Students will experience a micro economy system in the classroom using a program called, "My Classroom Economy". This program allows students to practice real world responsibilities, and enhances classroom curriculum and behavior management. To learn more about this program, please watch the video and read the implementation details below. Thank you.
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Real World Connection
At the beginning of school year, the class will learn rudimentary lessons about real-world economic terms and practices. This will lay a foundation for our Classroom Economy program. It will also make a meaningful connection between real-world responsibilities and the system we establish in our classroom. The foundational content that we will focus on includes, but is not limited to:
At the beginning of school year, the class will learn rudimentary lessons about real-world economic terms and practices. This will lay a foundation for our Classroom Economy program. It will also make a meaningful connection between real-world responsibilities and the system we establish in our classroom. The foundational content that we will focus on includes, but is not limited to:
- Applying, interviewing, hiring, and training for a job (and a glimpse at being fired)
- Earning money (monthly paycheck from annual salary) (and a glimpse at different level salaries)
- Being a good steward of money (saving vs. spending and tithing 10%)
- Paying bills (i.e. energy, mortgage/rent, water, Internet, insurance)
- Paying taxes on salary and where tax dollars go
- Using a bank (i.e. depositing money, withdrawing money, etc.)
- Earning bonuses (i.e. job, income tax, etc.) and paying fines (i.e. littering, speeding)
- Being a consumer (shopping, buying items, spending money on services - good and services)
- Vocabulary terms: salary, income, mortgage, rent, deposit, withdrawal, tithe, percentage, income tax, reconcile, paycheck, fines, bills, bonuses, payment
- Additional Vocabulary terms used in My Classroom Economy: check book, deposit slip, accountability log, transaction receipt, process payments/deposits
Resources for Colleagues
screenshot_2016-11-07_21.26.39.png |
bills_-_november.docx |
fined_during_music_class.docx |
list_of_jobs_and_salary.docx |
letter_home_about_classroom_economy.docx |
mykidsbank_login_information_for_bankers_new.docx |
mykidsbank_login_information_for_class.xlsx |
mykidsbank_login_information_for_class_labels.docx |
paychecks.xlsx |
writing_a_personal_check_-_rewards_and_blank_checks.docx |
Click the link below to download the "My Classroom Economy" materials for your grade.
https://www.myclassroomeconomy.org/materials.html
https://www.myclassroomeconomy.org/materials.html
Job Descriptions
Jobs and Responsibilities - maybe have 2 people per job so they can work together and hold each other accountable.
There will be a whole-class introduction to each job, which will serve as a mini job-training session as well as give students an overview of all the jobs offered.
There will be a whole-class introduction to each job, which will serve as a mini job-training session as well as give students an overview of all the jobs offered.
- Clerk/Secretary? - gives pay checks? attendance?
- Messenger - maybe they handle any money that comes into the classroom for the office
- Give bankers my banker number, username, and password. I can change the password each time someone new gets the job. Maybe associate banker handles the real life money that comes in.
- Person who goes through papers in brown mailbox, check marks that people have turned them in, puts it in alphabetical order, and writes fines for those who don't title paper right, or didn't turn in homework on time, checks the "Not Sure Where This Paper Should Go" shelf.
- Takes no name papers and puts them on the board with magnets
- The only reason why one person would be hired for more than one job is if someone who does not want a job does not want to apply for the job.
- Snack person? Is there a snack time at school?
- Mailperson - passes out graded work into the "blue p.o. boxes". Maybe this person also checks that students have checked in the Brown "Turn-In Shelves"
- Paper collector: this person collects from all of the captains' at their seat, or from the person who passed down the papers. Maybe they look in the money, or notes box and do the next step with them, like take to office.
Mail People (2)
...The mail people are in charge of students' papers. The qualifications for this job are: ......Mail people's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ....students may have an assigned range of numbers/or students they will deliver to...
...The mail people are in charge of students' papers. The qualifications for this job are: ......Mail people's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ....students may have an assigned range of numbers/or students they will deliver to...
- Collecting papers from students' desk
- Putting collected papers in number order
- Placing completed assignment stacks in the tray called "Papers Ready for Ms. Brown"
- Passing out papers onto students' desks
- Passing out desk shields onto students' desks
- Putting graded papers into students' P.O. boxes (without talking about the grades students' got)
- Use your Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, your job
- This job pays $? a week
Custodians (4)
The custodians are in charge of keeping the classroom clean and tidy. The qualifications for this job are: ... Custodian responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
The custodians are in charge of keeping the classroom clean and tidy. The qualifications for this job are: ... Custodian responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Erasing the chalk board then wiping it with water at the end of the day
- Erasing the dry erase board then wiping it with Expo cleaner at the end of the day
- Hand-picking items off the floor whenever they seem them on the floor. They will use their discernment whether to put the items in the lost and found or throw them away.
