Teacher Trek

Investing Activities

Classified Opportunities

Purpose:

Students learn to search the Wall Street Journal for business opportunities.

Materials:

Wall Street Journal 1 per student (or 1 per 2 students)

Highlighters 1 per student

Instructions:

Have students find Section B of the Wall Street Journal. This section is called "The Marketplace." The articles in this section are mostly about advertising, marketing, business management, and technology. A major feature of Section B is a business classified section called "The Mart," usually the last few pages of the section.
Have students find "The Mart." Then instruct them to read some of the ads in this section and circle or highlight any business opportunities that sound interesting.
Finally, ask students to share their favorite opportunities and explain why these ads caught their attention. Listen for business terms you have been teaching the students. This is an excellent opportunity to review the terms and apply them to real-life situations.
Point out that students can call the toll-free numbers in the ads or visit Websites of companies and get free information. Caution students to discuss opportunities with a qualified business advisor before taking any action (other than getting free information). The goal of having students inquire about the opportunities is to allow them to observe marketing techniques used by major companies.
If you have extra time, discuss the wording and design of the ads. Which ads grab your attention because of their design? Which ads grab your attention because of their content? What words get your attention the most? What graphics are most appealing?