The Christmas Spirit Brings Charitable Giving...

The Christmas spirit is in the air and my students are feeling quite charitable these days.  Yesterday one of my students skipped 3 pages of a 4 page science test.  My policy on skipping test questions without leaving me a note as to why you skipped them is a fee of $5 per question and mandatory completion of the questions.  That meant that this student now owed $150 and would need to skip recess to complete the test.

This was a student who has a history of throwing major tantrums.  You can see and hear a cloud of "Oh goodness, what's going to happen now?" fall over the faces of other students in the classroom as I told this student that he would need to pay the fee and complete the test.  Surprisingly, the student gave me $13 from his wallet, told me to keep the $50 bonus that he was on track to receive in the afternoon, and wrote himself on the debt board for $87.  He then took his test back without throwing a tantrum and proceeded to complete the test.  He also approached me after completing the test and calmly asked if I had any jobs that he could do in the classroom to help him get out of debt, which of course I did!  It was certainly one of those, "Wow, everything is falling into place!" moments that we have as teachers.

Meanwhile, Greyson (who has one of the biggest hearts I've ever had the pleasure of knowing) had been saving up the money that he had been earning with his new business to move out of "Freeville" and into "The Suburbs."  The next thing I know Greyson is coming to me saying, "What the heck, it's Christmas" with $50 in hand to donate to the student now in debt for his carelessness.  I asked him if this was the money he had planned on using for the big move.  He responded, "Yeah, but my classmate needs it and it's almost Christmas."  WOW!  Now, of course, I had to stop Greyson from giving all of his money to the child in debt.  We had a conversation about the responsible way to give to charity while being able to pay your own bills too.

Although the kids in this class have been dealing with the tantrums thrown by the careless question-skipping student since first grade now, they are finding ways to celebrate the fact that he is beginning to find control within himself.  The classroom community is putting their arms around him.  It is such a beautiful thing to witness.  This child's success is affecting us all.

Here's the scoop on our classroom donations:

Once a week (or more often if you have time to devote) allow students to donate to peers on the debt board. These are the only students that can receive donations, only up to the amount that he/she is in debt. Donations are to be given directly to the teacher, not the individual students. 

Students who receive donations must thank the donor(s) with a formal thank you note. The formality of the thank you note will be based on your students’ ability levels. Students tend to be happy to write a thank you note because they realize just how hard the donor had to work in the classroom for that money. This makes students feel special as both the giver and the receiver. The student who gives money receives an intrinsic happiness and the student who receives the money feels loved by his/her classmates. This builds classroom community and peer respect.

Here's an example of a charity thank you note from last school year:

Your Teacher is ALWAYS Watching!

Greyson recently opened a student store by the name of "Photoman."  The kids are LOVING Greyson's ability to capture fun moments in the classroom with his digital camera.  Photoman's business model is to take pictures of classroom happenings and then "sell" the photos to kids.  Once a student purchases a photo, an email is sent to the child's parent with the picture attached.  It really is a great idea.

Greyson snapped this picture of me just as we were leaving the rug after a read aloud session earlier this week.  He did an amazing job editing.  This morning I showed the students this picture (giving Greyson my 'celebrity endorsement'), and the students responded by saying, "That is creepy.  It looks like you're looking at us."  So, guess what?  I'm definitely printing this picture out and placing it in the classroom.  As I told the kids this morning, I'm always watching, even with there is a substitute in the room!

Greyson also jump-started Aviana's modeling career today.  He took this shot of her eating ice cream she had just purchased at "Ice Cream Galaxy."  The fellas who own Ice Cream Galaxy liked the picture so much that they paid Aviana and Greyson for the rights to the picture. They intend to use the picture to advertise for their store in the classroom.  Aviana, if your modeling career really takes off, don't forget the little people!  You might also want to consider hiring Greyson as your agent!

Tomorrow morning is third grade's annual Books & Bagels.  Greyson mentioned to the class that he would be taking pictures during the event.  He said that the pictures could be purchased as Christmas gifts for parents.  Is this kid a natural entrepreneur or what?  Well, that started a trend.  Now there are "We are OPEN for Books & Bagels" signs decorating desks all over my classroom.  I'm very curious what tomorrow will bring!  Stayed tuned...

Let the Last Minute Christmas Sales Begin....

It's Monday, which in my students' world means.....STORES!  The Christmas sales have begun.  Laniah's store displayed a "Christmas Sale - Everything is $1" sign (pictured here).  Chet and Luke decided to hold a raffle for "Free Ice Cream for Life," which I thought was an extremely clever idea.