- Vacuuming the carpet at the end of the day. Then charging the vacuum at the end of the day.
- Emptying the vacuum's contents into the trash at the end of the week.
- Cleaning the windows with windex and paper towels at the end of the week.
- Cleaning the puzzle pieces with water and a rag at the end of the week.
- Use your Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, your job
- This job pays $? a week
Electrician (1)
...turns off classroom ceiling lights
...turns off classroom lamps
...unplugs projector and puts it against wall when not in use
...plugs in and moves projector in place when
this job pays $? a week
...turns off classroom ceiling lights
...turns off classroom lamps
...unplugs projector and puts it against wall when not in use
...plugs in and moves projector in place when
this job pays $? a week
Librarian (2)
The librarians work in the classroom library. The qualifications for this job are: to know how to organize stacks of books, be able to alphabetize book titles, and be willing to read-aloud to a group of students. Other responsibilities the Librarian could be asked to do:
The librarians work in the classroom library. The qualifications for this job are: to know how to organize stacks of books, be able to alphabetize book titles, and be willing to read-aloud to a group of students. Other responsibilities the Librarian could be asked to do:
- Mute the music when pledges come over the intercom during morning routine
- Keep the bookshelves organized and neat
- Reshelf books after students read them
- Help inventory the books
- Alphabetize the books
- Maintain the timer while students browse the classroom library
- Return school library books to the school library
- Repair the books in the "hospital"
- Separate Ms. Brown's books from the classroom's AR books
- Maintain Recommendation Station that suggest what books students should read
- Check books out and in for students taking books out of the classroom
- Read aloud to class
- Use your Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, your job
- This job pays $? a week
Secretary (1)
The secretary is the teacher's assistant. The qualifications for this job are: being responsible with important tasks, knowing responsibilities and doing a task without being asked, and having good organization. The secretary's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
The secretary is the teacher's assistant. The qualifications for this job are: being responsible with important tasks, knowing responsibilities and doing a task without being asked, and having good organization. The secretary's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Silently taking attendance daily and recording it on the chart given
- Updating attendance chart when a student comes in tardy or leaves school early
- Putting "Absent Folders" on students' desks who are absent by 8:15am.
- Filling out the "While You Were Out" paper for student's agenda
- Gathering work and putting it inside "Absent Folders" for students who are absent/tardy
- Using an assignment check list to mark off who has turned in their papers
- Filing papers into student folders
- Use your Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, your job
- This job pays $? a week
Police Officers (1 boy and 1 girl)
Qualifications: to not abuse the little power of the job,
The bathroom monitors (one for girls' room, one for boys' room) supervise that students are making good behavior choices in the restroom. The qualifications for this job are: honest reporting, courage to report bad behavior of any student, politely giving commands. The bathroom monitors' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
...bathroom monitors
...mediator
...second set of eyes
...They can help monitor behavior, but not serve as a tattle tale. Students can come talk to the police officer if there is an issue before coming to me.
....not a tattle tale, but an upholder of our classroom rules
...delivers fines to students, makes sure they write a check?
...may give polite commands like "please pick up your trash". If students backtalk and are rude to the police officer, they may be fined by the police officer. If there are several complaints about the police officer abusing the power
...helpful eye in line, special area, to help give warnings (mostly visual silent warnings, but verbal ones are allowed)
Qualifications: to not abuse the little power of the job,
The bathroom monitors (one for girls' room, one for boys' room) supervise that students are making good behavior choices in the restroom. The qualifications for this job are: honest reporting, courage to report bad behavior of any student, politely giving commands. The bathroom monitors' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
...bathroom monitors
...mediator
...second set of eyes
...They can help monitor behavior, but not serve as a tattle tale. Students can come talk to the police officer if there is an issue before coming to me.
....not a tattle tale, but an upholder of our classroom rules
...delivers fines to students, makes sure they write a check?
...may give polite commands like "please pick up your trash". If students backtalk and are rude to the police officer, they may be fined by the police officer. If there are several complaints about the police officer abusing the power
...helpful eye in line, special area, to help give warnings (mostly visual silent warnings, but verbal ones are allowed)
- Monitoring from the corner of the restroom, on the same wall as the entry door
- Politely commanding students to do things preventing time waste (i.e. playing at sink, wasting time in stall, shooting baskets into the trashcan, etc.)
