At the start of each school year, I make it a point to convey to my students the significance of financial literacy, especially for a group of kids with diverse learning needs, some of whom are non-verbal but are on the journey of acquiring essential life skills. I draw a parallel between their school experience and the concept of earning a paycheck, much like I do in my profession. I stress that, just as I receive compensation for my work, they, too, will receive their "payment" for their efforts in class. I explain that failing to meet expectations can lead to consequences, just as it would in any job. In my classroom, we've implemented a system where students can earn class money as a reward for demonstrating positive behaviors aligned with our expectations. As they enter my class, students have the opportunity to earn up to $1.00 in class money. Conversely, when their actions do not meet our expectations, they experience deductions from their "paycheck." This system instills accountability in students for their conduct, encouraging actions like helping others and staying on task. This not only fosters a safe and focused learning environment but also minimizes disruptions caused by unwanted behaviors and distractions.
While we aim for our students to consistently make the right choices, it's essential to recognize that elementary-aged children, who are still developing their intrinsic motivation, may benefit from external incentives to stay on course.
To garner their engagement and commitment, we allow students to redeem the class money they've earned for various prizes. This initiative ensures that we always have a selection of prizes readily available, offering students tangible rewards for their efforts and reinforcing valuable lessons in financial literacy as they manage and spend their class money wisely.
Aitbay 30 Pack Mini Plush Animals Toys Set, Cute Small Stuffed Animal Keychain Set for Party Favors, Kids Valentine Gift Easter Egg Filter, Goodie Bag Fillers, Carnival Prizes, Classroom Rewards
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Mini Magnetic Drawing Board for Kids - (Pack of 12) Backpack Keychain Clip Drawing Boards, Erasable Doodle Sketch and Writing Pad for Boys and Girls, Birthday Party Favor and Goodie Bag Filler
• Amazon Business
$18.39
1
$18.39
SCIONE Party Favors for Kids 4-8 8-12, 24pack LED Light Up Bracelets Pinata Goodie Bag Stuffers Glow in The Dark Party Supplies Return Gifts for Kids Birthday Easter Classroom Party
• Amazon Business
$15.29
1
$15.29
Play Doh Bulk Handout 42 Pack of 1-Ounce Modeling Compound, Party Favors, Kids Easter Basket Stuffers or Egg Fillers, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
300 PCS Stickers Pack (50-850Pcs/Pack), Colorful VSCO Waterproof Stickers, Cute Aesthetic Stickers. Laptop, Water Bottle, Phone, Skateboard Stickers for Teens Girls Kids, Vinyl Sticker.
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
URSKYTOUS 35Pcs Animal Erasers Kids Pencil Erasers Bulk Puzzle Erasers Desk Pets Mini Take Apart Erasers Toys for Party Favors,Classroom Students Prizes,Carnival Gifts and Easter Egg Fillers
• Amazon Business
$9.98
1
$9.98
Partywind 380 Styles (30 Sheets) Luminous Tattoos for Kids, Mixed Styles Temporary Tattoos Stickers with Unicorn/Mermaid/Dinosaur/Outer Space/Pirate for Boys and Girls, Glow Party Supplies Gifts
• Amazon Business
$8.49
1
$8.49
Metker 120 sheets(1500 patterns) Kids Waterproof Temporary Tattoos Children's Temporary Tattoo Toys,Unicorn Animals Suitable For Birthday Parties,Group Activities,Toy Patterns Goody Bag Stuffers
• Amazon Business
$6.99
1
$6.99
Materials cost
$104.11
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$9.53
3rd party payment processing fee
$1.56
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$145.20
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$25.62
Total project goal
$170.82
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$170.82
1 Donor
-$170.82
Donations toward project cost
-$145.20
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Kamal and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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