Setting up classroom jobs can initially feel daunting for teachers, especially if they are new to the concept. It requires thoughtful planning, instruction, and consistency to implement effectively, which can lead some educators to question whether it’s worth the time and effort. While some teachers may introduce classroom jobs with the intention of adding fun to their classrooms, a lack of a solid system can result in frustration and may lead them to abandon the idea altogether.
However, classroom jobs can be a wonderful addition to your classroom community. They offer an opportunity to teach students about responsibility and emphasize that since everyone shares the space, everyone is accountable for keeping the classroom neat, clean, organized, and conducive to learning. By implementing classroom jobs, you not only help students appreciate the importance of maintaining an environment that supports their education, but you also contribute to the smooth and efficient functioning of the class as a whole. Embracing classroom jobs can transform your learning environment and foster a sense of ownership and collaboration among students, making it a worthwhile endeavor!
How to Set Up Your Classroom Jobs System
Setting up classroom jobs requires some planning, but once the system is in place, it will run like a well-oiled machine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure success:
Choose Jobs That Are Needed: The first step in creating classroom jobs is identifying the tasks that need to be done. Think about daily routines or activities that could be handled by students. Make a list of jobs that are relevant to your classroom and decide how many students you would need to do that job. Make sure the jobs are both meaningful and manageable. You want your students to feel like they are making a valuable contribution, but also ensure that the job is something they can realistically complete. Some jobs can have more than one person, for example, clean up crew and chair stackers can have up to 4 students. It is ideal to have enough jobs for all of the students in your class, but if not, it’s ok too. Examples of classroom jobs are:
- Line Leader
- Caboose
- Bathroom Monitor
- Pencil Sharpener
- Door Holder
- Pencil Sharpener
- Clean-up Crew
- Paper Passer
- Technology Helper
- Bathroom Monitors
- Messenger
- Lights
- Snack Helper
- Chair Stackers
2. Decide Job Rotation Schedule: To keep things fresh and fair, rotate the jobs every day or every week. This ensures that all students get the chance to try different roles, and no one feels left out or stuck in one position for too long. Some teachers like to rotate daily as this keeps students from being bored with the same job for a week. Other teachers like rotating weekly as this keeps it easy to remember who’s in charge of what job.
3. Make It Visible: Decide on a visual that you want to use to display your class job. Having a visual helps remind everyone in the class who is responsible for which job. If you are looking for the easiest, quickest, and most sustainable way to set up your classroom jobs, I recommend getting a two column pocket chart that you can use with clothespins (like the one below). You can check out this class job chart by clicking here! This set up is great because the pocket chart not only helps to protect the labels so that they are clean, but it also organizes the jobs so that it looks visually appealing. I love using clothespins for class jobs. You can assign jobs quickly just by clipping the names to the job label (and they stay on and last a lot longer than the paper name labels that some classroom job chart has). I also like to put small stickers on each job card to indicate how many helpers are needed for that job. this makes it very clear to students on how many students can do each job.
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How to Assign Class Jobs
Prepare a clothespin with each student’s name. Put all of the clothespin into a basket or small container. Put stickers on each job label to show how many students can do a specific job.
Introduce the idea of classroom jobs as a privilege and a responsibility. Let students know that by completing these jobs, they are helping to make the classroom a better place for everyone. Clearly explain what each job entails and model the tasks, if needed. Consider opening a few jobs per day/week instead of all of the jobs at once. This will build excitement and give students time to get familiar and learn about each job.
When it is time to assign jobs, randomly draw clothespins from the basket/container. Call out the student’s name and allow for the student to choose which job they would like to be responsible for the day/week. If you have labeled each job card with stickers, it will help students know how many spots are available for that job. At the end of the day or week, take down all of the pins and repeat.
FAQ: What if My Students Don’t Want to Participate in Classroom Jobs?
It’s not uncommon for a few students to be hesitant about classroom jobs, especially if they’re shy or uncertain about the responsibilities. To overcome this, emphasize how important each job is to the class, and how their participation makes a difference.
FAQ: Can classroom jobs be used for younger grades?
Yes, classroom jobs can be adapted to suit any grade level! For younger students, jobs should be simple, such as “Line Leader” or “Door Holder.” The key is to choose jobs that fit their developmental level and are easy for them to complete with little to no assistance.
