Students earned cash each day for using behaviours expected at school - positive attitudes, listening, following rules and routines, trying their best and finishing work. Students decided themselves how well they met the criteria and gave themselves up to $10.00 for a twenty minute block. Additionally they were paid for appropriate bus behaviour, wearing their uniform, completing homework and bringing signed planners to school. Three times a day, I met with students to talk about how their day was going, how much money they had earned, why they did not earn all their cash and to pay them. Students could earn up to $200.00 each day.
From this money, students were able to buy Earned Free Time (small group play activities) or a chance to "Peel and Win" (self-selected prizes hidden under a sticker). Students could also bank their money to save for a larger item. One student saved $10,000.00 to buy himself a Hummer!
We ended the school year with a silent auction. Students bid on the opportunity to have first chance to buy an item from different lots with the money in their bank account. It was so interesting to see what items each student was interested in. I would never have guessed some of the purchases made.
Students had to prioritize their wants and deal with disappointment when their bid was not large enough or they ran out of money. Everyone handled the auction with smiles whether they bid all their money on one special item or went home with an armful!
Learning new behaviours can be challenging at times but also fun and rewarding!