook, the process of business and free enterprise, and the importance of savings, charity, and responsibility.  he was required to choose a career, fill out a job application, and complete a job interview.  though he did not receive his first choice position of supply clerk at mcdonald's, the position of advertising agent at the newspaper was very fitting.  we arrived at the village and went straight to work.  the business manager needed to go to the bank of america to get a loan.  upon returning from the bank (which was about 30 feet away across the "courtyard"),  an employee went and purchased supplies and doors opened about 20 minutes later.  after the first shift, the "bookkeeper" handed out paychecks which the students would take to the bank to deposit.  they, then, could go shopping (for real) on their break at all the local shops (bic store, cvs, sweetbay to name a few), get a check up at the hospital, visit the dali museum, or view a movie.  brighthouse networks visited each business and delivered a remote control.  upon turning on the t.v., we found the students that worked at hsn selling products live on air.  students could visit the printing store to get an i.d. badge and then could stop by the bucs shop.  we could call on the phone that was hooked up to request a song at the radio station.  the lawyers worked busily on several cases (mcdonalds was being sued since someone slipped on a pickle) and the mayor worked on his speech to deliver the results of the voting done during the day.  the recycling company visited and the charity came by to deliver and then pick up the collection cans (i was so proud of wyatt---he donated 4 times!).  as ad agent, wyatt visited every store manager and sold ads.  he then delivered the ads back to the newspaper for editing and printing and  he had to go back to collect payments.  the best part for him (even with tired legs) was walking around selling papers at the end of the day.  25 cents gets you all the days news.  it was a great position for him.  i was assigned mcdonalds for the day.  i was able to help the 4 students assigned there sell and distribute snacks and then lunch (mcnuggets, burgers, cookies, and milk).  wyatt loved coming by and purchasing a fanta.  it was like free enterprise disney world!  it really was a great day!  cannot wait to do it with owen!  he too wants to work at mcdonalds.  we will see in a few years!