If you’re looking for an easy way to integrate real-life skills into the classroom – try classroom jobs! At my school, students are actually “paid” for doing their jobs with classroom money to spend at the school store. I recently shared this product to my social media accounts and loved hearing your responses! Here is how I introduce these jobs to my kiddos.
There are ways to make classroom jobs meaningful and engaging for elementary students
First, I use the classroom job descriptions and tell my class about each of the jobs.
While I am doing this, my students fill out this classroom job application. We talk about skills that would be needed to accomplish each job. For example, “I could be the classroom secretary because I have neat handwriting.” Or, “I could be the paramedic because I like helping people when they are hurt.” Another example would be, “I could be the break director because I want to teach the class how to play Simon Says.”
How to Take the Drama Out of Classroom Jobs
Next, I read the applications and assign jobs to my students. We have a discussion about not being disappointed if we don’t get our first choice. I also assure them that everyone will get a chance to do every job throughout the year.
When the students come to school on Monday, they get a card saying that they are hired for the job with the job description on the card. I laminate the cards and velcro them to the students’ desks so they can look at the job description if they forget how to do their job that week. See a video of this process.
Rotating Classroom Jobs
Obviously, it would be exhausting to keep up with job applications and assigning jobs based on preferences each week. I don’t have time for that and I know you don’t either! After the initial introduction to our jobs, I assign the classroom jobs by student “number.” The kids in my class are assigned a number 1-24 based on alphabetical order so that I can easily count them in an emergency situation. Not to mention, it makes grading a lot easier. On Monday, I move the numbers to the right on my chart so the students can cycle through each job.
Classroom Jobs Made Simple
Get your students excited for the new school year with this fun and engaging Back to School Activities Bundle! This bundle includes 5 different no-prep activities that are perfect for the first week of school. From ice breakers to setting up classroom jobs, your students will be ready to hit the ground running! Plus, all of the activities are easily adaptable to any grade level.
Using the Back to School Bundle
In this product, you will find fun real-life extensions for your students! There is an IT badge for the computer helper. The class photographer will get a “press pass.” There is a “paramedic supplies” label for bandaids, and so much more!
See more back to school ideas here.
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