When you think of classroom jobs, you probably picture elementary students passing out papers or feeding the class pet. But what about middle schoolers?
Can classroom jobs actually work with tweens and teens… or will you just be met with eye rolls and resistance?
Topics Discussed
Classroom jobs that work at the middle school level
Pros and cons of classroom jobs
Tips for success with classroom jobs
Resources
Brittany’s Dot Dude Decor Resource
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Transcripts
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[00:00:20] Ellie: So when you think of classroom jobs, you probably picture elementary students passing out papers or feeding the class pet. But what about middle schoolers? Can classroom jobs actually work with tweens and teens, or will you just be met with eye rolls and resistance? Welcome to the Teaching Toolbox podcast.
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[00:00:43] Brittany: Howdy.
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[00:00:54] Brittany: Let's start with defining what we mean. Middle school jobs don't have to look like elementary ones. It's more about responsibility and ownership than about routine tasks. