Imagine a classroom management plan where you can pass something tangible out for good behavior on the spot. Students can feel the success immediately and then stay focused on engaging in their work or behave a certain way. A classroom economy can help make this happen!
A classroom economy system will help students take ownership of the classroom. It can also help with learning real-world financial literacy in a fun way. Setting up your classroom economy strategically will pay you dividends down the road.
Introduction of the Classroom Economy to Students
When introducing the classroom economy system to the students, you will want to get them excited about the classroom economy. First, show them what the money looks like. Next, tell them how they will be getting paid. Then, show them what they can earn whether it is Reward Coupons Freebies, classroom prizes (from Amazon), or other Classroom Management Strategies. Last, tell them how they can lose money or be ”fined.” If you can, you can show the “fine” sheet on the board for visual learners.
There are usually a lot of questions during this time. Tell your students to wait for their questions until you are done explaining the classroom economy system. The more information you give, the less questions there should be.
There are always the inevitable “what if” questions. The most common question I get is what if I’m fined and I don’t have enough money? This is a very good question. I have my students develop a savings account before they can spend money. I tell them to keep $50 in it. For example, if a no-name paper costs $25, then you would want more than $25 in your students’ savings account so that they are prepared for other purchases or fines.
Use a Classroom Economy for your Classroom Management System
Maybe you are already using another behavior system such as Clip Charts, Behavior Calendars, Reward Coupons, & Trackers. You can still keep that system or just use the Classroom Economy. Just like other classroom management systems, it’s important to be firm in the beginning when using a classroom economy. I like to use classroom cash as a reward; however, there are times when there must be a consequence for the student’s actions. For instance, if you choose to fine students $20 for talking, then follow through.
My students are paid $10 in classroom money for good behavior each day. You can increase or lower this amount depending on your need for good behavior.
You can track good behavior by having a student fill out a Individual Student Behavior Tracker & Think Sheet, keep your current behavior system, or use a “fine” ticket which you can have the students fill out and they must return it with a parent’s signature. You can put out a tracker to have students checkmark the box to track fines for behavior or make it part of the classroom jobs.
In a Classroom Economy System, there is also the option of giving out “desk citations” for messy desks or bonuses for clean desks. This will remind students to keep their areas tidy without having to constantly repeat yourself.
Overall, there are many class reward system ideas out there. But a classroom economy system can help your classroom run smoothly with the help of your students. Here are my Emoji Class Money, Superhero Currency Cash, or regular Class Cash to use with the classroom economy reward and system!
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