Nolen's "Money for Money" store has hit hard times.  As I mentioned in a blog last week, he is using his own money as capital for the loans that he will give to other students.  There's a slight problem....Nolen currently has $1 to his name.  So now he's on a quest to raise capital to be able to actually loan money out.  Capital is always the hard part when building a small business, isn't it?  I suppose it's time for "Money for Money" to seek out an angel investor.

And last for my blogging today, but absolutely not least, I have to share this story:

One of my students told me at lunch on Friday that she made Cs, Ds, and Fs in 2nd grade.  I responded in somewhat of a bewildered state, "You're a really smart kid.  Why did you make those kind of grades when you're making such great grades in 3rd grade?"  Her response..."You inspire me."  If that doesn't make it all worthwhile, what does?

Dress for Success!

This week a couple of my boys have decided to wear their "business shirts and ties."  Not only is it too cute, but it really has created a feeling of professionalism among them.  Dressing professionally seems to have helped my students with focus during lessons and behavior throughout the day.  It even had an effect on their wallets when profits were higher than usual for my "tie wearing fellas" during classroom stores today. (The Super Star reward today was 5 minutes of stores.)

Nolen (pictured) borrowed his tie from his dad.  On the way to lunch today he told me all about the various colors and patterns his father has in his closet.  I had such a wonderful vision of a sweet father/son bonding experience as they looked through Dad's ties together.

As my other Nolan left the classroom today he said, "If my mom washed my black business shirt today then I will wear it tomorrow."  So much for casual Friday...

Need a Good Contractor?

Do you have any students that seem to live in a state of disorganization?  You know the kind, they ask you for multiple copies of things constantly because "they can't find it."  Now, as the teacher, you know that the paper in question is somewhere hidden in the avalanche of papers flowing out from the depths of the student's desk.  Today I made a comment to my student who consistently hosts a desk avalanche.  The comment sounded something like, "It looks like a natural disaster hit your neighborhood" and the rest of the class came up the most amazing idea.  Don't you love it when that happens?

Chris, an amazingly smart little guy (and NOT the desk avalanche creator...if anything he's the extreme opposite), told the class that his uncle "Crazy Jack" is a contractor in New Jersey.  When Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey "Uncle Crazy Jack" went into action to help rebuild people's homes.  Of course, contractors receive money for the jobs they perform.  So....my brilliant students decided that we should take away a job that we don't use all that often on our employment board and replace it with "Contractor."  The contractor will assess the damage and then state his/her price to clean the natural disaster.  The desk above was assessed at $45 by Chris, our first contractor.  In my opinion he should've required more money, especially since he had to leave the jobsite to catch the bus and will go back to cleaning this natural disaster area in the morning.  Meanwhile, the owner of this desk does not have property insurance, so he will pay the $45 fee to Chris over time.  Welcome to the REAL world!

Here's Chris in action this afternoon:

A note on our class insurance system...

Students can choose to purchase health, property, and/or car insurance. Health insurance benefits students when they need to make a non-emergency trip to the nurse’s office and/or during “Life Happens” scenarios. Property insurance benefits students when a natural disaster hits a neighborhood (i.e. a desk is too messy) and a contractor must be brought in to remedy the situation and/or during “Life Happens” scenarios. Car insurance benefits students during “Life Happens” scenarios.

Insurance costs an upfront fee of $10 per type. If students want to purchase all three types of insurance it will be an upfront fee of $30. Once purchased, there is a deductible of $15 for “Life Happens” scenarios or natural desk disasters and a deductible of $2 for classroom healthcare necessity.

Open for Business!

Our class went on a field trip to see a play yesterday, so all of Monday's standard events were moved to Tuesday this week.  Usually this causes mass chaos, but I have to brag on my kids and say that all went well today.  Yay!!

Student stores were open for business today.  These stores are fabulous for many reasons.  They allow students to explore their talents and utilize classroom skills like math (profit margins), writing (advertising), reading (research to enhance their products), and social studies (economics).  They make learning relevant and FUN!  Tyra is selling the most amazing barrettes.  They come in a variety of colors.  She gave me a green one in an effort to increase sales through a "celebrity endorsement."  Check it out...

Nolen applied for a new business license today.  He's opening "Money for Money," a loan business.  It will be interesting to watch his business grow.  He's using his own money as capital.  I'm wondering what will happen for those clients who can't pay him back in a timely manner.  This will be an exceptionally interesting business to watch as it grows.  Watch out Title Max, you've got competition!

