Lesson Overview

In this lesson, Olivia will transition from "doing chores" to "running a service business." She will learn how to identify high-value tasks, negotiate fair pay, and track her earnings using professional business principles adapted for a 10-year-old.

Materials Needed

• Poster board or large paper
• Colored markers or pens
• "The Chore Menu" template (or a blank notebook)
• A "Client Contract" (printed or handwritten)
• Three clear jars or envelopes labeled: Save, Spend, Share

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, Olivia will be able to:

• Distinguish between "household responsibilities" (unpaid) and "value-added services" (paid).
• Calculate the value of a job based on time and difficulty.
• Present a professional "pitch" to a parent/guardian to earn a commission.
• Create a visual tracking system for income and goals.

Part 1: The Hook (Introduction)

The Scenario: "Olivia, imagine you are the CEO of 'Olivia’s Helpful Hands, Inc.' Right now, you might do chores because you're told to. But what if you looked at your house like a marketplace? Your parents have problems (like a messy car or a weedy garden), and you have the solution (your time and effort). Today, we aren't just cleaning; we are building a business plan to help you reach your savings goals!"

The Big Question: What is one thing you really want to buy or save for right now? Keep that goal in your mind—that is your 'Why'!

Part 2: The "I Do" (Teacher Modeling)

Concept: Responsibility vs. Commission

As the educator, explain that not every task earns money. In a home, some things are done because we are a team.

• Team Tasks (Unpaid): Making your bed, putting your dishes in the dishwasher, cleaning your own room. These are "the cost of living in the house."
• Business Tasks (Paid): Washing the baseboards, pulling weeds in the yard, organizing the Tupperware cabinet, or washing the car. These are "extra value" jobs.

Modeling the Value Scale: Show Olivia how to price a job.
Example: "Wiping the table takes 2 minutes and is easy ($0.50). Washing the car takes 45 minutes and is hard work ($5.00). We price jobs based on Time + Effort."

Part 3: The "We Do" (Guided Practice)

Activity: The Brainstorming Session

Together, grab a piece of paper and divide it into three columns. Let's brainstorm what jobs are available in "the market" (your home).

1. The Quick Fixes: (5-10 minutes) - e.g., Dusting the living room, watering plants.
2. The Deep Cleans: (20-30 minutes) - e.g., Vacuuming the whole house, cleaning windows.
3. The Big Projects: (1 hour+) - e.g., Helping organize the garage, raking all the leaves.

Negotiation Role-Play: Practice how to ask for a job.
Olivia: "I noticed the windows are looking a bit smudgey. If I clean all the downstairs windows today, would you be willing to pay a $4.00 commission?"
Parent: "That sounds fair, but only if you use the streak-free spray and wipe the sills too."

Part 4: The "You Do" (Independent Application)

Task 1: Create Your "Menu of Services"

Olivia will create a colorful "Menu" of the jobs she is willing to do. Each item should have a price and a "Success Criteria" (what a 'good job' looks like).
Example: "Car Wash - $7.00. Success = No soap bubbles left, tires are shiny, and dry with a towel."

Task 2: The Goal Jar

Set up the three jars (Save, Spend, Share). Olivia should write her "Big Goal" on a sticky note and tape it to the "Save" jar.

Task 3: The First Pitch

Olivia must choose one job from her menu and officially "pitch" it to her parent. If agreed upon, she performs the task immediately to earn her first commission.

Part 5: Conclusion & Recap

• Summary: Being a Chore CEO means looking for ways to be helpful and earning a reward for extra hard work.
• Review: What is the difference between a "Team Task" and a "Business Task"? How do we decide how much a job is worth?
• The Handshake: Sign a "Work Agreement" together to make it official!

Success Criteria

Olivia has succeeded in this lesson if she:

• Identified at least 5 "Business Tasks" in the home.
• Created a visual "Menu of Services" with clear pricing.
• Successfully negotiated and completed one "commission" task.
• Can explain why washing her own cereal bowl is a "Team Task" and not a "Business Task."

Differentiation & Adaptability

• For More Challenge: Olivia can create a "Loyalty Card." (e.g., "Buy 4 lawn mowings, get the 5th one 50% off for the client"). This introduces marketing concepts.
• For Scaffolding: If pricing is hard, use a simple "Star System." 1 star = $1, 2 stars = $2. Assign stars to tasks based on difficulty.
• Digital Option: Instead of a poster, Olivia can use Canva or Google Slides to create her Menu of Services.

Assessment

Formative: Observation during the "Negotiation Role-Play" to ensure she uses professional language.

Summative: The completion of the "Menu of Services" poster and the successful completion of the first "contracted" chore to the parent's satisfaction.