The first day of school the students picked whether they wanted to go into a career or college right out of high school. I explained that this decision was permanent. In 2 out of 3 period, most students picked college. The last period was evenly split. They were shocked with the amount rent was going to cost, that they had to pay for utilities, and a school loan if they chose college. I explained that for the first month or two, I would remind them to pay their bills, but after that they would have to look at the calendar to see what was coming up. I also said they could remind each other.
For the first week, we didn't give many red tokens out. It was a honeymoon stage for everyone. We did hand them out this past week, but still let a few minor things go. On Friday, we explained that we aren't going to be as forgiving starting the following week. They know how the classroom runs now, and know how to be on task.
We changed the ping pong balls up because it was taking too long to balance account logs at the end of the period. Now, the green and red chips are numbered 1-143. This allows us to go through the expenses faster because we have the students write the numbers down and then we tell them the amounts. We don't have to wait for them to pick ping pong balls or have them roll off the desks anymore.
We started the year by working one-on-one with each student balancing their account log. Gradually giving the students more independence by giving them the amounts to add up and getting their daily balance on their own. There are still a few that we have to help, but for the most part they have been doing it on their own.
It was so rewarding to hear a student upset because we ran out of time to have them do their account balances on their own. (Had a fire drill near the end of the period) She told me her favorite part of the day was to be able to see how much money she had earned and what her balance is. I told her I am glad that it is her favorite part of class, but we can't have them late to the next class. This is why I started this classroom economy. I feel like I am making a difference and making math class fun!
We also put some blank green tokens. If they receive one of them, they can pick a snack. We are working with adding blank red ones in their too, trying to decide what we want them to be worth.
All students who chose college have to pay their loan payment of $150 on the 20th, I've been reminding them since Monday. They all paid it on time and were not happy to have their money decrease. I also have been reminding them that the rent is due on the 1st, and in order to be able to participate in the auction which is happening on the 30th, they need to have more than $1000 in their account.
I'm so excited for this week because our first auction is this Friday! I will have goodies up for grabs for each class and it will teach the students that saving is rewarding!
It's rewarding to watch the students' faces as they get a green token in their cup. They are excited and want to earn money. It's even made the students take ownership when they get a red token. They know that they didn't do as they are supposed to and respect that. They try hard to not get red tokens and get mad at themselves when they do. It has even increased the amount of homework I receive on-time because they realize there are consequences.
This whole classroom economy is meant to help them become more responsible with money and learn how to balance their account and pay their bills. It's a way to make them think; "Will I have enough money to participate in the auction? Do I have enough money to pay my rent, loan, and utilities? All thoughts, that as adults, we think of everyday.
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| Rules |
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| Calendar of Events |
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| Auction Items |
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| Where the student's put their payment slips |
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