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Understanding the Currency System

ClassCents uses a virtual currency system that mirrors real-world economics to teach students about money management, saving, and making thoughtful spending decisions.

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Currency Configuration

Navigate to Settings → Classroom → Currency Settings to configure:
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Currency Name
string
required
Customize your classroom currency nameExamples: “ClassCash”, “EduCoins”, “Eagle Bucks”, “Star Points”
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Currency Symbol
string
required
Choose symbols for your currencyOptions: $, ¢, 🪙, or custom text
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Decimal Places
boolean
default:"false"
Enable to use dollars and cents (e.g., $10.50)Disable for whole numbers only (e.g., 100 points)
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Starting Balance
number
default:"50"
Initial currency for new studentsRecommended: 50-100 so students feel wealthy from the start
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Minimum Balance
number
default:"0"
Lowest balance students can reachSet to 0 to prevent negative balances, or allow negatives for “classroom debt” lessons

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How Students Earn Currency

Academic Performance

  • Homework completion
  • Test scores and bonuses
  • Class participation
  • Project work
  • Improvement rewards

Behavioral Rewards

  • Following classroom rules
  • Helping classmates
  • Leadership and initiative
  • Responsibility completion
  • Positive attitude

Classroom Jobs

  • Assigned paid roles
  • Automatic weekly/daily payouts
  • Performance bonuses
  • Special project payments

Achievement Badges

  • Milestone completions
  • Bonus point rewards
  • Progressive tiers
  • Special recognition

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Best Practices

Standardize your point values so students understand the system:
  • Small tasks: 5-10 points
  • Medium achievements: 25-50 points
  • Major accomplishments: 100+ points
Students should always know how to earn more:
  • Post earning opportunities on classroom board
  • Explain point values before activities
  • Be transparent about why points are awarded
Recognition is most effective when immediate:
  • Award points right after the positive behavior
  • Students see their balance update in real-time
  • Instant gratification reinforces the behavior
Every student should be able to earn:
  • Don’t make all earning academic-only
  • Include behavior and effort-based rewards
  • Vary difficulty levels so all students can succeed

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Currency Symbol Tips

Using Dollar Signs ($): Creates real-world connection and teaches money concepts. Great for teaching financial literacy alongside behavior management.
Using Points: Simpler for younger students and avoids confusion with real money. Works well for game-ified classrooms.

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Adjusting the Economy

1

Monitor Spending Patterns

Check your analytics to see if students are saving or spending too quickly
2

Adjust Earning Rates

If students run out of money too fast, increase earning opportunities or reduce reward costs
3

Balance Inflation

If everyone has too much money, increase reward prices or reduce earning amounts slightly
4

Get Student Feedback

Ask students what they think - they’ll tell you if something feels unfair or too difficult
Make any adjustments slowly and communicate changes clearly to maintain student trust in the system.

Rewards Setup

Create items students can purchase with their currency

Transaction Tracking

Learn how to award and deduct points effectively