A checkbook learning activity which is adaptable to all grades, ages, and subject areas is described. The four reasons given for using checks in the classroom are to provide practice for students in computational skills, to increase student motivation, to provide real-world experience, and to replace the teacher's grading system. The following directions are given to the teacher for this activity: (1) make deposits into the students' accounts to compensate for "fines,""rent," and other regularly deducted items so that grades (subsequent "deposits") are based on students' academic performances; (2) give each student a checkbook containing 75 checks for a nine-week period at the first of the year; (3) make extra checks available for "fines" and "taxes"; (4) offer to make deposits into students' accounts for doing extra credit work and special projects; (5) enable students to make deposits for doing homework and taking tests; (6) have students make deposits at the end of each week; and (7) have students make their own deposits at the end of the nine-week period to determine a grade. Included are samples of deposits and withdrawals, and an example of a teacher's balance sheet to be used as a grade record. (EM)