Your classroom is not a business, nor are you technically making transactions that require handing out receipts on a regular basis.  Think of it more as data collection and practical life skills!  Here are some ways you can utilize a receipt book in your classroom!

 

Documentation

Depending on your school, you might collect donations from parents to put towards classroom activities and field trips.  You might also receive payments for school lunches, fundraisers…etc.  One way to keep parents’ minds at ease is to send home a receipt that you received their money.  A student can easily lose the money going to and from school.   Worst case scenario, a student decides they want to keep the money for themselves.  Sending home a receipt ensures accountability that the money went towards what it was intended for.  I also like being able to look back at who has made payments, especially if you need to keep a tally such as who ordered sack lunches for a field trip.  Some parents may also want to file away their receipts for tax purposes.  Either way, it is always a good organized idea to cover your own back and minimize any possible dilemmas that could come about!

 

 

Vocational Skills

When my students do bring in money, I have them fill out their own receipts!  This is a great vocational skill to practice identifying who made the payment, how much, writing out the number amount (like you would on a check), stating whether it is cash or check, what the money is for…etc.  You can also pair this along with accounting skills if students are keeping track of how much money they have brought in throughout the year.  

 

Work Task Box

You can easily make a cheap and easy work task box activity by getting a receipt book from the dollar store.  Here is a task card activity that practices Writing Checks & Receipts from various scenarios on each task card!  This is a great practical life skill for older students to begin practicing.  Yes I know, checks are becoming outdated, BUT, people still do use checks!  Regardless, people still hand write receipts, like myself.