The idea of a classroom economy fascinates me. It seems an excellent way to engage students with real world situations. I first came across the idea in Rafi Esquith's book "There Are No Shortcuts". I don't remember the specifics of his system, but I do know that he had students take on the responsibility of classroom duties in exchange for paychecks in their invented currency. The students used this money to pay the rent at their desks. In this way they have to earn their place in the class- and they appreciated that feeling of belonging. There are many more intricacies than I mention here, and I'm sure that fine tuning the 'exchange rate' takes a few years of practice, but I find the idea very sound.
I'm envisioning a class economy- not sure yet how currency will work, but here are some jobs that need to be done:
(I'm thinking there will be a 'workday' of one or two 10-20 minute periods of duties each day)
I'm not sure how long jobs will be kept- anywhere from a one day rotation to a week or even six weeks. If jobs are kept longer than a week, it is important to make sure that they are well balanced enough that everyone enjoys them.
May need to have certain really fun or really boring jobs (like animal feeding vs. supply distribution crews) rotate on a daily basis, while more responsibility and experience type jobs (like welcome crew or medics) rotate on a several week interval.
(all jobs have 2-3 positions available unless otherwise noted)
Library Crew
check in and out books from classroom library to students, keep books organized
take care of mail delivery system
Wildlife Management Crew
tend to fish
care for worms
care for any other critters
care for plants (or 'gardener' could be another job)
Welcoming Crew
welcome guests to the room
manage background music
new student guides (help newcomers find things in school, understand rules, etc...)
Center Keepers
bring out and put away boxes during center time
Right (or Left) Hand Crew
teachers 'right hands'
help out with passing out papers, grading, etc...
Medics/Safety Crew
facilitate emergency and fire drills
lead and follow line
head counters on field trips
manage first aid kit (supplies stocking and carry on field trips)
Supply Distribution Crew-1 per table
get and put away subject tubs (papers, pencils, etc...)
Peacekeepers-1 per table
responsible for promoting peace, acceptance, and tolerance among class
may wish to suggest 'peace place' to other students
Objective of project:
To work cooperatively with other students, building community and trust
Students get a sense that they belong and matte
Questions:
What is the teacher's duty during 'workday'?
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