The students are actively involved in a year-long study of economics where they will earn credits and debits while maintaining a class bank and store.  The unit will help students learn major-principles concepts, as well as use math skills on a daily basis.  The students’ potential to earn credits and debits also helps me facilitate classroom management.
Some examples of how the students can earn credits and debits can be seen below:

Credits                                              Debits

Turn in all work                              Missing an assignment

Follow morning procedure            Not getting on task right away

Complete all homework                 Forget homework

Staying on homerun all day           Receiving any strikes

Maintain a clean work space          Maintain a messy work space

Show extra kindness                       Disrespect teacher/classmate

All earned credits and debits are logged in their credit/debit notebook which have been provided.  At the end of each week they will calculate their total and receive a new log for the following week.  At the end of the month, they will calculate their monthly total and earn a “Check” from the desk of Mrs. Teitelbaum.  They will go to the class bank to cash their checks for “Baum Bucks”.  It is their responsibility to save their money to use at our class store which will open approximately every 4 weeks.  Any donations to our store would be GREATLY appreciated.  I will be providing items such as homework passes, test passes, lunch with the teacher, extra computer time, etc…., but items such as books, pencils, erasers, small knick knacks, etc…would be great additions to our store.  Gently used items are fine too.  Students will rotate job opportunities of being a cashier, banker, & economist throughout the year.  These jobs will all have salaries which will be added to their credits.  Our regular weekly classroom jobs will also be worth credits, so if they fulfill their job expectations, they earn money.  I will provide more information on our classroom blog as it is introduced to the class.  Students will learn responsibility.  They will learn to keep track of their money, how to save up for things that are important to them, the value of earning money, and how to take pride in their work, behavior and their actions.