• Lumberjack Bucks

    What are Lumberjack Dollars?
    As a part of my behavior management system, Mrs. Zinteck (Math/Science/Social) have created a classroom economy called "Lumberjakc Bucks" where students can earn & lose money based on their actions. Lumberjack Bucks are transferred on a daily basis and relate to all aspects of classwork & behavior.  Each month, all students are given a blank Lumberjack Buck to decorate.  Let me tell you, the kids get really excited when they see one of "their" Lumberjack Buck being used!  I've been using this management system for a decade and have found that the kids really understand and respond well to it.  In using a classroom economy, the children not only learn economics, but they also learn how to budget & be responsible with their money, as well as which behaviors are acceptable in the classroom.

    What can Lumberjack Bucks be "spent" on?
    Students are given various opportunities throughout the month to spend their Lumberjack Bucks on a bunch of different things.  For example, kids can buy "lunch bunch" (eating in the classroom), "No Homework Passes," and candy/prizes from the classroom treasure chest. 

    What can I do to earn Lumberjack Bucks?
    DiPasquale Dollars are handed out randomly, so it is important to always do your best because you never know when you'll be rewarded!  I love to catch children just being good kids and reward them for it!  If you wondering what I look for, I often reward kids when I see them...
    1).  Being polite & respectful
    2).  Following classroom & school rules
    3).  Completing homework on-time
    4).  Working cooperatively
    5).  Lending a helping hand
    6).  Putting forth great effort & working hard
    7).  Answering questions 
    8).  Completing their classroom jobs
    9).  Working well as a WHOLE class
    10). Volunteering answers to questions or sharing their ideas
    11).  Actively participating in the lessons
    12).  Showing their work (math problems)
    13).  BEING GOOD KIDS! 

    Can Lumberjack Bucks be taken away?
    Just as Lumberjack Bucks can be earned, they can also be taken away when I see a student isn't making a good choice.  Losing a Lumberjack Buck is a consequence to an action.  I do not like to take Lumberjack Bucks away from kids, but it must be done occasionally.  The good news is that if you are acting appropriately and being a responsible 5th grader, you will most likely not have to lose Lumberjack Buck!  Just to be sure, here are some examples of things that would cost Lumberjack Bucks...
    1).  Not having your homework done on-time = $2 fee
    2).  Lying, cheating, stealing, etc.
    3).  Being disrespectful What if I don't have any DiPasquale Dollars and I forget my homework? I hope that you don't find yourself in this situation, but if you do not have your homework done & can't pay the $2 fee, then you are technically in "debt."  The way you will need to work off your homework debt is by having lunch detention.  As soon as your debt has been "repaid," you are again able to begin collecting Lumberjack Bucks to spend on good things!