Classroom Jobs/Helpers

There are many ways to incorporate classroom jobs/helpers.  My first two years I made a chart with classroom jobs and descriptions.  I had student names on clothespins and would just move them down each day.  It worked okay, but as more students enrolled, some jobs became 2-day jobs since there wasn't enough for each student. Another year I did something similar except with names on cardstock paper and Velcro, but that didn't work well.  I had a hard time managing classroom jobs.  Some kids did them, some kids didn't.

So I decided that I would SIMPLIFY the process and I truly love how I do it now.  I no longer have "classroom jobs", but I have student HELPERS instead.  I have 2 helpers per day: one boy and one girl.  These helpers help me with anything and everything that day from passing papers out, running errands to the office, being bathroom monitors, etc. I used name-tags to write students names on them and have two stacks: boys and girls.  I hole punched two holes at the top and used string to tie them together.  Then, I used Command Hooks to display them. At the end of the day, we just flip the name-tag to the next person.  Easy peasy!  Here is a look at how I display it.  I'm sorry for this terrible photo...it's all I could find of it on my computer!
I am continuing my helper system this year, with the addition of one thing: Star Student chair covers.  I bought these last year for $1.00 at Target.  I didn't use them last year, but I think this year I'll place them on the chairs of the helpers for that day.  At the end of the day, we'll just move them to the next day's helper!  I know many teachers LOVE classroom jobs and I may try it again, but sometimes it's best to simplify things and this has worked so well for me!
This morning I went to my classroom for the first time this summer. Although I have a LOT more to do, I did make some good progress! With my three year old with me, it went a little something like this: work on classroom, help clean up E's mess, work on classroom, have a snack, work on classroom, take E to potty, work on classroom, help clean up E's mess, etc.  Repeat, repeat.  Can anyone else relate?!?!  Haha!  Love that little boy!  Here is my before and after shot of today!  

8 comments

  1. Lots of progress Lana! I see a little elephant on the floor in one of the pics! haha
    I also gave up job charts after my first year teaching (16 years ago) because it was too much of a headache to keep track of. I have a "Teacher of the Day", very similar to you! They get to sit in a special teacher chair with wheels. I also bought those chair covers last year and have never used them-I think I will steal your idea!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

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  2. I, too, bought those chair covers and have never used them yet. Let me know if you think of any other way to use them! :)

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  3. Your room is lookin' good! I love your little guy checking out what's in your easel!
    Erin
    Short and Sassy Teacher

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  4. Love your progress! It is amazing what an organized and new classroom does for the soul. :) It also makes me excited for the new school year and makes me feel calm and comfortable.
    ~Amy
    http://middleschoolminions.blogspot.com

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  5. I like the chair covers. I'll have to keep an eye out for them at Target. I'm sure I'll be in there at least 20 times before school starts.

    Mary

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  6. I sure your students will love having those chair covers on the days they are the classroom helper.

    Kaylee's Education Studio

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