- Politely reminding students to wash at the sink with soap and throw away paper towels
- Calling in next student(s) to use the stalls
- When necessary, reporting to Ms. Brown when a student is making bad choices in the bathroom.
- delivering fines to students' desks
- Use your Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, your job
- This job pays $? a week
Equipment Manager (1)
The equipment manager is in charge of recess equipment. The qualifications for this job are: gathering scattered equipment quickly. The equipment manager's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
The equipment manager is in charge of recess equipment. The qualifications for this job are: gathering scattered equipment quickly. The equipment manager's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Taking out recess equipment bag
- Gathering all equipment that is scattered at the end of recess and putting it into the bag
- Bringing the recess bag back into the classroom
- This job pays $? a week
Supplies Manager (1)
The supplies manager is... The qualifications for this job are:... The supplies manager's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
school supplies
lost and found
sharpening pencils
organizing shelves
keeping inventory to know what we might need more of
replenishing paper towel and tissues when last one is used
passing out supplies that students need to borrow, and recording who is borrowing supplies (i.e. glue sticks)
This job pays $? a week
The supplies manager is... The qualifications for this job are:... The supplies manager's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
school supplies
lost and found
sharpening pencils
organizing shelves
keeping inventory to know what we might need more of
replenishing paper towel and tissues when last one is used
passing out supplies that students need to borrow, and recording who is borrowing supplies (i.e. glue sticks)
- Use your Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, your job
This job pays $? a week
Emergency Responder (1)
a lot of hypothetical things. Might not have a lot to do if no "emergencies" happen...as needed basis
- walks students to nurse if/when necessary
- gets bandaid for students
- if someone throws up in the class, the responder will go to the front office and ask for the sanitary precautions because someone got sick in our room.
- grabs backpack to go outside during emergency drills
- if something happens to Ms. Brown (i.e. faints) they will push the overcome button and be the one to talk to Ms. Beth
- puts the cover over the door when an intruder drill is happening
- this job pays $? a week
a lot of hypothetical things. Might not have a lot to do if no "emergencies" happen...as needed basis
- walks students to nurse if/when necessary
- gets bandaid for students
- if someone throws up in the class, the responder will go to the front office and ask for the sanitary precautions because someone got sick in our room.
- grabs backpack to go outside during emergency drills
- if something happens to Ms. Brown (i.e. faints) they will push the overcome button and be the one to talk to Ms. Beth
- puts the cover over the door when an intruder drill is happening
- this job pays $? a week
Bankers (4)
Bankers are in charge or processing students' money. The qualifications for these jobs are: to be good at math, entering data into the computer, and having neat handwriting. There will be a few bankers: 1) The Deposit Banker, 2) The Payment Banker, and 3) The Associate Bankers. Each banker will have a separate inbox where the class will turn in their stapled papers. Bankers will be in charge of taking the slips out of the inbox, recording on the accountability log, updating students' bank accounts on MyKidsBank.org on computers and iPads, and filing the slips. These jobs pay $? a week.
The Deposit Banker will:
The Payment Banker will:
The Associate Bankers will:
Bankers are in charge or processing students' money. The qualifications for these jobs are: to be good at math, entering data into the computer, and having neat handwriting. There will be a few bankers: 1) The Deposit Banker, 2) The Payment Banker, and 3) The Associate Bankers. Each banker will have a separate inbox where the class will turn in their stapled papers. Bankers will be in charge of taking the slips out of the inbox, recording on the accountability log, updating students' bank accounts on MyKidsBank.org on computers and iPads, and filing the slips. These jobs pay $? a week.
The Deposit Banker will:
- Use Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, the job
- Check Deposit Inbox and take out students' deposit slips. Only go through one deposit slip at a time.
- Write the deposit slip information in the Accountability Log.
- Log into your banker account on MyKidsBank.org.
- Click on "Make a deposit into one or more accounts" on the right side.
- Use the information from the deposit slip to enter the date, the description, the amount, and the account holder's name. Click submit.
- When the confirmation pops up, review the information to be sure it is correct. Then, click submit.
- Repeat the process for the next student's deposit slip.
- File the deposit slip (now called a transaction receipt) into that student's pocket in "Completed Transaction Receipt" area.
The Payment Banker will:
- Use Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, the job
- Check Payment Inbox and take out students' payment slips. Only go through one payment slip at a time. Students will be paying for bills and fines.
- Write the payment slip information into the Accountability Log.
- Log into your banker account on MyKidsBank.org
- Click on "Make a withdrawal from one or more accounts" on the right side.
