JA Day Joe Lee Johnson Elementary School

Junior Achievement’s elementary school suite of lessons follow the progression of social studies themes and topics. Families, community, economics, civics, and geography intersect with JA’s Pathways of Student Success: financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship to enhance student learning. JA’s curricula support academic growth, experiential learning, and 21st-century learning skills.

Some elementary schools choose to have every grade receive JA programming on the same day. This unique opportunity offers volunteers a way to get involved with Junior Achievement without juggling schedule conflicts or long-term commitments.

The volunteer role in JA Day at an elementary school involves delivering an entire Junior Achievement (JA) program in one school day. Volunteers bring real-world insights and enthusiasm to help students understand key concepts in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Here's what you will do:

1. Prepare for the Day

• Training and Materials: Attend a short training session provided by Junior Achievement to learn about the curriculum and teaching strategies. JA will provide all materials, including session guides, activity sheets, and teaching tools to help you to be successful in the classroom.

• Familiarizing with the Content: Review the specific JA program tailored to the grade level you'll be teaching. Each grade has age-appropriate lessons that align with Junior Achievement's educational goals.

2. Delivering the Lessons: Teaching Multiple Sessions: Deliver 5 interactive lessons throughout the day, each lasting about 30–45 minutes. Topics vary by grade level and include:

• Kindergarten: Understanding basic needs, wants, and community helpers.
• 1st Grade: Exploring jobs, earning money, and the importance of saving.
• 2nd Grade: Learning about communities, production, and resources.
• 3rd Grade: Delving into city planning, careers, and business roles.
• 4th Grade: Understanding regions, industries, and resources.
• 5th Grade: Learning about entrepreneurship, trade, and business success.

3. Engaging and Inspiring Students

• Be a Role Model: Share your personal experiences, explain how the lessons apply to real life, and inspire students to think about their futures.
• Encourage Participation: Foster an inclusive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and contributing to activities.
• Keep It Fun: Use energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to make the lessons engaging and memorable.

4. Collaborating with Educators: Classroom teacher stays with you to manage the class, address behavioral needs, and adapt activities if necessary.

Key Qualities of Volunteers:

Enthusiasm for working with children.

Clear communication and adaptability.

Willingness to share experiences and insights.

Commitment to the full day of activities.

This experience allows volunteers to make a significant impact in a short time, introducing students to foundational life skills in an engaging and fun way.