Are you looking for a super easy way to implement a classroom economy? Try stickers!
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When I first considered introducing a classroom economy, I found many ideas to be overwhelming and time-consuming. Like most teachers, my plate is overflowing already, so I wanted a simple solution. That's when it hit me—stickers!
I remember how much I loved getting stickers as a kid, and my students love them even more because each one is worth $1 in our classroom economy.
What is a Classroom Economy?
A classroom economy is a system that uses rewards and incentives to encourage positive behavior and academic performance. It mimics a real-world economic system where students earn and spend "money" or tokens, which in this case are stickers.
How Do You Organize a Classroom Economy?
In my classroom, each student has a small notebook. Whenever a student turns in an assignment, answers a challenging question, or is "caught being good," they receive a sticker to place in their notebook. This simple token economy behavior reward system helps track their progress and encourages them to stay engaged.
At the end of the month, we host a mini-store where students can "spend" their stickers on various prizes, such as books, pencils, and erasers. To keep track of their spending, I use a Sharpie to cross out the stickers as they redeem them.
Is a Classroom Economy a Good Idea?
Absolutely! Using stickers as part of a classroom economy is an easy-to-implement strategy that effectively boosts student motivation and behavior. It provides a tangible way for students to see their progress and rewards them for their efforts.
By integrating a token economy behavior reward system like this into your classroom, you'll find that managing behavior and encouraging participation becomes more enjoyable and less stressful. So, if you’re seeking a practical and engaging approach to classroom management, give stickers a try—you might just find that it’s the perfect solution!
I would love to hear from you! ❤️
Great classroom economy idea! Love the simplicity of it :)
ReplyDeleteErin
http://adventuresinthirdgrade-brown.blogspot.com/
What a good idea! I have so many stickers and now I have a way to use them in the classroom :)
ReplyDeleteSara
Miss V's Busy Bees
I LOVE this idea! How do you place a value on the things they can purchase with their stickers?
ReplyDeleteWe count each sticker as a dollar basically and then the items are priced between $5 and $300. I generally set the price at $1 per penny for what I pay for things - so a $300 item cost $3.00. If it is prize like a homework pass or sitting in a bean bag chair it might be $10 or $20.
DeleteHi!! This is a good idea because I work After school as a group leader..
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. So simple :)
ReplyDeleteDo the children ever cheat bringing stickers from home?
ReplyDeleteI have never had a student cheat that way. I usually buy the stickers in the packages that you can only find at teacher supply stores or office supply stores. I also keep track of which types of stickers I use.
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ReplyDeleteLove this idea...simply and easy to manage! It's a win-win!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the bulk animal print memo pads? Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI got them at Amazon http://amzn.to/2tVBLHj (affiliate link)
DeleteI have done this for over 30 years. I have used this from grades 2 through 10. If kids are not participating, and I pick up the stickers suddenly every hand is up. If peeps are talking out, I say good answer, sorry, I can't give you a sticker...My prizes are valued from 10~ 50 stickers. Kids love it!
ReplyDeleteThey really do!
DeleteYou did this with high school? What types of things were they able to "buy", and how did you pay for them?
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DeleteI teach 4th grade, but another teacher left a comment that she used a similar system for 10th graders. They are able to buy small things such as pencils, pens, etc. I pay for the items myself. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteDo you take away stickers for them not following expectations? Also have many students do you have?
ReplyDeleteI personally do not take stickers away for misbehavior, but that is a personal choice. My class size is usually right around 24.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the quick response. I really like this idea and it seems simple!!! This year I have 34 students and I am trying to figure out what will be the best tool to manage all those bodies. In the years past, I have used classdojo but I know it won't be as affective this year especially since I don't have the app on my phone.
DeleteAny suggestions?
I think this idea is brilliant! I wish my teachers did this when I grew up. I would be so much more fun and rewarding to participate
ReplyDeleteI have been using a classroom economy system for the past 30 years and do something very similar. I use gold nuggets (laminated squares of yellow paper with 40 nuggets per sheet). Children vote on whether they'd like to try an economy system in Sept. (they always say yes but it is about them buying in). Then they earn nuggets based on behaviour, returning notices or homework, doing their classroom jobs, etc. to buy items at our class store. It seriously is the easiest management system ever. I do take nuggets away too (forgetting their book bags, don't do homework, poor behaviour, etc.) They get paid every Friday and we have our store every other week. The cashier, store clerk and classroom economist run the store. I have used it with grades 1 through 7. Kids love it! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Are your students responsible with keeping up with their notebooks or do you store them somewhere in the room? Also, if they keep the notebook with them, how do you keep them from drawing all in it? I know I would have several that would want to fill it with artwork!!
ReplyDeleteI have students keep them in their own desks, but you could keep them in a separate spot if you are worried about drawing in it. I tell them this is their "money" and they wouldn't write on real money would they? If they write in their notebook, they won't be able to earn as much money.
ReplyDeleteI love stickers.. always have. I used them with My preschoolers till we were told we could not do it anymore.. they could onyl be used as part of an activity such as counting or such .. but I plan on using them in a variety of ways with my future elementary classes once I finish my degree.. I pick up a pack every time I get a chance ...
ReplyDeleteHow do you keep up with giving the stickers out each time they complete work? I like the idea and I want to do this, but think the management of handing out stickers will be difficult. My students turn in a lot of their "center" work and I don't usually look at their work until the weekend. Do you give the sticker automatically or do you keep track a different way and pay them at a different time?
ReplyDeleteYou can make it work for you. You don't have to give out for each assignment if you don't want to. You could also pass them out (or have a student pass them out) as you pass out graded work.
DeleteThis is great! Any ideas for prizes for the older kids? Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThe best way to pick prizes for kids is to ASK them! At the beginning of the year I have students give me a list of things they might work for. Usual suggestions include Takkis chips, football or baseball cards, lip gloss, and various other treats.
DeleteI tried this with my 1st graders and the students (and me!) love it! I do struggle to pass out stickers without having to stop what we are doing, so I ended up tallying next to names and catching up on stickers after school. I hate to stop using this system because it really does work well for the kids, but it seems to be a lot of work on my part. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteThis is a very cool idea!! The little kids LOVE stickers and I have found that the big kids love them too! Epic win!! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes, my question was what do you do when you are in the hall and they earn a sticker? I can see kids coming up to me saying they dropped their stickers someplace. I love this idea though. Just wanting to think through the bumps in the road and how to handle them.
ReplyDeleteI don't pass them out in the hallway for that reason. I tell them to remind me when we get back into the classroom. So far, they have been very honest about it! :)
DeleteI love the sticker classroom economy idea. Now, I can handle that and what a fun and easy way to do it. How many stickers do you charge per item? Do you have a list that you could share? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt varies based on the prizes I have - the more I spend on the prize the more it costs. LOL!
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