I have been doing classroom jobs for almost 5 years now. I have never "paid" the students with fake money. HOwever, I have heard of some teachers giving them a type of paycheck. They can use this paycheck to purchase items from the classroom "store." Have you done this? What did you use to pay them? HOw often did you pay them? How did it work? Thanks!
I've not, but it reminds me of my 2nd grade class. My teacher used to give me $1.00 (real money) every time I won the class spelling bee (we had one before every test). I doubt that would fly nowadays.
This is an interesting concept. If you were going to pay them (fake money or tickets for class store), would that mean you need to change out the students in the jobs more often? How often?
I have students keep a balance sheet where I write down the amount they earn. Usually for classroom jobs, I pay them at the end of the day. I also use this to reward students who turn in homework on time, behave in class, help out, etc. Then I can deduct for behavior and turning in homework late. I usually brainstorm a few things with the students that they would like to earn. These are free and usually involve working by a friend, sitting in the library, working at my desk, bringing in music for the class to listen to, writing on the smartboard, etc. I also charge them for supplies, bathroom passes, locker trips, etc.
I do not pay my students because I want to instill responsibility in them without having an extrinsic motivator. My children clean the room up every day without me ever asking because I praise them for it. I know other teachers who pay and it works just as well for them as my system.
If you are going to do this you have to be committed to having a classroom econnomy. I personally wouldn't do it becasue I know I probably wouldn't want to keep it up all year. If I had a good classroom economy system then paying for jobs would turn out great. I have even seen teachers who in addition to paying students, charge for things in the class, like a desk rental fee, book rental fees, etc. Students have to learn to manage their money which is an excellent life skill to learn.
The kids are expected to contribute to the class. No rewards other than a thank you are used in my classes. The kids' expectations are based on earlier expereiences. But if you as their new teacher don't want to give them anything, that'll be the new norm and they adapt to it.
I had classroom jobs, (and this was highschool) and I never paid them. I think they liked doing it, but i also told them, this was their chance to help me and ensure that things run smoothly, especially when there is a sub. I changed the jobs out in every 2 weeks, and took volunteers, but ultimately I could choose. I would not pay the students, I don't want them to always expect something for doing something, especially very little.
