The Bank of Zeller
The students of 204 are starting a year-long economy unit in which they earn credits and debits. Throughout each week, students can earn credits for any number of things. For example, each student holds a classroom job each week and earn credits on a daily basis according to our agreed upon payroll. We have determined the daily jobs necessary for our classroom to run smoothly. They also voted on a weekly salary for each job by ranking them in order of importance and/or the amount of work required.
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.
I write paychecks to all students at the end of each pay period, given their job has been done successfully. Students cash their checks at The Bank of Zeller to receive the Zeller Bucks that they have earned. The Zeller Bucks can be used to purchase items at our classroom store at the end of each pay period. This student Banker helps consumers total their items and makes changes if necessary. As students shop, they use shopping logs to keep track of what they are spending. Students record the item, the quantity, and the cost before totaling their final bill. The log is taken to the cashier to be double-checked and is then used as the shopper's receipt.
Students are already learning many "real-world" concepts that can't be taught as effectively in a textbook. The class store is ultimately used to teach economic lessons that include decision making, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and inflation.
The students are always anxious for our store to open so that they can spend their hard earned Zeller Bucks. They are able to purchase from the store every other Friday. The store is run solely off of donations. That is where you come in!!!

We are very excited about our unit and hope that you are too. If you have any questions at all about anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. My email is sarah.irish@camas.wednet.edu or you can call me at school.