Classroom Economy Learning Finances in a Fun and Impactful Way
This year, Grade 6 was introduced to a new system called a Classroom Economy. Classroom teacher Mr. Aaron Gagnon introduced the idea to the class that they would be applying for jobs and earning money to pay a monthly desk rental fee. Along with that, students would earn bonus money for completing tests, quizzes, helping other teachers, and showing random acts of kindness to others around the school. However, some students may be fined for certain infractions such as having a messy desk or clothes hook, not handing in work, being dishonest to others, or being rude to teachers and students. But, if students can pay their rent that month, each student would be able to participate in a monthly auction. Items would be presented to the class and students can bid monthly on them in hopes of acquiring the items they want.
Along with some other rules, this system has allowed students to take on financial literacy in a fun and interactive way. Once the students knew their jobs and understood the fines and bonus lists, the system began to run itself. Bankers would help students withdraw and deposit money; Loan Officers were working with others to take out loans and calculate interest; Fine Officers were writing out tickets and ensuring that the tickets were being paid off; and many more jobs were being done without supervision, but monitored to ensure they were completed.
As the program continues, students are learning the difference between spending and saving, and what priorities should always come first. Paying rent should always be key because if they can’t pay for their desk, they may be evicted from their desk until they can save up the right amount of money. We’ve also seen a new spirit in our Grade 6 students as they now know what earns them bonus money, and students are more dedicated to get better grades, study for their tests and quizzes, and even do random acts of kindness whenever they can. We hope that this instills not only a desire to do good works, but to do them because it makes God happy and others happy too. Even though they are earning fictional money, they are making an impact wherever they go and whatever act they fulfill.
Ultimately, students are learning to be responsible for their own economy. They are learning to budget and plan accordingly and think about how they will earn enough money to be able to pay their rent. They are also starting to see an impact on what studying does for them when it comes to tests and quizzes. From September to December, before the classroom economy was established, the class average for memory work quizzes was only 80%. However, in the months of January and February, the class average jumped up to 90% in just two months of the economy being introduced.
Sarnia Christian School participated in the first Annual Chess Championship in Strathroy. We sent 15 students and came back with five certificates and two banners.
Congratulations to Kainan for 3rd place in Grade 4, Jonas for 2nd place in Grade 6, Ashlynn for 1st place in Grade 6, Levi S. for 3rd place in Grade 7, and Levi T. for 1st place in Grade 7. The first place winners both got a banner that will be going up in the Common Eating Area. We are so proud and excited for such a good run. Well done to all 15 players, and all those who helped with practices over the last few months. Great job, SCS!
Welcome New Staff!
Michael Boersma will be joining the SCS staff in September as our French teacher. He will be filling an LTO while Mrs. Rekman is on maternity leave.
Cereal Box DomINNo Challenge
During the month of May, our school is once again participating in the DomINNo Challenge to support The Inn of The Good Shepherd! This year, The Inn is offering a prize of a freezie party in June for the top three schools who collect the most cereal boxes per student. Within SCS, classes are competing against each other to see who can collect the most, with the winning class awarded three casual days in June as well. We'd love to have our dominos continue through the whole school's hallways this year! Cereal can be dropped off to school anytime this month just be sure to specify which class it is for.