- Use the information from the payment slip to enter the date, the description, the amount, and the account holder's name. Click submit.
- When the confirmation pops up, review the information to be sure it is correct. Then, click submit.
- Repeat the process for the next student's payment slip.
- File the payment slip (now called a transaction receipt) into that student's pocket in the "Completed Transaction Receipts" area.
- File the fine receipts into Ms. Brown's "Tray for Fines".
The Associate Bankers will:
- Use Study Hall time at the end of the day to do, or finish doing, the job
- Assist the other bankers however they need help, especially when their inbox is overwhelming.
- Share the banker responsibilities, which include: recording on bankers' accountability log, adding transactions into students' accounts on MyKidsBank.org, and filing the transaction receipts where they belong.
- Process the payments during times of rewards (such as store/auction, cookie parties, lunch bunch, etc.)
- Be a substitute for the bankers when they are absent.
- Help Ms. Brown handle the real-life money that comes into classroom (for things like lunch, field trips, etc.)
As the need arises, jobs may be created.
Our Economy Details
Bonuses
Bonuses are rewards, given by Ms. Brown in the form of a check. Students will create a deposit slip, update their checkbook, staple the slip to their bonus check, and turn it into the Deposit Banker's inbox. (Refer to "Depositing a Check" on this website for more details.) Students will receive bonus checks for:
Bonuses are rewards, given by Ms. Brown in the form of a check. Students will create a deposit slip, update their checkbook, staple the slip to their bonus check, and turn it into the Deposit Banker's inbox. (Refer to "Depositing a Check" on this website for more details.) Students will receive bonus checks for:
- Perfect score on a test $?
- Organized and tidy desk upon random inspection $?
- Outstanding behavior choices noticed by Ms. Brown or another teacher $?
- Other bonuses might be added depending on the behavior
Fines
Fines are consequences, given by Ms. Brown in the form of a slip of paper. Students will write a check, update their checkbook, staple the slip to their check, and turn it into the Payment Banker's inbox. (Refer to "Making a Payment for Bills and Fines" for more details.) Students will receive fines for:
Fines are consequences, given by Ms. Brown in the form of a slip of paper. Students will write a check, update their checkbook, staple the slip to their check, and turn it into the Payment Banker's inbox. (Refer to "Making a Payment for Bills and Fines" for more details.) Students will receive fines for:
- Unorganized and messy desk upon random inspection $?
- Passing notes $?
- Disrespectful words or actions to others $?
- Interrupting class (such as passing notes, talking when supposed to be quiet) $?
- Paper without proper heading (first and last name, date, class number, and title assignment if loose leaf paper) $?
- Other fines might be added depending on the behavior)
Bills
Just like adults have to pay bills in the real-world, students will pay bills in the classroom. Students will write checks for the classroom electricity, water, and internet.
Students will also write checks for their mortgage (their desk, chair, and backpack space). Students may choose to pay the monthly amount or save up their money to pay off their mortgage so they won't have to make monthly payments.
Just like adults have to pay bills in the real-world, students will pay bills in the classroom. Students will write checks for the classroom electricity, water, and internet.
- Electricity monthly bill $?
- Water monthly bill $?
- Internet monthly bill $?
- Insurance monthly bill $?
- Taxes $? - shown how much is taken out of paycheck?
- Tithing 10% of income
Students will also write checks for their mortgage (their desk, chair, and backpack space). Students may choose to pay the monthly amount or save up their money to pay off their mortgage so they won't have to make monthly payments.
- Mortgage monthly payment $?
- Paying off mortgage $
Pay Day
Pay days are when students receive their salary paychecks from Ms. Brown. Their salary comes from their classroom job and from being a student in Ms. Brown's class. Paychecks will be delivered either to students' P.O. boxes, or their desks. Students will sign the back of their paycheck. During the appropriate class time, students will record in their checkbook, fill out a deposit slip, staple them together, and turn it into the Deposit Banker's inbox. (Refer to "Depositing a Check" on this webpage for more details). If it's not an appropriate time to deposit their check, students may place it into their classroom wallet and complete the transaction at a more appropriate time. If there isn't school on a Friday, pay day will happen on the following Friday. If a student is absent, they are not docked for their student salary. If absences or tardies are excessive, students will be fined.
