Barter is an ancient way of commerce: people exchange goods or services directly without using a medium of exchange such, as currency. Usually, the things exchanged or traded have almost the same value in terms of money. Barter is most useful when two people each have something that the other wants. That being the case, they decide on the items to be exchanged and then make the trade. This is also true of services. For example, a plumber can fix a tap in a grocery store and get a few daily necessities in return as payment. 

    Now, this old method of conducting business has taken a new form. In the old days, barters usually took place between two parties. Over time, organized barter exchanges have developed, which means we now have third-party bartering. A barter exchange serves as a broker and also as a banlc in which each member has an account. When a purchase is made, “trade dollars” are taken away from the buyer’s account and added to the seller’s account. Of course, this can be done electronically now. There are online barter networks available that make it much easier to trade with many businesses. 

    Bartering tends to become more popular in times of struggling economies. Since trade dollars are used, this form of exchange appeals especially to businesses that are short of cash. Also, it helps get rid of excess goods or services, that is, those that aren’t sold. If, say, a restaurant needs to have its carpet cleaned, it can provide catering service in its opening yet free hours for a carpet cleaner that needs a feast. What’s more, it can draw in many new customers through this expanding network. Next time, when you find yourself in need of something, don’t buy but try bartering!

In our kindergarten class, we constantly encouraged children to recognize and accept strengths in themselves and others. We daily promoted the concept of “family.” We truly cared, nurtured, embraced and loved each other. One of our strongest class 36 was, “We will say only kind things to each other.” The children became cheerleaders for one another in attempts as well as successes. When someone had difficulty with a task, another child often said, “ 37 .” Standing ovations were given throughout the day for acts of efforts. 

 One day the children were seated on the floor eagerly relating experiences about springtime when Michael raised his hand. Michael often raised his hand, but he couldn’t speak. Because of the safe, inviting environment we had established, his enthusiasm to learn never seemed to 38 . I recognized him each time he raised his hand, and we all gave him time to respond at his own comfort level, hoping this would be the time he’d talk. Then, after a few minutes, I would respond as if he 39 . “Michael, that was a good try.” We then proceeded with our lesson.

 When Michael raised his hand again this day, the class and I eagerly waited, as usual. And 40 , he spoke! The children and I were so amazed and joyous; the energy in the room was overwhelming. One of my class angels spoke first, “That was a great wrong answer!” The class immediately stood and gave him a standing ovation.