Personal Space in the Classroom

     Have you ever had students who couldn't keep their hands off each other?  I have!! Some classes have this issue more than others.  One class I had really had a hard time with this.  They got in each other's faces, poked others when they walked by, sat super close to their neighbor on the carpet, and were always touching people, school supplies, you name it. Does that sound familiar? We had several talks about it in our class, BUT we still had trouble, and honestly some felt very uncomfortable with it and needed their space. 

     We decided to have a personal space camp.  We read two books that were amazing to go along with the lessons that week.  Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader is hilarious!!!  We love all of Christianne C Jones' books! They are so funny, and the kids can really relate to it.  The other book that I love to read is Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook.  Both are very good for starting the lessons on personal space. 

We spent a couple of weeks practicing and talking about personal space.  We also referred to it throughout the year.  One of the first things I used to show what personal space looks like is hoola hoops.  I got mine at Dollar Tree, and they were a hit!! 

First, I had one hoola hoop, and put one student who I knew needed a little extra space inside.  He was comfortable and liked being in the hoop alone.  Then I added another student to join him in the hoop.  They were still okay but not quite as comfortable as having it all to themselves.  I kept adding kids inside the hoop until we couldn't fit anymore.  We all talked about how it was very uncomfortable being in there and not having space.  They said everyone was too close!  Yep!!  They were starting to get it. 

     We used the hoops throughout the week putting one student in each hoop and spacing them out.  This was so perfect in giving them a visual of what was comfortable and enough space for everyone.  They took turns talking to each other while in the hoop and LISTENING to each other about why they were upset or angry during the week.  This really allowed them to open up and learn how to speak to each other respectfully.  It turned out that some of the conversations were not just about personal space, but it gave them the opportunity to share what was bothering them.  This allowed them to feel safe and have a voice. YAYYY!!!  Isn't that the best? 

The expressions on some of their faces makes me smile!!  They are so funny! 

 

 

     Throughout the week we continued to practice when we were on the carpet, in line, at their tables, and it helped them have an awareness not only of how they felt and what was comfortable for them, but also how others felt!!! They even went home and talked about it with their families. 
We read the book that is in my resource, and they did a few activities on when we might need more space (like meeting a stranger) or when we don't need as much (with our family).

     At the end of the week, everyone got a hat and a certificate that they completed personal space camp!! I was so impressed with them!  They really learned so much and it made such a difference in the rest of the school year.  We still needed reminders at times, but overall it was a huge success!!! 

     I have now also added the book about social distancing and the importance for more personal space for our safety and the safety of others.  I will read this with them in the beginning of the year since it will be so new for all of them and me! 

If you are interested in this resource, it is available in my TpT store.  You can also try some of the activites as well on your own to see what your class needs.  There are so many skills that are kids do not have when they come to us.  Such a big part of school is learning social skills and social emotional learning! This is one of my favorite areas to focus on with my students!!  

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Managing Jobs in the Classroom

   

 How do you manage jobs in your classroom?  I have tried several different ways in my classroom.  I have had only a few students have jobs, and they took turns.  Some people choose to have one person do everything because they find it easier.  What I have found that is most successful with my students is everyone having a job every week.  When I first thought about doing this, I wasn't sure I could think of enough jobs and how would I remember!?!  Let me tell you- it works like a charm, and there are plenty of jobs for everyone!! 

      I am a big believer in the importance of everyone feeling a part of our classroom community.  My students are so excited every week because they look forward to their new job!!  Now, some of the jobs are not their favorites, but that is okay.  They love helping and want the responsibility!  I have them displayed on one of my cabinets, so they know the rotation.  

     What Jobs Do I Need?

     This is up to you and what works for your classroom.  Consider all the things that need to be done each day or week.  Think about all the little things YOU do that they could help with.  Trust me- letting them help makes life so much easier!  There are the common jobs that most use: line leader (everyone's favorite), door holder, caboose, lunch helpers. At our school, we have table cleaners at lunch.  Two students wipe down tables once everyone is finished with lunch.  