As the kids were paying their business taxes, I heard one of them tell another kid that the people in Freeville really needed to start earning their own money so that they didn't have to keep paying these high taxes.  Ahh... They are beginning to understand the REAL world's modern economy at such a young age.

Due to Monday's field trip the kids also received the Super Star list today.  The kids were paid their retroactive salaries based on whether or not they were on the Super Star list.  Super Stars earned $10 (with $2 going to rent and $2 to taxes) and those not on the list earned $5 (with $2 going to rent and $2 going to taxes).  At then end of the day, my most challenging student came up to me and said, "Mrs. Nunamaker, I'm going to be on the Super Star list next week and make $10."  WOW!  I honestly didn't think there was anything I could do to motivate this kid.  I am LOVING the self motivation taking place.  I'm crossing my fingers for him and me that his goal is achieved.

And alas, my students are reading this blog right now with their fingers crossed.  I'm posting the winning lottery ticket for today's social studies test review.  (Check out last Friday's blog to learn about our lottery system.) Students were allowed to purchase extra lottery tickets today for $3 a ticket.  Welcome to the REAL World....Cash only, of course, no credit accepted!  The winning number is...

The lucky person with ticket number 314555 should bring their ticket to me in the morning to claim your $95 prize!

For teachers our there reading this blog, if you are interested in learning more about Money Cents For Kids, visit www.mc4k.com.

Our Class "Powerball" Winner Is....

Happy Friday, everyone!  It's been a good week in Nunamakerville.  We began this morning with Avianna sharing her experiences with Dollar, our class pet.  She took him home last night and had a great adventure with him.  I always love listening the what the kids write in his journal.  The class learns so much about each other through this exercise.  

Avianna chose me to take Dollar home for the weekend.  He's going to go with me to our Clemson Elementary staff Christmas party tonight. I haven't decided if he'll go to my neighborhood Christmas party tomorrow night or if I'll need to get a "sitter" for that!  I don't trust my real dogs, Indy & Emma, to be nice to him while we're gone!

This is Indy attacking...I mean playing with....Dollar when he came home with me last year.  A brutal visit for Dollar unfortunately!







The social studies test grades were AWESOME today!  A HUGE, "Thank You" to all of the parents who worked so hard studying with the kids.  During our review yesterday the kids were ROCKIN' out the answers!  We had several lottery tickets given out during review for correct answers and the lucky winning number is below.  But first, here's how it works.... 

During test reviews, I ask review questions only one time and then call on a student to answer the question. If he/she was listening to the question then he/she will be able to answer. If he/she answers correctly, I give him/her a lottery ticket for the drawing that will occur after the review. If the student whom I called on was not listening and asks me to repeat the question, I tell him/he that I only call out questions one time and move on to the next student for an answer and a chance to obtain a lottery ticket. This increases listening ten-fold in the classroom.  We typically discuss probability (relating probability to fractions too) before drawing the ticket.  This is an excellent way to incorporate math into everyday activities in the classroom.

And the winner is...
314509

Congratulations to our lucky winner!  Hopefully you've been responsible and kept up with your winning ticket. See me on Monday (after the field trip, of course) to collect your $25 (classroom money).

For teachers our there reading this blog, if you are interested in purchasing Dollar, Dollar's Diary, or Money Cents Lottery Tickets, visit http://www.mc4k.com/catalog/.

Have a GREAT weekend!  I'll be back with more stories on Monday!

Suburbs or Bust!

We'll start off with an update from last night's blog.  The noise level in the classroom continues to be MUCH better with the new neighborhoods that we've added to the Town of Nunamakerville.  Hosam earned enough money to leave Freeville today.  He moved to the suburbs and all of his new suburban neighbors helped him move his desk, chair, etc. today.  There is definitely a spirit of community alive and well in the suburbs!

Today our class Super Stars (an elite list of students who have earned class rewards for outstanding behavior last week) received 5 minutes of "Store Time."  Here is a link to our Super Star list if you would like to check out examples of our daily Super Star rewards.  Just before stores I informed all of my young entrepreneurs that they would be paying taxes on revenue earned from their business sales today.  My third grade tycoons used their newly learned multiplication skills to figure 10% quite easily.  Business owners now pay 10% tax on revenue earned during stores in order to pay for the citizens of our town who live in Freeville.  If we have more than 5 people living in Freeville at one time then the rate will increase to 20%.  Everyone is now cheering on their friends in Freeville to save up money and move to the suburbs!  You can find our business tax form here.

