Setting up a System that Works for You
To start a Classroom Economy, you need to decide on a few things:
Again, your system needs to be set up to fit your classroom needs. For my economy there are a few things I find useful.
- A set of student jobs. (Here are my Classroom Classifieds)
- The cost of Monthly rent.
- A list of how to earn more money (bonuses).
- A list of fines for violating class rules.
Again, your system needs to be set up to fit your classroom needs. For my economy there are a few things I find useful.
- The main job of each student is to be a student. This means it is impossible to pay rent by simply completing the classroom job they signed up for. I always set rent higher than job pay. Students earn the additional cash they need for rent by completing homework and classwork. The lowest paying job in my class is $550 and the highest is $700. I usually set rent at $850. Students are able to earn $400 a month for completing homework and classwork. This gives everyone an opportunity to save money or spend it in the student store or auction.
- Every student needs a job and not all jobs are created equally. Some jobs are harder or more time consuming than others. These are the jobs that should have higher salaries. The bankers, the news directors and the custodians typically earn the most in my room.
- Decide whether jobs are for the entire year or change quarterly. I go back and forth with this one. Last year the kids maintained the same job for the entire year. This was simply easier for me but admittedly, the kids enjoy switching jobs. Switching jobs means retraining everyone. This takes time and usually mid-year 4th grade with a class size of 36 I don't have much time.
- The jobs and duties you choose for the economy need to fit the way you run your classroom. Jobs responsibilities should be simple enough for students to complete without constant supervision. Remember- one of the main benefits of this system is to make your job easier.
- Provide many opportunities to earn bonus cash. Most of the cash earned is simply for being a student. This is given in their pay checks. I do provide some opportunities for earning extra cash, but I try to guide my students to be more intrinsically motivated. Students can earn cash however by being the "Stellar Table" etc.... I like walking around the classroom with $5s or $1s to give kids a silent "Thank You" for just being a great kid.
Next: The First Days