VIDBE-Q Volume 65 Issue 4
a spreadsheet of all available items in the online store, brief description, and point
value. Items in the store included things like silly socks, fidget spinners, keychains,
magnets, school supplies, earbuds, signature guides, hair bands, and $10-15 gift
cards. An online ordering system was created using Microsoft Office Forms. It
asked for the "customer" to enter first/last name, email address, street address, city,
state, zip code, and list of items to be purchased. Personal information requested on
the online order included personal information many students struggled to
memorize. Weekly emails also announced sales like "Buy One Get One" and a
print/braille packing slip was included. Orders were processed and mailed weekly.
If a mailing address was incomplete, the email was entered incorrectly, or not
enough points were in the account, the order was not processed. The opportunity
for natural consequences through this system allowed for more real world
situations and the need for students to self-advocate, pay attention to details,
budget, and use various communication methods.
One last-minute idea became one of the most popular incentive programs
during the summer. Two to three names of students were announced each morning
before the start time. If those students were signed on early, they went to a
breakout room with the lunch teacher who took their order. To participate, students
had to know their address, local fast food restaurants, food preferences, and
budgeting. These students were then rewarded with lunch for the day!
