A Grant for Educational Excellence

The Classroom Economy is one of the exciting hands-on-grants funded by the MACS Education Foundation this school year. The 3rd grade students of Mrs. Warren's class at St. Gabriel Catholic School are actively involved in a year-long study of economics where they earn credits and debits while maintaining a class bank and store. The unit is cross-curricular: students learn major principle concepts, as well as use math skills on a daily basis.

Throughout each week, students can earn credits for any number of things. For example, students who hold classroom jobs each week earn credits on weekly basis according to our agreed payroll. Credits are also earned sporadically for following rules, showing good character, putting extra effort into school work, and being responsible.

Debits are given to students when they break laws (classroom rules) in our community of learners. At the end of each pay period, students add up their credits and subtract their debits to calculate their weekly total. Mrs. Warren writes paychecks to all of her students at the end of each pay period that reflect the amount that they have earned after balancing their credits and debits.

Students cash their checks at the Bank of Warren to receive the money (Warren Cash) that they have earned. Students will then have the opportunity to spend their Warren Cash at the end of each pay period at the class store (Warren-Mart). Students can, of course, choose to save their money to purchase a more expensive item at the Warren-Mart. For this reason, all students have wallets in which to store their Warren Cash.

There is a class economist who studies the behavior of student shoppers. The class economist keeps track of how much students make each week when they cash their checks at the Bank of Warren and keeps track of how much the students spend at the store. The class economist also gives a report at the class meeting and suggests items that need to go on sale or scarce items that may need a price increase.

“The Classroom Economy” is a valuable learning experience for all the students in my class. They are always so excited to receive their paycheck, go the Bank of Warren and then go shopping at The Warren Mart. Many important lifelong economic skills are being taught as the students experience the various aspects of this grant. I am so thankful to the MACS Education Foundation for allowing me to implement The Classroom Economy into my classroom.”

For more information on MACS Education Foundation or Grants for Educational Excellence please contact Kim Riggins at 704-370-3303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .