Getting Started
Many teachers shy away from using a Classroom Economy System in their classroom because it can seem like a daunting program to implement. It really isn't. The first year I did this I literally jumped right in. That year I definitely learned a lot of lessons the hard way- you really need to spend time carefully planning how this system will best fit your classroom. What works for me, might not work for you. And what works well with one group of kids one year, might not work so well with the next group of kids. So before you dive in, consider the following.
Here is a general break down of what you need.
My favorite part of the classroom economy system is watching how each of my students react to it. Some kids immediately figure out the importance of saving while others learn lessons the hard way. "Oh no! I should have saved money for rent instead of spending all of my money at the auction on pencils!" As the year goes on, your students will gain a deeper sense of responsibility, will learn the value of saving, and will truly feel a deep ownership over their own classroom, their learning, and their success as a student.
- First, before school starts plan out how you want a Classroom Economy to work out in your classroom. What jobs do you want to give the kids? How much will you pay each student to complete their jobs? How much will rent be?
- In the first month of school, introduce the economy and take time teaching the students the expectations. I do this in baby steps.
- Finally, continuously monitor your students. While it will quickly begin to run itself, it will never be a completely hands off model for the teacher. It will absolutely make your classroom run more smoothly and will definitely be a highlight for most of the kids- but there will always be times where you will need to provide guidance to students.
Here is a general break down of what you need.
- Classified Ads: This is the fun part! Hand kids a "Classroom Classified Ads" posting all of the available jobs.
- Job Application: Have the kids apply for classroom jobs. This application mimics real job applications and even includes a reference section!
- A Banking System: I like MyKidsBank.org. In the past, I have used various paper based forms that required students to do all of the debit and credit calculations by hand. There are benefits to this system, however mykidsbank.org helps to keep track of things much more accurately.
- A Classroom Currency. I use Scholar Dollars
- Checks: You can download this for free.
- Other forms: Fine Tickets, Unpaid Rent Notices, Bank Logs, and Tax Forms.
My favorite part of the classroom economy system is watching how each of my students react to it. Some kids immediately figure out the importance of saving while others learn lessons the hard way. "Oh no! I should have saved money for rent instead of spending all of my money at the auction on pencils!" As the year goes on, your students will gain a deeper sense of responsibility, will learn the value of saving, and will truly feel a deep ownership over their own classroom, their learning, and their success as a student.