Class Economy System
Miller Bucks!
Students earn "Miller Bucks" for their class jobs to simulate a real-world working environment. Each year, the system is developed by the students and I at the start of school. In past years, students have earned bucks for their weekly reading logs, for their weekly summaries, AM/AR points earned, in exchange for 100% punchcards, as bonuses for on task behaviors, for work above and beyond expectations, for doing jobs without being asked, for meeting class goals, for good homework records, and many other jobs/tasks that are their "job" as a student.
Bucks are kept in "wallets" (envelopes) in their desks, which they are able to use to "buy" things like free time activities, prize box prizes, holiday shoppe gifts for family and friends, movie/snack parties, ice cream socials, raffles/auctions, and anything else we dream up! The bucks are also used to pay their bills such as getting a fine if they have not done their job or if they take out an IOU (loan) for not having enough bucks saved up for spending. Students also practice exchanging their earnings for smaller or larger denominations during "open bank" time and take turns being the banker throughout the school year.
Often, students have enjoyed the challenge of not spending ANY of their bucks and seeing how much they can save over the course of the year. No matter how the student decides they want to deal with their earnings, it is a great, non-threatening and educational way to practice the use of saving and spending, exchanging, and handling their own cash. This system has been a very successful teaching tool over the course of my twenty-three years in the classroom and I thoroughly enjoy watching the students learn and grow as consumers and buyers!
Donations of new, like new, and gently used items are always accepted for ongoing class stores, prize box prizes, and our annual holiday shoppe. Please keep us in mind as you spring clean, purge toys/games/household items, or shop out of town at the dollar stores!
Bucks are kept in "wallets" (envelopes) in their desks, which they are able to use to "buy" things like free time activities, prize box prizes, holiday shoppe gifts for family and friends, movie/snack parties, ice cream socials, raffles/auctions, and anything else we dream up! The bucks are also used to pay their bills such as getting a fine if they have not done their job or if they take out an IOU (loan) for not having enough bucks saved up for spending. Students also practice exchanging their earnings for smaller or larger denominations during "open bank" time and take turns being the banker throughout the school year.
Often, students have enjoyed the challenge of not spending ANY of their bucks and seeing how much they can save over the course of the year. No matter how the student decides they want to deal with their earnings, it is a great, non-threatening and educational way to practice the use of saving and spending, exchanging, and handling their own cash. This system has been a very successful teaching tool over the course of my twenty-three years in the classroom and I thoroughly enjoy watching the students learn and grow as consumers and buyers!
Donations of new, like new, and gently used items are always accepted for ongoing class stores, prize box prizes, and our annual holiday shoppe. Please keep us in mind as you spring clean, purge toys/games/household items, or shop out of town at the dollar stores!
Class Skill Mastery Tracking System
Class Badges!
We will be utilizing earning badges for milestones accomplished. This system is currently being designed and developed. A list of badges students can earn this school year will be posted once finalized. This could be after the school year starts, as students will also have a hand in helping develop this system. Badges will be collected and adhered to school binders.
Brag Tags!
We will also be utilizing the concept of "brag tags", which are similar to class badges, yet are different in the way that students can earn multiple brag tags of a similar nature, students will be "caught" (or observed) at random and earn these tags, and/or students may earn these simply for participation only. Brag Tags are a fun way of keeping the motivation and momentum going in the classroom, where each students is engaged, focused, and learning. A list of Brag Tags will also be offered here once finalized for this school year.