tokens

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Home : 2004 : June : 13

tokens
By Tina

I have used a token economy as part of my classroom management policy for over 8 years now, and I have always found it to be very effective. I've printed up tokens of different denominations on my computer and laminated
them.
I teach 5th grade, and it is the perfect age for the system. I pay students for their classroom jobs, and for many other things (for example I have super student charts that, when full, may be traded in for tokens). I also use my own version of assertive discipline, and students with their name on the board get some reward, which is often tokens or free time. Tokens are also

used for "negative discipline"...violations of dress code (we have one where I teach), breaking of "lesser" rules, repeat offenses of a behavior that has been "corrected", as well as many other things may result in a fine of a set number of tokens.
Tokens may be used at classroom "auctions". I prefer auctions to more formal "stores" because they are great time fillers, and also really motivate the students. At the end of the year all unused tokens are used to buy raffle tickets for a huge "end of the year" raffle. Auction and raffle items may be donated (if you have willing parents), or bought from dollar stores or bulk party stores.
All of this may sound time consuming or expensive, but it really doesn't have to be...it is such a part of the routine, I find it is actually time saving and very effective. Hope this helps.