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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