4 Steps to Set Up a Classroom Economy Behavior Management System

When I first started subbing, I had the opportunity to work with two amazing 4th grade teachers at the beginning of the year. I was “extra help” because they went from class sizes of about 22 or 23 to 30 that year. They each had their own classroom economies and their currency was a play on their names. Mrs. Reinhart had “Reinhart hearts” and Mrs. Stettler had “Stettler Stars”. I die cut a bajillion laminated hearts and stars for them to start off the school year. A few years later, Mrs. Stettler bequeathed her stars to me! (She transferred into a reading specialist position). So that’s how Stahl Stars were born!

Whether you use something tangible like paper stars or fake Monopoly money, or something digital like Class Dojo points, choosing your currency is the first step! There are a few things to consider when it comes to classroom currency:

I have tried (and seen) few things. Mrs. Stettler had this AWESOME large purple pocket chart that was labeled with each students’ number.  Kinda like this one, except it was purple but I could never find one that was exactly the same. 🙁

My first year, I had my students keep them in their desk in a plastic baggie that had a label with their name on it. Nothing fancy and it worked–for the most part. The problem with the desk is they mess around with them, count them, and lose them often. I would also find them on the floor all the time and it drove me crazy.

This year, I had my students thumb tack their baggie to a strip of cork board that is under my whiteboard/SmartBoard area.  This worked WAY better. Students could only access their bags in the morning and afternoon.  Bags didn’t go missing and stars were all in one spot!

Next, you have to think about how students will earn (and possibly lose) the classroom currency.  I use a clip chart. I know not everyone is a fan but it is what has worked for me and my former classes. I feel that the emphasis on Stahl Stars has helped me use the clip chart is a mostly positive way. Each spot on the clip chart correlates with an amount of stars. Here’s a closer look at the chart:

I put the stars on the clip chart so it is super easy for everyone to remember (including me and especially students who end up with the job of handing out the stars!). If a student end up below Ready to Learn, they do not receive a star for that day.  I, however, do not take away stars. I have thought about it but it just hasn’t happened–not to say I never will.

Prep your rewards

What will the rewards be? When will you give them out?

Adjust to student needs