As children start to head back to school, I wonder how many of them saved up some money this summer. I saw a few lemonade stands, which always bring me back to the time when I was a child. My lemonade stand was actually a homemade cookie stand!
Lemonade stands are a symbol of the American dream. Even the youngest of children can start a business, given the right tools and guidance from adults. But lemonade stands are not for babies. Since many teenagers and adults have no idea how to start a successful business, people of all ages can learn so much from starting at square one.
Never underestimate the power of a lemonade stand! So much can be learned about coins, making money, profit and loss, and supply and demand. The best part is, children won't even realize they're learning because they'll be having so much fun along the way. Well, if you cherry pick a location where customers will find you, that is!
Well, as the school year starts, you may not have time to sell lemonade with your child. But that doesn't mean you can't read about the process, right? You might just get the wheels of entrepreneurship spinning in your child's head, and that recipe can be stirred up any time of year.
So, I'd like to recommend some related books for all ages. Here they are:
- A Dollar For Penny (Step-Into-Reading, Step 2)
, by Julie Glass. How much should you charge for a glass of lemonade? Find out the basics, and how to count American coins. Perfect for ages 4 through 8, especially those who are learning how to sort and count coins up to one dollar.
- The Lunch Line (Hello Math Reader, Level 3)
, by Karen Berman Nagel and Marilyn Burns. What can you buy for lunch when you only have 2 quarters and 5 dimes? If your 6 to 9 year old is just starting to explore the school cafeteria, you won't want to miss this one.
- Lemons And Lemonade: A Book About Supply And Demand (Money Matters)
, by Nancy Loewen. Introduces simple concepts of economics through a fictional story. For ages 7 through 10.
- Lemonade for Sale (MathStart 3)
, by Stuart J. Murphy. Throw bar graphs into the mix as well. For ages 7 though 10.
- Beyond the Lemonade Stand
, by Bill Rancic. Budding entrepreneurs, between the ages of 8 and 12, will get a lot out of this nonfiction book.
- The Little Entrepreneur Takes Flight (The Little Entrepreneur)
, by Michael J. Harper and Jay Arrington. Dream big and be inspired. For ages 8 through 12.
- Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need For Success in Your Career, Business, and Investments (An ... Book) (Maybury, Rick. "Uncle Eric" Book.)
, by Richard J. Maybury. If you really want to understand economics (it can be an intimidating subject), this must-read book for teenagers and adults breaks it all down for you. Tweens may also enjoy reading it along with adults. Have American coins and bills handy when you read this one!
So, if you or your child have anxiety about money math or starting a small business, why not turn lemons into lemonade with these books? They could be just the ingredients you need.
Please note that you can find other posts relating to American coins and money in the math resources category on the sidebar.
Have a great week!
