The Self Operating Classroom

My first blog post! Since the school year is about to begin, I'd like discuss how I use jobs in my classroom. As teachers we are all getting into the "Back to School" mode. This means organizing classrooms, clean waxed floors, and getting a plan in mind for how we want our classrooms to run. I always start the school year with having my students apply for classroom jobs. Students complete a job application like the one below to apply for the job they think will be best for them.

After going over the duties for each job, students rank their choices using a 1, 2, and 3. Then they explain why they are the best person for the classroom job. I teach 6th grade, and my classes follow a bell schedule. I have two sections of students. I do this with both sections. If you kept the same class all day, you would only need to do this once. If you teach seven classes, you would probably want to do this for every class.

My favorite job would have to be my administrative assistant.  This is generally someone who I trust to help me with things. Their most important role is completing the "What You Missed" folder when a student is absent. The administrative assistant completes a form where they write down all the assignments for the day. If any handouts are given the assistant collects the handouts and writes how many attachments there are for each subject. All the work is placed in a folder. Once the absent student returns, they have all their assignments in one place with a description of what they missed, and you as the teacher didn't have to get any of it together. How awesome is that? Here is what the "What You Missed" form looks like for my classroom.

I go through each application and complete a classroom tally sheet to determine which student gets which job. Every year I've done this, students get either their 1st or 2nd choice. Once I've decided everyone's job, I post it within the classroom. I absolutely LOVE how they take ownership for their classroom job. I've never had to "fire" someone from their job because they didn't perform their duties. You will also find that students hold each other accountable and remind each other of their duties. And the best part is, you have an efficient classroom with each student having a leadership role where they feel most comfortable.

Since this is my first blog post and I'm testing the waters in the world of blogging, I'm going to give away a copy of my Self Operating Classroom files. Enter to win your copy below. You can also find it here.

I hope each of you have a wonderful start to your school year!

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