Are you looking to build a classroom community and help foster independence and responsibility? Have you been using ClassDojo with your kiddos? Are you looking for an exciting way to use those points in your classroom? Or are you looking for a new Class Economy system? Well, imagine if you could do all this and MORE with a fun and engaging Class Economy system!!! Sounds too good to be true, right? WRONG!

I am so SOOO excited to share with you my class economy system that helped turn my busy classroom into a functioning family unit of helpers and independent learners. YES! Every teacher’s dream!

This class economy system has 3 components:

1. Classroom Jobs
2. Debit Card and Money (can be used alongside ClassDojo or as an independent system)
3. Reward Coupons

1. Classroom Jobs

I make sure that I choose enough jobs so that each student gets 1 job. But feel free to adapt to what works best for you (maybe you want 2 kiddos for Assistant and 1 kiddo for Moniteur des lumières). I display them on my bulletin board in the front of my room where all the students can easily see it.

 

First, I explain each of the jobs to the students. And YES, I make each and every job sound very VERY exciting! This is so important! These jobs will help make our class run smoothly and so their are ALL important.

Second, I explain that students will be able to apply for a job. They can pick their top 3 choices, but they must explain why they deserve to be chosen over the other candidates. A wonderful life skill! I personally like to give examples of applications and ask the students if they feel they are good.

“I want to be the door holder because I like it.”

vs.

“I want to be the door holder because I am strong and I enjoy helping others get to where they need to go.”

This part can be challenging, but after some examples, the students seem to catch on.

At the end of the application form, I have students sign a promise of commitment.

Finally, I take a day to review their applications and then assign jobs to the students. I like to rotate the jobs every week, but I have also done every 2 weeks. Whatever works best for you and your classroom! This helps change it up and keep the students motivated.

Students can earn a paycheque for completing their jobs each week. This can be done using Dojo pints or handing out Dojo Dollars (see below).

2. Debit Card and Money – Class Economy System

This is my favourite part!

I love teaching my students important life skills! Knowing how to add money and keep track of your bank account is such an important skill.

At the beginning of the year, every student gets a Dojo Debit Card with their name on it. I also give them a dollar store soap container to store their debit card, money and coupons. This fits nicely into their desks or book bins. Alternatively, students can bring in a small pocket wallet.

Throughout the week, my students earn Dojo points and Dojo Dollars (you can also use the Dojo Dollars on their own and not do ClassDojo points). I hand these out quite freely at the beginning of the year.

I also give them some Dojo Dollars for completing their job that week. If they did not do their job, or lost the privilege to have a job that week, they would not get their paycheque. You can choose any amount you like, but I tend to give out $10-$20 ($2-$4/day) as a paycheque. You can even make different jobs have different paycheque amounts. Totally up to you!

At the end of the week, or the month if you prefer, students come to the “bank”. We add up our ClassDojo points and Dojo Dollars and “deposit” them into our bank accounts. I write their total number of points with a sharpie on the back of their Débit Dojo (which is laminated) and collect their Dojo Dollars and reset the ClassDojo points.

TEACHER TIP: Easily erase sharpie from the laminated card by colouring over the sharpie with a dry erase marker and wipe it off! Et voila!

If they currently have money in their bank accounts, students will need to add this amount with the Dojo Points and Dojo Dollars. I usually allot 10-15min for the students to sit down and do their calculations on Fridays (or the end of the month) before we go to the “bank”.

Students can use their “money” to go to the class store. This can be your regular treasure box OR…

3. Reward Coupons

Say goodbye to the treasure box and welcome in the Reward Coupons!

These are super effective and super popular to have in your classroom. And best of all, most of them are of ZERO cost to you!

I set up my Class Store by displaying the coupons in envelopes hung up on my bulletin board and post the prices for the coupons on the envelopes. Students can go to the store to do their shopping and then come to the “cash” to pay.

This helps students manage their money and set goals for themselves. Maybe they want to save up for that really expensive $150 coupon, or maybe they just want a smelly sticker for $5. The choice is theirs!

Once they are ready, we calculate the total cost for their purchases and subtract it from the amount on their debit card. (Don’t forget that dry erase marker trick!) I like to use calculators for this step, but some of my kiddos prefer doing it in their heads. Again, totally up to you!

The coupons also fit perfectly in the soap containers! Students can cash in their coupons in the mornings. Some coupons must be handed in one day in advance, but this is your choice.

And there you have it! A fun class economy system that helps build life skills, practice math concepts, foster independence and build a classroom community.

If you are interested, be sure to check out the Class Economy Bundle in my TPT store!

P.S. Feel free to check out my previous post about my ClassDojo Points Club and Dojo Store.