Class Jobs

So, sometimes I'll use the blog to post pictures and videos straight from the iPad and sometimes I'll use it to give you some cool updates from our world in here.

No, that's not me. That's our MAT, Miss Newton, rocking the house talking with the kids about how we are going to change up classroom jobs this year. In my interactions with Miss Newton, I can tell that she has a lot of great ideas and will complement our classroom in many ways.

Class jobs will look different this year. Last year we had difficulty keeping everyone bought into the concept. Some jobs were needed more than others and some jobs were sometimes not needed whatsoever during that week. All in all, it became a structure devoid of the high expectations we are used to in our classroom. Miss Newton started coming up with ideas to change the format.

Basically, we figured out what the 12 most important jobs are to the classroom so that it functions more like a well-oiled machine. They are Botanist (we have a plant!!!), Paper Manager, Supply Manager, Messenger, Librarian, Historian, Recycling Expert, Computer Technician, Line Guide, Lunch Counter, Letter Writer, and Assistant Custodian.

The students listened to the job descriptions yesterday and will work on applications next Thursday. They will have to apply for jobs explaining why they think they would be a good choice for them. The application process will begin anew after 2-3 weeks and their experience doing their job will be something they can add to their application for the next go round. But, everyone will have a job. We always will need help keeping the classroom organized and clean (Assistant Custodian) and every child will get an opportunity to do several jobs throughout the year. So, if they aren't selected for their dream job this time, they will get an opportunity soon.

Basically, we are rethinking the process to help the students think critically about what they feel would fit them best and how to communicate that desire clearly and effectively.