If you want to add classroom helpers or classroom jobs to your class, this year then this post is for you. I’ll show you some creative ideas that other teachers are using so you can find the system that works for your classroom.
Classroom jobs help promote responsibility, teamwork, and a sense of community in your class. By assigning student jobs, you can encourage a positive learning environment and allow your students to feel involved in the daily tasks and routines. Sharing the workload also helps to save your time and sanity too!
To create a sense of ownership, students’ responsibility and to reinforce life skills consider implementing a job application process for your students. You can design a simple form that asks for their name, the job they’re applying for, and a short explanation of why they would be a good fit.
This method allows students the opportunity to choose the role they’re most interested in and helps to develop their decision-making skills. Check out some more ideas for job applications below.
This 3rd grade teacher has students apply for jobs at the beginning of each month. This helps students be responsible and accountable for their duties. Then at the end of the month she pays them classroom bucks that they can spend at the class store for doing their jobs.
Once the applications are in, it’s time to assign the duties. If you have a large class, consider creating pairs or small groups for certain tasks, like cleaning and organizing specific areas. Post the student’s job list in a visible location so everyone knows their role.
Here’s a space saving idea to display and rotate your classroom jobs. First, create a job list on a sheet of paper backed by cardboard. Then assign each student a number listed on a clothespin. Assign one student to the job Pin Rotator and have that student rotate the pins at the end of the week.
To create a successful classroom job system, decide which jobs are suitable for your students. Your list may include a teacher’s helper, line leader, paper passer, attendance monitor, and homework collector. The jobs that you select will depend on the age of your students.
At the end of this post I have a list of the most popular classroom jobs. Be sure to rotate the jobs regularly to provide equal opportunities for everyone. Read on to check out some ideas from other teachers of how to set up your job system.
This first grade teacher has a tidy team. This team disperses tidy tubs at each table group when the class is doing an activity that involves cutting.
All students then place their scraps in the tidy tubs. Then the tidy team will take all the tubs and dump them in the main trash can.
In this classroom the teacher assigns five students a job a day. Each job assignment comes with a lanyard that the students wear with pride. This system encourages students to take responsibility for themselves and their environment.
Another fun idea is to provide your students with classroom job name tags. Students can wear the tags or you could also display the tags on a bulletin board for students to see their jobs.
To make jobs more appealing, come up with creative and engaging job titles. For example, a technology helper could be the “Tech Guru,” and the line leader could be the “Captain.” Unique job titles can bring fun into the classroom and motivate students. Check out some more job title ideas below.
This fifth-grade teacher created job titles that sound like professional adult jobs like equipment manager, security guard and banker. For each job she provides detailed job descriptions of what the duties include.
A well-designed classroom job display helps to keep track of student tasks and ensures everyone knows their role. You can opt for a simple list, a colorful bulletin board, a pocket chart, or even a digital display. Let’s check out some classroom job display ideas below.
This now hiring wall display is the focal point of this classroom. Under each Job title is a cute plant with a number that is assigned to a student.
This teacher displayed pocket squares that she got from Target. This system would also work well with a pocket chart.
She writes students names on index cards and places them in the pocket behind their job assignment. On Friday the banker places class money in each of the pockets to pay the student for their work for the week.
Your job chart should be easy to understand, include student names and job titles, and be updated regularly. You may want to incorporate symbols, icons, or images to represent each job especially for younger students.
You can get creative with the chart design, using different colors, themes, or even making it interactive, allowing each student to move their names to their new job. Let’s check out some examples below.
This colorful classroom job display is a great way to show who in the classroom is doing each job. A display like this could go on a bulletin board, blank wall or on your whiteboard at the front of the class.
A bulletin board can be a pretty and effective way of displaying classroom jobs. Create header titles for each job and leave space underneath to attach student names or photos.
Update the board frequently to show new assignments and consider adding small incentives to encourage successful completion of tasks and motivate students. Let’s check out some different ways to create job bulletin boards below.
This fourth-grade teacher has an efficient system for her classroom jobs. She has a checklist that shows what number has been assigned to each student and also what jobs they have previously been assigned.
She also has them do each job for over a week, to help her remember who is doing what and to allow students to get better at their roles.
Here’s a fun and colorful job bulletin board idea. Each job is listed on a name tag and student’s numbers are rotated to a new position each week.
This fun classroom job bulletin board looks like a giant iPhone.
This first grade teacher has implemented one or two classroom helpers instead of 20 or so different jobs. The helpers can be changed every day or every week.
The classroom helper will assist the teacher with all the jobs like passing out papers, sharpening pencils, leading the line and anything else that the teacher needs. You can assign helpers based on good behavior or have a random system like choosing popsicle sticks.
If you want to try implement this one or two student classroom helper idea here are a few more ideas to display your helpers.
To copy this handy helpers display have each student trace and color their hand and then write their name on it too. You can attach the hands with tape or Velcro to easily switch the helpers when needed.
Here’s another good idea for a classroom helpers display. Print off student pictures and place them on two rings and then hang them on small command hooks. Then you can just flip the student to the front when it’s their time to be the classroom helper.
As a bonus this will make it super easy to keep your rotation equal for example you could flip one student every Monday morning and your good for the week!
This is a similar idea to the one I just mentioned but instead of photos you have students create self-portraits!
Now Let’s Check out the most popular classroom jobs in an elementary classroom and what each of those jobs does.
Here are some additional jobs that you may want to add if you’re teaching middle or high school
To organize a classroom helper chart, you can use a bulletin board, chart paper, or a digital format. Create a visually appealing layout with designated spaces for each task and the name or picture of the student responsible for the task. Make sure to rotate the tasks regularly to give every child a chance to participate in different roles.
Many websites offer free printables for classroom helper tasks. One of my favorite resources for classroom freebies is Pinterest. You could also create your own in Canva. They offer a variety of templates related to classroom jobs, many of which can be customized to fit your classroom needs.
Incorporating classroom helpers in preschool not only teaches responsibility but also fosters cooperation, independence, and self-esteem. Students learn the importance of teamwork, contribute to the classroom community, and develop skills that will carry over into their daily lives beyond school.
Common tasks assigned to classroom helpers include line leader, door holder, chair stacker, bathroom monitor, errand runner, table washers and materials manager. Other jobs may include calendar helper, light monitor, and attendance taker. These tasks can be adapted according to the age group and specific needs of your classroom.
To display classroom jobs creatively, try using unique materials like clothespins, hooks, magnets, or Velcro. You can also design visuals that match your classroom theme, like a garden with flowers representing each job, or a tree with hanging job leaves. Another idea could be using student photographs or avatars next to the tasks they’re responsible for.
When selecting classroom helpers, it’s important to give every student the opportunity to take on different roles. Keep track of past assignments so that each child has a fair chance to participate. Consider the specific needs and abilities of your students to ensure that the tasks are suited to their skills. Finally, make sure to communicate clearly the expectations and responsibilities associated with each job.
I made this post so that it’s easy to save to Pinterest. To do so just click on the picture that you want to save and then click on the red P and select your Pinterest board!
I hope you found some new classroom helper ideas or classroom jobs that you want to try out in your class this year. If you enjoyed this post, please give it a share.
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