Speaking of multiplication, I found an incredibly fun game online.  It's perfect for a review of multiplication facts around Christmas time!  Check it out...
http://www.fun4thebrain.com/multiplication/reindeerCafe.html

Location, Location, Location

Have you ever had one of those incredibly chatty groups of kids?  You know, the kind of group where they are really sweet, smart, and fabulous individually, but....as a group they just can't quit talking long enough to get through any lesson?  Well, that's this year for me.  Great kids, but incredibly chatty!

I decided that today was the day.  I had tried everything else under the sun...moving cards, walking at recess, competing for best behavior for team points, fining kids classroom money for "disturbing the peace"....nothing seemed to work this year.  So today I told the kids that they were moving into neighborhoods.  There are limited lots in each neighborhood.  Once the lots are full, students can negotiate buying and selling of lots on their own to trade neighborhood locations.The could choose from the following:

Whisperville ($50 per lot): Students can whisper in this neighborhood with the exception of during tests.  There are 4 lots in Whisperville.

Uptown ($25): Students are closest to the teacher and the board.  Their lots are closest to the "entertainment district."  There are 6 lots in Uptown.

Downtown ($20): Students are closest to the real-aloud and daily calendar rug in the back of the room.  These lots allow students to participate in real-aloud and daily calendar from the comfort of their desks, if they so choose.  There are 5 lots in Downtown.

Suburbs ($10): Students are away from it all in the suburbs.  It offers a more spacious area.  There are 5 lots in the Suburbs.

Freeville ($0): As the teacher I can place students anywhere I see fit.  There are no perks in Freeville.  Lots are unlimited.  Class tax dollars take care of the lots for students living in Freeville.

During this transition we happened to have our amazing class volunteer, Ms. Schaefer, in the room who works in real estate.  She was FABULOUS!  She even helped Tyra with her mortgage for her Downtown lot.  It was a really cool experience.

And so far, so good.  We made it through our math lesson without disruptions today.  Whew-hew!

Credit Cards...The Trials and Tribulations!

My students have had classroom credit cards for almost a month now.  They can pay for classroom supplies and shop in each other's stores with these credit cards.  I keep track of the amount each student owes in a bank book and collect the money at the end of each month.  If a student doesn't have the money owed on the card to pay me they incur interest and finance fees.  The REAL world!

So....today Chet tells me that he has lost his credit card.  When the kids originally applied for credit (find our class credit card application here), I told them that if they lost it they were at risk of someone buying items with their credit card.  That meant that they would incur the charges during that time period too.  Identity theft....it strikes every age, doesn't it?

I informed Chet that he would need to cancel his credit card.  "Cancel it?," he said.  So many life lessons were happening here!  He wrote a letter to the credit card company, a.k.a. me, requesting to cancel the card.  Twenty minutes later he finds the credit card in his desk.  He comes to me and says, "Never mind the letter I sent you.  I found the card."  Not so fast....I told Chet that he would need to call the company to work it out with them.  

I gave him the run around like any good corporate America call center would do.  His classmates became the "kids at home" yelling in the background so he couldn't make out what the customer service rep was saying to him on the other end of the line.  It was so funny that I had myself in tears!  

Well, Chet, if you're reading this....karma (remember, we learned that term and its concept a few weeks ago in class) came back to bite me this afternoon.  I had to call the V.A. about my grandmother's monthly stipend today.  I have now had the run around with three different phone numbers and they plan to mail me a form since they officially cannot help with direct deposit on her check.  Welcome to the REAL world, friends!

All of my REAL world materials are available for purchase at www.mc4k.com.  You can also find more information about my classroom system on the website.

Tattletale Mail

This year's group of kids is exceptionally fond of ratting each other out for some reason.  Not only does it drive me bonkers, but it takes away valuable instructional time too.  I HAD to come up with a way to put a nix on the tattling in class.  

When my sister gave me an old mailbox from her classroom, it was as though a treasure had suddenly been uncovered!  I immediately brought the mailbox to my classroom and put a sign on it that read "Tattletale Mail." I told the students that they must write a letter to me explaining any tattle that they would like to share.  The letter required a delivery address and postage too.  We hired a class "Post Master" to sell postage and deliver the mail to me from the mailbox. If a student feels that their tattle is pertinent, then he/she may complete a Postage Reimbursement Form and include it with the tattle.  **Of course, I must give the disclaimer here that you must discuss the difference between a tattle and something the teacher really needs to know when starting something like this.

Tattles have gone down by at least 90% since we started the Tattletale Mail.  Thank goodness, I didn't think I could handle one more day of tattle after tattle!  I mean, I'm here to teach vital skills and concepts, not listen to "So and so looked at me funny!"  The tattletale mail has decreased tattles, increased instructional time, and supported student writing skills.