Here are others I have used and what they do:

Electrician- turns on/ off the light in the classroom when we leave, come back, or using the smartboard or projector 

Librarian- helps maintain the library in our classroom (you might have 2 for this) and takes library books to the school library on book return day

Custodian & Chair Stacker- these are nice especially at the end of the day and usually need more than one 

Room Inspector (goes along with custodian) They make sure everything is picked up before dismissal.  This does not mean they have to always clean everything up because it is expected that everyone picks up after themselves, but they help monitor.  

Greeter- My students love this job.  They stand at the door in the morning and help greet everyone that comes in the classroom.  Students come into our rooms between 7:40- 7:50.  I also green students as well, but they like to help. They can also greet adults that come in during the day.  

Pencil Pal- sharpen all the pencils at the end of the day 

Messenger- takes notes or anything that needs to go to the office 

First Aid- takes others to the clinic (depending on the issue)

Materials Manager or Supply Helper- help pass out supplies to the tables or on the carpet (ex. dry erase boards, markers, and erasers during whole group phonics)

Group Captains- I choose these for each table or group so they are not necessarily part of the rotation

Sanitizer Helper- gives everyone a squirt when needed 

Star helper- this can be anything! When I had a partner teacher, we exchanged books after we read them to our class, so the star helper took the book to their room

Prayer Leader-  I teach in a Catholic school, so these students lead our prayer before meals, rosary, end of the day, etc. 

Song Selector- they choose the song during our morning meeting or throughout the day when we have brain breaks 

Kindness Recorder- they notice and share when they see others being kind

Substitute- fill in when someone is absent

Cheer Captain- (similar to song selector) they choose the brain break or cheer for the day/ week

Support Squad- this is a new one for me.  They will help others when they see them feeling sad or upset.  Of course, I will help as well, but I love when they offer support to each other, too.  

Vacation- another new one! When they are on this, they can take a week off and help as needed.  

Some of the jobs I created based on the book Conscious Discipline by Rebecca Bailey.  This is a wonderful book if you are wanting to create a school family and build your classroom community.  She also has a book called Creating a School Family which is amazing and filled with ideas.  They can be purchased on the Conscious Discipline website or on Amazon.  

     How To Manage Them

     Since I have multiple jobs, I like to use library pockets on a wall or a cabinet.  I put the labels on the pockets and use 3x5 cards with their names on the card.  I usually start in alphabetical order and place them all in the pockets.  Each week I rotate each card to the next pocket, and everyone has a new job.  I also have used jumbo popsicle sticks with their names on top instead of the cards, or you could use clothespins, too.  The labels could be on ribbons if you are limited on space, and clothespins can be clipped on each label. 

     Any labels can be used.  You can create your own on cards, create a chart, and even write the jobs on cards.  There are so many ways to set it up.  

     One thing to consider: place your key jobs in top positions depending on the number of students you have.  There are times that some jobs are never given due to a smaller class size. 

Sometimes I have been asked - how can you keep up with who does what each week?  They do!!  It is true!  I usually put it right by my door, but they always know who is supposed to be doing what.  It is funny how that happens.  

     This has worked so well for me for several years. They all feel like a team and work together.  It really gives them a sense of community, and they feel appreciated and valued. It has made such a difference in setting up my routines and procedures.  During the first week, we usually only practice line leader and door holder.  We begin learning about all the jobs in the first few weeks.  I go over expectations for each job, we role play, and we practice. It doesn't take long before it is running smoothly.  They all want to help and want to do their job well.  

     If you are interested in the labels, I have these in my store. My library pockets are from Amazon (created by Schoolgirl Style and Carson Dellosa).  They are part of the Industrial Chic theme.  You can also find other colors or themes on Amazon or stores that carry teacher supplies.  Let me know if you decide to try having more classroom jobs!  I would love to hear about it.  

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