Okay, I've been searching the web for the best way to create a classroom economy since Sarah Robertson, a teacher at Loveland, shared the idea during SOSI. I love the idea of creating a classroom economy because it accomplishes so many goals at one time: 1. Students practice money skills (math). 2. Economic concepts are explored in depth and with hands on, practical activities (social studies). 3. Students can take ownership in the rules of the classroom by setting and following consequences and fines (citizenship-social studies). 4. Children's literature can be used to complement the unit (language arts). Meanwhile, behavior management is being addressed as well!
Beth Newingham's webpage has links to her experience with a classroom economy. In fact, she has even written a unit for Scholastic entitled "Creating a Classroom Economy". I think that this is a great place to start, but I'm not sure that I can use every idea as is.
While I initially searched Heather Renz's website for references to the classroom economy, I got lost looking at all the other ideas I want to "borrow" from her. I think her Mastery Club may go into effect for the 2007-2008 school year. I love it!
Another site that I found and will borrow ideas from is Amanda Madden's. Her STAR binders may well inspire ROCKET binders. I have also been looking for a good/new way to implement writing workshop in my classroom. For organization, this site beats all!
When I visit other teachers' website, especially like the ones above, I wonder where they find the time to create and maintain the details. It's no wonder that teachers like them win awards!
