In the last post I talked about my Behavior Management techniques which included using Behavior Bucks, iPad Bucks, and stickers for Rewards. Stickers are self explanatory but I thought I would go into a little more detail about both the Behavior Bucks and iPad Bucks.
Behavior Bucks
Link for free download
iPad Bucks
(Link for free download in previous post)
When a student makes it to the top of the color chart they can choose either an iPad buck or a Behavior Buck. iPad bucks can be used in my classroom during free time or activity time. With an iPad buck students can have free iPad time and play any app that they would like.
How I use Behavior Bucks
Behavior Bucks are one of my main reward systems that I use in my class. As students earn Behavior Bucks they store them in their library pocket with their popsicle sticks. (Discussed in the previous post.) Throughout the year we have shopping days. During the shopping days students have an opportunity to buy items from "Mrs. Gardner's Store."
The items for my store come from parent donations or items that I have purchased. Most of the items come from The Dollar Tree or Target Dollar Days.
Before a shopping day I count all of the students Behavior Bucks in their pockets. I make a list of the students name and the amount of Behavior Bucks that they each have. I then find the student with the most behavior bucks and price my store items according to that. For example if the highest amount of Behavior Bucks is 36, I might make the most extensive items $10. I will then price items from $10-$1. I want to make sure every student can by at least one item.
I never have a shopping day where a student does not have money. Every student in class gets a chance to shop. When introducing the Behavior Bucks I explain to students that the harder they work the more "money" they will earn. The amount of money that students have can range anywhere from $40 (more or less depending how often you have shopping days) to $1. It does not matter how much the highest amount is as long as everyone has at least one Behavior Buck to spend.
I call the students to shop a few at a time starting with the students who have earned the most first. As the students are called they count their Behavior Bucks and start shopping. They find what they want and count out how much that particular item costs. Throughout this process they are using basic math skills (counting, addition, & subtraction).
For students who haven't earned as many Behavior Bucks this is an opportunity for them to try harder for the next shopping day. After the first shopping day I always ask the class who liked shopping day. Everyone usually says yes. I talk about who would like to earn more money next time and usually everyone is excited to start earning right away. I use this as a teachable moment to review the different ways that students can earn behavior bucks.
How can students Earn Behavior Bucks?
I use Behavior Bucks as a way to reinforce positive Behavior.
Ways to earn:
Throughout the day if I see students making great choices I will encourage the
positive behavior with a Behavior Buck.
The entire class is doing great. (working, walking in the hallway, etc.)
Class reward for good behavior with a special visitor
Good Behavior with a sub
Mystery students
Top of the Color Chart
Behavior Bucks are a great tool for all students. I always try to find a student who struggles with particular behaviors and "catch" them being good. This is a great encourager and the smile you get when you "catch" a struggling child making good choices makes your job worthwhile. This is one of the reasons we teach.
I teach because I LOVE what I do. I want every child to enjoy learning and feel proud of their accomplishments regardless if it is a behavior or academic accomplishment. I want my students to feel good about themselves and that is what makes my classroom community SO special.
Let me know if you have any questions about Behavior Bucks and Shopping days.
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