So, how would you explain advertising to first graders?
Well, I don’t know. But here’s how I would do it.
Better yet, this is how I DID IT.
I told them I do a big word called advertising.
And the next thing I asked is, what is this?
So I asked the class what this was.
And yes it’s money.
But where does it come from?
Some students said the presidents give it out. Some said it’s at the bank.
How do you earn it?
Clean my room! Do the dishes!
Doesn’t sound like a bad gig….
What if you wanted to turn one dollar into two dollars?
A bank. But what if you didn’t HAVE a bank?
Has anyone done this?
Yes!
So I asked what’s the one most important thing.
They said great stuff like.
Gotta have lemons.
Yes you do!
How about the stand?
Yes you do need a stand.
You gotta have fun!
Great point. No one wants to buy from you if they’re not having fun!
Staying hydrated.
Great answer! Yes everyone needs to stay hydrated!
The teacher chimed in because he knew I was there to talk about advertising. “A Sign!”
Absolutely you need a good sign!
Then we went into which one of these people needs lemonade more.
Yes! Of course! The hotter person needs more lemonade.
Do you want one hot thirsty person or a lot of them?
LOTS!
What if you’ve got lots of cold people and you’re shouting. LEMONADE LEMONADE
Will that work?
NOooooooo
So we got do help people at their level and think about what will help them, right?
Then I asked if anyone of them knew what this was.
Yes! We all know the golden rule!
This was LOT OF FUN!
Because even 6 year olds can get empathy.
Even 6 year old can understand that it’s important to listen and treat people the right way.
And if the connection is good enough, they just might buy. =)