Class Dollars

View/Print PDF
Resource
Wallet Wellness
Grade(s)
1, 2, 3
Division(s)
Primary

What Is It All About?

Students create individualized and/or class goals on how to collect Class Dollars to earn a reward.

Why Do It?

The value of money can be an abstract concept for students because it is often represented by currency or payment methods that are not concrete or accessible for them (e.g., credit cards, gift cards). Having students be part of creating a currency with items/actions will help build their understanding of earning a tangible item.

How Do We Do It?

  • Students create a list of classroom deeds/chores that they can do throughout the day/week/month (e.g., sweeping the floor, putting away supplies, pushing in chairs at desks, helping to clean up spills to maintain a safe classroom, setting up technology, handing out papers, holding doors).
  • Students decide on the number of dollars that may be earned for completing each deed and post them in the classroom.
  • Students design a “Class Dollar” or use the Canadian Currency and Payment Methods Templates (refer to Materials).
  • As a class, decide how Class Dollars may be earned:
    • Will individual students earn Class Dollars, or will the class earn Class Dollars together?
    • What is a realistic timeline or goal to earn Class Dollars (e.g., by the end of the week)?
    • What are good rewards for individual students or the entire class for earning Class Dollars (e.g., student can choose a physical activity game to do as a class, class can earn extra outdoor time)? How many Class Dollars will each reward “cost”?
  • As a follow-up, discuss how this activity can relate to real life:
    • How can we continue our acts of good deeds around our school, our community, or with other individuals?
    • Good deeds are also a way to show kindness to others even if we don’t get rewarded for it. Why is it important to be kind to others?

What Else Do We Need?

How Do We Get Creative?

Extend the Class Dollars challenge to deeds that students can do around the school and in the community.