How our token economy works

Many of you have likely run into token economies either in your child's pre-k, an older child or even in your own school experience. 

In a nutshell, students are 'caught doing something (a desired behavior)'. Students can earn tickets, coins, or in or case electronic points for being 'caught' modeling a behavior we are or have worked on. The timing and duration should be completely random and unexpected, increasing the probability that the student motivated by the random points, in our case, are more likely to display this behavior more frequently. In our class once a student reaches 10 points he may go shopping. 

The students can then exchange these points for items in our class store priced at different 'point prices'. This is an effective and fun way to promote desireable behaviors, aid in classroom management and finally work on Math as they shop for items at different prices with at least 10 points. 

How many 3 point tattoos can I buy with 10 points? Can I still afford to buy a 2 point eraser pack? I really want that stuffed dog, she costs 18 points and I only have 15; should I wait and save until next week? The store owner is often very amenable to placing items on hold for a small fee. And so on...

Some of the behaviors students can be rewarded for include: 

1. Effort in French* 

2. Respect (or character trait of month)*

3. Good idea or solution 

4. Following directions 

5. Modeling good listening 

6. Hard work

7. Hallway, bathroom or cafeteria (common areas) behavior expectations 

8. Using kind or complimentary words with others

9. Actively looking for solutions to problems 

10. Making a mistake or getting the wrong answer in looking for the expected response*

11. Keeping my area clean

12. Helping a friend*

*worth 3 points instead of 1

Please see previous post on Token Economy to see how you can donate to our class store!