So, you’ve decided to jump in and give classroom jobs a try! If you’re looking to create a more organized classroom that’s community-driven driven all while giving your students responsibility and leadership skills, classroom jobs are definitely the way to go! But, I know what you’re thinking: How do I make it work without turning it into utter chaos?
Start by Picking the Right Classroom Jobs
Before we get into the logistics, you’ve got to decide on which jobs you want to try. The right jobs will make your classroom run smoothly. Picking the right classroom jobs is the key to your sanity. But don’t stress! You can always change job titles and descriptions. Nothing is set in stone!
Some common classroom jobs are:
- Line Leader
- Pencil Sharpener
- Board Cleaner
- Tech Trouble Shooter
- Paper Passer
- Teacher’s Assistant
But let’s get creative! You can toss in some fun titles like Classroom DJ, Whiteboard Wizard, or even a Hallway Hero to keep things interesting and fun! Your students will be able to find something they’re excited about with a little variety. And if you’re wondering, How am I going to come up with classroom jobs ideas? I’ve got you covered with a FREE printable classroom jobs list with over 250 ideas! Keep reading for the link to the freebie at the end.
Teach Classroom Jobs Explicitly
Okay, so you’ve picked the perfect jobs – now what? The biggest mistake teachers can make is to assume that students know what to do. Classroom jobs are just like reading and math. We have to do some teaching, reinforcing, and supporting until they can do them independently. Students need clear, explicit instruction for each job, especially if you want them to take the jobs seriously.
Here’s how to introduce classroom jobs like a pro:
Model each job: Take a few minutes to demonstrate what the job looks like in action. So, if you have a Pencil Sharpener, show them how to empty the sharpener. Show them your system to keep dull and sharp pencils separated. Walk them through step by step so that they feel confident doing the job.
Use Visuals: If you have a job that’s a little complicated, or if you teach younger students consider creating some anchor charts or mini posters that explain each job. For the Tech Troubleshooter, maybe put together a list of common problems that kids experience and the solutions. Maybe even add a couple of screenshots! For the Supply Organizer, take a picture of what your closet or shelf is supposed to look like. That way they are able to refer to the picture to see where things go.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Before your classroom jobs officially begin, have a few practice runs where students get to rehearse each role. Think of it like teaching students to rotate through centers.
How to Pick Students for Classroom Jobs
Here comes the big question: How do I assign classroom jobs without hurting feelings or having a complicated system? Well, there are a couple of ways you can go about it, depending on what works best for you and your students.
Create a Classroom Job Chart: Having a job board with name tags or clothespins to show who’s doing what helps to keep things clear. It also prevents the, “Whose job is it?” drama!
Rotate Through Class List: Rotating names weekly is a popular method. This keeps things fresh and gives all kids a chance to try each job. Every Friday after school, you can switch jobs and give everyone a new role for the next week. From my experience, rotating weekly seems to be the sweet spot. I’ve tried monthly and daily.
Longer Term Roles: If rotating daily or weekly seems like too much to manage, you can assign jobs monthly or even quarterly. This gives students a longer time to really own their role and get better at it over time. You might consider having multiple students per job so that you will eventually make sure that every student has had a chance to have some kind of job.
Job Applications: You can have students apply for the classroom jobs they want in upper elementary and beyond. Students can fill out simple forms and you can choose based on their responses. Think: Why I’d make a great Tech Wizard. This method helps students feel invested and takes the assignment process to a whole new level!
Get Buy-In From Your Students
Getting students excited about classroom jobs can be tricky depending on the age of your class. There are a few tricks to really lock in their engagement and buy in.
Make the Jobs Fun: Use creative titles, like in this FREE printable classroom jobs list.
Celebrate Success: Take a moment to acknowledge students when they’ve done an awesome job in their role. It can be as simple as a quick shout out, a sticker, or even a call home.
Let Them Lead: Maybe let your students have some input on what jobs are needed, or even the job descriptions. Giving your students some ownership in how classroom jobs are run will make them much more meaningful.
So… How do you run classroom jobs?
At the end of the day, classroom jobs can really transform the way your classroom functions. They can teach students responsibility, give them ownership and boost engagement all while making your life a little easier. By picking the right classroom jobs, teaching jobs explicitly, and getting students excited about their roles, you’ll see see a major difference in the way your classroom runs.
Ready to start using classroom jobs? Don’t worry! I’ve made it easy for you. Download my Free printable classroom jobs list to jumpstart the process! With over 250 classroom job ideas to choose from, you’ll be up and running in no time!
Download Your Free Classroom Jobs List Here!
