Class jobs, the first thing most students run into their new classroom to check out as they return to school in the fall. What will the jobs be? When will the jobs start? How often do we get to be each job? When I decided to “personalize” my class jobs chart by adding my Bitmoji as part of my new Bitmoji Class Jobs, the students couldn’t even believe it! The excitement on the students’ faces as they looked over every inch of the chart was a moment I’ll never forget.
Class jobs give students a sense of community. It allows them to take pride and ownership in doing important tasks and roles around the classroom. Class jobs are also an amazing way to give students responsibility within the classroom. My mother used to always tell me that in order to understand responsibility, you need to be given the opportunity to have it! In order class jobs to be successful, you must real guide & model for students what the expectations will be for each job. This helps students fully understand what their responsibilities are, and what expectations you have for them as they complete their jobs. Here are the class jobs I currently use as part of my Bitmoji Class Jobs, and a closer look at what is expected of students who hold these roles.
Paper Passer- Pass out papers at the beginning an end of class.
Class Tutor- Offers assistance when a student would like some extra support with classwork or homework.
Lunchroom Buddy- Students never have to feel like they don’t have someone to sit with at lunch. The lunchroom buddy is always on the lookout to sit with friends in need!
Personal Trainer- Leads the class through a daily exercise (typically 2-3 times a day) as movement breaks are so beneficial for students throughout the day.
Recycling Committee- Helps ensure the classroom is doing it’s part to recycle. This consists of reminding the class when we can power off electronics/lights if we don’t need them. Offers times where scrap paper can be used instead of using new paper. Makes suggestions about any eco-friendly ideas they may have!
Technology Charger- Makes sure that all tech devices are charged when not in use. Also helps ensure that all tech devices are properly cared for (no tangled chords, checks for broken keys etc.)
Classroom Librarian- Having a clean and organized library makes for a happy teacher! This job entails ensuring all books are put in the correct bins, as well as assisting students in helping find books they may be having trouble locating.
Teacher Assistant- This job is typically the students’ favorite job! The teacher assistant helps the teacher in a co-teacher type fashion. This consists of holding read alouds for students to see pictures during reading time. It can also be writing notes or talking points on anchor charts in the room much like the teacher does. This student also gets to have special supplies at their desk (stapler, marker) that may need to be accessed a lot so they can be ready to help and assist when needed.
Line Leader- Leads the line. Not just physically, but as a role model. This student makes sure they are showing exemplar walking when transitioning in the halls. This person also gets to determine who the silent walker is, meaning they select a student who was walking silently and recognizes them publicly once the class has arrived at their destination. This is a great way for peers to recognize other peers being successful!
Caboose- Makes sure that everyone in line is doing a great job when transitioning. This person also stays behind if any student needs to stop to tie a shoe etc. so that no-one feels as though they are left behind!
Classroom D.J.- Often when students are working we decide as a class if it’s an okay time to have a little background music on. If students feel it’s alright and not distracting, then the classroom DJ gets to pick which playlist of music the class listens to. The students select playlists from one of my favorites, JOSIE from Maniacs in the Middle. She has school appropriate playlists bundled together on Spotify and they are amazing!
Homework Collector- This student gives a friendly reminder to all students to pass in their homework at the beginning of class. This student DOES NOT collect homework physically from each student, as I do not want students to be aware of which students are not turning in any homework (that is information that is to be kept private). This person only collects the stack of homework when it’s ready to be transferred from the in-bin to the teacher. Remember these are not SET IN STONE. You can make these job expectations whatever you feel works best for your class and your students!
Custodian- Helps keep our room nice and clean. This person gives friendly reminders to all students that encourage them to clean up after themselves in order to keep our classroom looking shiny and new!
Message Delivery- When messages (paper or verbal) need to be delivered to another teacher or down to the office, this is the person for the job! Since the job requires a lot of trust and responsibility, students must show they can be responsible enough for this job by consistently making great choices!
Coat Closet Checker- Having a clean coat closet area makes it so much easier for students to find their belongings when needed. The coat closet checker keeps this area clean and tidy, as well as picks up any apparel that may have fallen on the floor and helps deliver it back to the rightful owner.
Greeter- Decides what our daily greet will be during Morning Meeting!
Meteorologist- The class meteorologist keeps track of the weather. They also help students decide what type of clothing should be worn out to recess daily. Since I teach in NY we are usually getting large snowstorms throughout winter, the student who holds this jobs keeps us updated on the forecast by using the Weather App in class!
Birthday Announcer- Announces birthdays each day. This student also leads the class in singing Happy Birthday!
Mailbox Delivery- This student gets to deliver mail to students mailboxes. This is never graded mail, but instead flyers, class newsletters etc. anything that is public information for all students to go home with.
Joke of the Week- Students love telling jokes but often don’t have a platform to do it. I find that by giving students the job of joke of the week, it limits the amount of silly jokes students might try to share in the middle of class. For this job students should always run their joke by the teacher before sharing it with the class.
Botanist- Waters and tends to the classroom plant!
Donut Stress Partner- Sometimes students just need to have a break! The donut stress partner helps assist any students who may needs to take a break. This might consist of playing a game with them in the classroom, being a listening ear to those in need, or simply working near a child who may be feeling a little anxious on that particular day.
Snack Time Distributor- Passes out the healthy snack of the day! Between applying for grants, asking for donations etc. I try my best to provide students with a healthy snack option for each day. Students work well when they have full bellies!
Band Lesson Reminder- This student keeps an eye on the time and announces when students must begin lining up for band!
Technology Support- Technology can often be tricky and require extra assistance. Rather than having all students raising their hands for only the help of the teacher, the technology support job is always on hand and ready to spring into action! This student can help troubleshoot any tech issues, as well as help walk students through what the class is currently working on in case they missed a step in the process.
Door Holder- Holds the door for everyone as they enter the classroom! In my building our classroom doors are left locked on a regular basis, so the door holder also is the one who opens the door if a student accidentally gets locked out (perhaps while using the restroom etc.). This prevents all 28 of the students are not jumping up to get the door at once by having a designated person who opens the door.
Classroom Instagram, Classroom DOJO, Classroom Twitter, Classroom Facebook- Decides what type of content should be on our social media for the week. Students always have amazing and creative ideas for what type of new/events/student work they would like to display. This always needs to be done with parent permission so make sure you have a very thorough release form that allows you and the students the permission to use social media. I would also highly suggest you familiarize yourself with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
