Patent US 6,572,380

A game unit and a method for teaching favorable behavioral patterns. The game unit includes a portfolio and an allowance system in cooperative engagement with the portfolio. The portfolio includes a plurality of tab cards and a score unit for receiving the tab cards. The allowance system includes an allowance element as a unit of exchange between what is earned by a player and a tangible reward outside of the play situation. Accordingly, a method for teaching favorable behavioral patterns includes incorporating the game unit with a routine of a player for a predetermined period, such as a daily routine. The player is credited via the tab cards throughout the predetermined period for favorable and unfavorable behavior while performing the routine. At the end of play, a value received from calculating the awarded tab cards is used to determine a value of an allowance element to be received. As such, the allowance element is then redeemed by the player for a tangible reward, such as for example money, a valued play object, or a pleasurable activity.