> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.classcents.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Currency & Points System

> Learn how to set up and manage your classroom virtual currency

## 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.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/joshuamakes/G5j-M0tSaQs4mL9T/images/currency/settings-navigation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5j-M0tSaQs4mL9T&q=85&s=82f0cbedd50632bb80b59cf901cded4a" alt="Classroom currency settings page with reward system type, symbol, and live preview" width="1600" height="1000" data-path="images/currency/settings-navigation.png" />

## Currency Configuration

Navigate to **Settings** → **Classroom Settings** → **Currency** (page titled **Classroom Currency**) to configure:

<ParamField path="Reward System Type" type="string" required>
  Choose between **Points System** or **Currency System**

  * **Points System**: Simple whole numbers (e.g., 100) — great for younger students
  * **Currency System**: Dollar-style format with decimals (e.g., \$10.50) — great for teaching financial literacy
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Currency Symbol" type="string">
  *(Currency System mode only)* Choose a symbol from the dropdown.

  Options: `$`, `£`, `€`, `¥`, `₹`, `₱`, `₩`, `₦`, `฿`, `₫`, `₴`
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Currency Name" type="string">
  Customize your classroom currency name.

  Examples: "ClassCash", "EduCoins", "Eagle Bucks", "Star Points"
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Display Currency Name" type="boolean" default="true">
  Toggle whether the currency name is displayed alongside balances throughout the app.
</ParamField>

A **Live Preview** on the right shows exactly how balances will display. Click **Apply Changes** to save.

<Note>
  **Starting Balance** is configured per classroom when you create or edit a classroom, not in the currency settings.
  Each new student added to that classroom will automatically receive the starting balance.
  This only applies when a student is first created — assigning an existing student to an additional classroom does not grant a second starting balance.
</Note>

## How Students Earn Currency

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Academic Performance" icon="book-open">
    * Homework completion
    * Test scores and bonuses
    * Class participation
    * Project work
    * Improvement rewards
  </Card>

  <Card title="Behavioral Rewards" icon="heart">
    * Following classroom rules
    * Helping classmates
    * Leadership and initiative
    * Responsibility completion
    * Positive attitude
  </Card>

  <Card title="Classroom Jobs" icon="briefcase">
    * Assigned paid jobs
    * Automatic weekly/daily payouts
    * Performance bonuses
    * Special project payments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Achievement Badges" icon="award">
    * Milestone completions
    * Bonus point rewards
    * Progressive tiers
    * Special recognition
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Best Practices

<Accordion title="Use Consistent Amounts" icon="equals">
  Standardize your point values so students understand the system:

  * Small tasks: 5-10 points
  * Medium achievements: 25-50 points
  * Major accomplishments: 100+ points
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Make Earning Criteria Clear" icon="list-check">
  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
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Award Immediately" icon="bolt">
  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
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Ensure Fair Opportunities" icon="scale-balanced">
  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
</Accordion>

## Currency Symbol Tips

<Tip>
  **Using Dollar Signs (\$)**: Creates real-world connection and teaches money concepts. Great for teaching financial literacy alongside behavior management.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Using Points**: Simpler for younger students and avoids confusion with real money. Works well for game-ified classrooms.
</Tip>

## Adjusting the Economy

<Steps>
  <Step title="Monitor Spending Patterns">
    Check your analytics to see if students are saving or spending too quickly
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust Earning Rates">
    If students run out of money too fast, increase earning opportunities or reduce reward costs
  </Step>

  <Step title="Balance Inflation">
    If everyone has too much money, increase reward prices or reduce earning amounts slightly
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get Student Feedback">
    Ask students what they think - they'll tell you if something feels unfair or too difficult
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Make any adjustments slowly and communicate changes clearly to maintain student trust in the system.
</Warning>

## Related Topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Rewards Setup" icon="gift" href="/features/rewards">
    Create items students can purchase with their currency
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transaction Tracking" icon="receipt" href="/features/transactions">
    Learn how to award and deduct points effectively
  </Card>
</CardGroup>