Planning and preparation

Begin planning your classroom economy before the school year starts.

• Prepare materials, including student folders and classroom cash.
• Choose your class rules and decide how they will be reinforced with the classroom cash.
• Begin to gather rewards for students to purchase at the school store.

Allow 1 to 2 hours for planning and preparation.

Introductory activities

While explaining your class rules to the students, also explain the key concepts of the classroom economy, including earning a salary and bonus money, paying rent, and buying items at the school store.

Allow approximately 1 hour of class time to complete this activity.

Ongoing activities

Every week students will earn $2 for completing their classroom job, provided they didn't break any of the classroom rules. Additionally, students can earn bonus dollars throughout the week for demonstrating good behavior—all with classroom economy currency.

At the end of the month, students pay $3 for "rent" and then have the option to spend the rest of their money at the school store, or to continue to save.

Allow 1 to 2 hours per month to complete these activities.

Year-end wrap-up

Bring the classroom economy program to an end with a discussion and a chance to reflect. Distribute certificates to highlight student successes.

Allow approximately 30 minutes for the year-end wrap-up.