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One of the most effective ways to foster responsibility, teamwork, and a sense of community is through classroom jobs. These roles help students take ownership of their learning environment and contribute to the smooth functioning of the class. Plus, they take a few tasks off teachers’ plates, allowing them to focus more on instruction. Learn why setting up classroom jobs is worth it, and get some ideas and some resources to start implementing them.
Why Setting Up Classroom Jobs for Students Is Worth It
There are many benefits of having classroom jobs. At a high level, classroom jobs can foster the following:
- Responsibility: Assigning tasks to students teaches them about responsibility, and how their contributions can impact the overall classroom environment.
- Life Skills: Many classroom jobs mimic real-world responsibilities. In doing them, students learn valuable life skills like time management and organization.
- Sense of Community: When students contribute to the classroom, they feel a greater sense of belonging. This ultimately contributes toward a more positive and inclusive classroom culture.
A Few Classroom Job Ideas for Students
Classroom Jobs for Elementary Students
For students in elementary school, classroom jobs are all about helping students develop basic skills.
- Line Leader: Leads their classmates in an orderly and respectful manner whenever the class needs to move to another location.
- Caboose: Is the last in line, ensures that everyone stays together, and turns the lights off as they leave the classroom.
- Paper Passers: Helps hand out or collect papers whenever the teacher asks for assistance.
Classroom Jobs for Middle School Students
Generally, by the time they’re in middle school, students are capable of taking on more sophisticated roles that might require additional planning and critical thinking skills.
- Greeter: Welcomes everyone who comes into the classroom. They are responsible for letting their classmates know what they’re supposed to be working on.
- Homework Collector: Collects and organizes homework assignments.
- Library Assistant: Helps organize and return books to the classroom library.
- Birthday Manager: Keeps track of their classmates’ birthdays and checks to see if they want it publicly acknowledged or not. They will make sure to acknowledge the day according to that person’s preferences.
Classroom Jobs for High School Students
High school students can take on roles that mirror real-world jobs and prepare them for adult-level responsibilities.
- Tech Support: Provides any assistance classmates might need troubleshooting devices. Other duties might include: making sure all devices are switched on or off at the beginning and end of each day, and making sure devices are plugged in to be charged overnight.
- Recycling Coordinator: Manages the recycling of paper, plastic, and other materials, and makes sure their classmates are recycling properly.
- Timekeeper: Help the teacher keep track of the time during classroom activities and when it is time to make transitions.
Implementing Jobs in the Classroom
Implementing student jobs in the classroom does require a little bit of organization and maintenance from the teacher. Here are some things to consider as you put your system in place:
- Determine which tasks are necessary for the smooth operation of your classroom. What things add up throughout the day and eat up your time? Those are the tasks that are great to delegate to students.
- Match students with jobs based on interests, strengths, and developmental levels. For students in older grades, you could have them apply for jobs in order to maximize buy-in and ensure that motivation is there.
- After students are “hired,” set expectations and define responsibilities, including when their job should be performed, how often, and how to do it.
- Throughout the year, observe how well students are handling their responsibilities and give feedback and support as needed.
Resources to Implement Classroom Jobs
Here are some resources for implementing classroom jobs that take some of the prep and planning work off your plate so you can get started with them right away.
Classroom Jobs Display | Back to School Decor Teamwork
By Mr. Mault’s Marketplace
Grades: 1-6
Assign classroom jobs and work on teamwork at the same time with this editable class jobs display. This class jobs system is built around the idea that “We are a Team” and that students and teachers working together can make our classroom great. Instead of each student having their own job, they work with one or two other students to complete their jobs.
Classroom Jobs Application, Résumé, and Offer Letter
By Mrs Hudson Teaches
Grades: 2-8
This job application, résumé, and acceptance letter is a wonderful way to allow student choice and have them take ownership of their learning. And this is a great way for you to pick the right student for the job and teach them real-life skills!
Classroom Jobs Mega Pack
By Mrs Welch Knows
Grades: 5-9
This resource includes job descriptions, ideas, and applications for middle school students, but can be edited to fit any grade level.
Classroom Job System
By Sailing the Spectrum
Grades: 5-12
This classroom jobs system includes a variety of components to help teach vocational skills and is especially helpful for students in special education or autism classrooms.
Editable Classroom Jobs for Middle School | Slides + Application | Google Drive
By Mr and Mrs Social Studies
Grades: 6-8
This editable classroom jobs resource for middle school students is compatible with Google Drive and contains everything you need to be successful!
Classroom Jobs for Students
By Miss Fab Vocab
Grades: 6-9
Great for middle and high school, have your students around the classroom with these 8 career oriented job titles, each with varying levels of responsibility.
Leaders- Editable Classroom Jobs for Middle School
by Mrs. Nelson’s Middles
Grades: 6-12
If you teach middle school and want to get some help from your students around the classroom, this is for you! Have students fill out the survey at the beginning of the school year and sort their responses by class period. Assign and switch roles as you see fit.
Classroom Jobs for Middle School and High School | Back to School Jobs
By My Adventures in ESL
Grades: 6-12
These classroom job posters and accompanying application are perfect for middle school and high school students. It is the perfect addition to any rewards system you might have in your classroom.
Discover even more classroom job resources on TPT.