Pay days are when students receive their salary paychecks from Ms. Brown. Their salary comes from their classroom job and from being a student in Ms. Brown's class. Paychecks will be delivered either to students' P.O. boxes, or their desks. Students will sign the back of their paycheck. During the appropriate class time, students will record in their checkbook, fill out a deposit slip, staple them together, and turn it into the Deposit Banker's inbox. (Refer to "Depositing a Check" on this webpage for more details). If it's not an appropriate time to deposit their check, students may place it into their classroom wallet and complete the transaction at a more appropriate time. If there isn't school on a Friday, pay day will happen on the following Friday. If a student is absent, they are not docked for their student salary. If absences or tardies are excessive, students will be fined.
The Bank: Putting Money In and Taking Money Out
Depositing a Check
Students will want to deposit, or add, the money they earn from paychecks and bonuses. Paychecks are for classroom jobs and student salary. Bonuses are for outstanding, positive behavior choices. Students will:
Students will want to deposit, or add, the money they earn from paychecks and bonuses. Paychecks are for classroom jobs and student salary. Bonuses are for outstanding, positive behavior choices. Students will:
- Receive their check either in their classroom P.O. box (or the top of their desk).
- Sign their first and last name in cursive on the back of the check.
- Record their deposit into their checkbook.
- Fill out a deposit slip and staple it to the check.
- Turn the stapled check and deposit slip into the deposit banker's inbox.
- The deposit banker will put the transaction receipt into their filing system.
- Students and parents may check their account on MyKidsBank.org to see the log that the bankers have completed.
Making a Payment for Bills and Fines
Students will need to make payments to the bank from the classroom bills and behavior fines. Bills are for classroom electricity, desk mortgage, cable/internet, and water. Fines are for negative behavior choices. Students will:...
Students will need to make payments to the bank from the classroom bills and behavior fines. Bills are for classroom electricity, desk mortgage, cable/internet, and water. Fines are for negative behavior choices. Students will:...
- Receive their bill/fine slip either in their classroom P.O. box (or the top of their desk).
- Write a check for the amount saying in the memo what the bill or fine is for.
- Record their payment into their check book.
- Staple their bill/fine slip to their check and turn it into the payment banker's inbox.
- The payment banker will put the transaction receipt into their filing system.
- Students and parents may check their account on MyKidsBank.org to see the log that the bankers have completed.
Using MyKidsBank.org
There will be a way for parents and students to view their bank account online, using MyKidsBank.org. The bank account also serves as a way to track behavior (using withdrawals for fines and deposits as bonuses) and it is encouraged for families to log in to see students' progress. Students login information will be assigned to them and written down in their agenda. Students may not share their login information with another student. MyKidsBank will be updated by the classroom bankers and Ms. Brown.
There will be a way for parents and students to view their bank account online, using MyKidsBank.org. The bank account also serves as a way to track behavior (using withdrawals for fines and deposits as bonuses) and it is encouraged for families to log in to see students' progress. Students login information will be assigned to them and written down in their agenda. Students may not share their login information with another student. MyKidsBank will be updated by the classroom bankers and Ms. Brown.
- Go to MyKidsBank.org
- (In case it asks, our Bank ID is 26481)
- Enter the user name and password assigned to the student (and is on a label in the front of their agenda planner)
- Look at the "Account Summary" to see student's current balance
- Look at the gray scale table at the bottom of the screen to see the description of students' bank activity. Withdrawals are from bills, fines, and paying for other things in the classroom. Deposits are from paychecks and bonuses.
- If you would like different summaries and reports of students' bank account, click on the blue links called "Month Summary," "Bank Statements", "Multi-Month Summary," and "Recent Activity" in the middle right of the page.
Note to self/need to do:
Shopping schedule?
Possible things to do/have/gather:
- Download/Print/Make the papers for:
- payment slips for bills (colored paper) (like MyKidsBank page)
- payment slips for fines (colored paper) (like MyKidsBank page)
- slip for bonuses (colored paper? same as a check?)
- payment banker accountability log
- students' checkbook
- students' checks with a place to sign the back
- students' paychecks
- students' bonuses (or maybe I use like a normal check)
- certificates for homework passes, sit-where-you-want pass,
- electricity bill
- water bill
- Internet bill
- insurance bill
- taxes?
- mortgage bill
- job description for:
- Deposit Banker (including mykidsbank banker login info)
- Payment Banker (including mykidsbank banker login info)
- Associate Bankers (including mykidsbank banker login info)
- Librarian
- Assign prices for:
- Job salaries
- Bonuses
- Fines
- Bills
Shopping schedule?
Possible things to do/have/gather:
- Gather rewards for students to purchase at auctions
- Items I need to have on hand:
- Envelopes
Portfolio folders
Cash drawer or box
Popsicle sticks for auction paddles
Sticky notes
Clipboard
Auction items
- Envelopes