Class Economy

Our class will implement a classroom economy system during this school year. It’s an excellent tool for teaching financial responsibility and many other things, and I think the students will enjoy it. I want to let you know how it works.

Using classroom “currency,” students earn money for jobs and pay rent for their desks. Students will apply for the class jobs they want at the beginning of the year. Watch for a job application to come home. Some jobs require a letter of recommendation. Students can earn bonus cash by participating in extracurricular activities, helping others, and earning excellent grades. On the other hand, students who don’t meet classroom expectations will be fined some of their classroom dollars. That could happen, for example, if they don’t complete assignments or don’t listen when other students are speaking.

The classroom economy helps students learn valuable life skills such as organization, the value of saving, and delayed gratification. Rather than being told about the importance of these skills, they actually experience them. In addition, the system fits in well with of our curriculum.

We’ll also have a little fun with it. After paying rent, students can save money to spend on auctions where they get to bid on popular items. Or extra class privileges. The students will certainly enjoy themselves, and I know you will appreciate the skills and knowledge they learn along the way.

Don’t be surprised if your student comes home one day with questions about paying rent or regrets about overbidding for an auction item. You might find it a great opportunity to have a thoughtful discussion about financial responsibility.

If you have any questions about the classroom economy, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Wall