Auctions are a great way for students to take part in a real-world economic activity. I demonstrate this concept in my classroom economy at the end of the year. My students are able to participate in a silent auction by bidding on larger ticket items and class mementos.

I ask parents to donate "desirable" items that are new or gently used for our end-of-the-year auction. I also include items like autographed class pictures, class books, hallway signs, and other theme-related classroom decor that might appeal to my students. Each item has its own bid sheet, and students are able to bid and outbid each other to get the items they most desire.

Download a sample of the auction note I send home to parents and the silent auction bid sheet.