Ice Cream Helps Deliver Life Lesson

There is a lot to love about ice cream. It just might be America’s favorite dessert. Turns out ice cream can also help deliver life lessons.

Earlier this year, a school teacher in Michigan invited a local ice cream shop owner to deliver a lesson in money and economics to some elementary school students. Dozens of youngsters were taught about supply and demand, goods and services and how certain things (like money) can sometimes be scarce in life.

They also learned about some of the things that go into running a small business. The ice cream shop was used as an example of such a business.

The students’ teacher had hoped to take the students to a local ice cream shop, but funding was not available. So, the business owner came to the students. She explained how terms like goods, service, producer and consumer related to the ice cream business. Students were then tested on their newfound knowledge to see what they had learned.

Among the things they learned was the difference between good and services. Goods, they learned, are things that can be touched, like an ice cream cone. Services, like a haircut, cannot be touched.

Ice cream and toppings were used as sweet treats and learning tools. The students were served vanilla ice cream. If they wanted to add toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup or sprinkles, they had to “pay” for the toppings by agreeing to read 20 minutes at home.

We love this example of how ice cream was used in the classroom, both as a treat and as a learning tool. We also appreciate the ice cream shop owner taking time to give back to the community. A favorite ice cream shop, locally owned and operated, can be a special place in a community. It’s a place where memories are created and delicious ice cream is enjoyed by family and friends.