Discipline
In my classroom, each student receives a "classroom allowance" each day. They will use this money to "pay" for privileges in the classroom such as recess and free time. This is a positive way to deal with behavior in the classroom. Students who are doing the right thing are acknowledged. Students who make less appropriate choices pay the cost, much like an adult who is stopped for speeding. If they choose to spend their money on things like talking out, forgetting homework or supplies, or neglecting classroom duties, then they will not have money left to spend on prizes or, possibly, privileges such as recess and free time.
Earning extra dollars
Students will have the chance to earn additional classroom dollars thoughout the day. They can earn money in various ways, such as:
- Returning completed homework
- Participating in classroom lessons and discussions
- Exhibiting appropriate behavior in the classroom, hallways, and other school environments
- Fulfilling individual goals set between student and teacher
- Working well with others
- Demonstrating responsibility and independent work habits
Spending dollars
As noted above, students will use their allowance and earned money to pay for privileges in the classroom and school. Students will also pay if they choose less appropriate behaviors, such as:
- Forgetting homework
- Talking out in class
- Unkindness
- Refusing to follow directions
- Inappropriate behavior in the bathroom, hallways, recess, or cafeteria
- Neglecting classroom responsibilities
- More serious problems, particularly anything hands-on, will be addressed according to the school discipline policy and may be directed to the school office.
Savings
Students who have money left at the end of the day will put it into "savings". Students' take-home folders serve as their savings record; at the end of each day we write the money left onto a calendar in their folder. If your child forgets his/her folder, we are unable to write down their savings for the day. Please encourage your child to bring the folder every day. On Fridays, they will be able to use their savings to buy various items and/or work together as a class to purchase a big ticket item.
Home-school communication
We will note each student's daily savings on the calendar in their take-home folder. Students who have had particularly good days might also bring home star student awards. Students who have had problems may bring home a think sheet, discipline note, or phone call regarding the issue. If your student brings home one of these notes, please discuss the problem with them and sign and return the note the next day.