Beads 'n Me
At Franklin Avenue Middle School, Dr. Pryor’s students with special needs are given the opportunity to run a class “business.” The business offers a great opportunity to integrate the curricula across all academic areas. Students complete hands-on measurement lessons using beads, lanyards, and rulers. Students use algebraic variables to solve profit/loss exercises. Students complete money lessons regarding purchasing supplies, using coupons, graphing sales and counting the money in the cash register each day. We make spreadsheets and databases to figure out the best selling necklace, or the month with the most earnings. We vote on items such as where to donate the money. We learn language arts skills by: writing scripts for TV commercials, completing writing lessons using Beads ‘n Me scenarios, reading a script and public speaking. The class manages an email account and a website. The business revolves around: producing, advertising, and distributing beaded ID lanyards, necklaces and eyeglass chains. Proceeds are donated to charity. Since the implementation, the students have designed over 70 different styled lanyards. The class has sold thousands of products. Monetary profits exceed $5,000 to date, but profits from learning and self-esteem have been immeasurable.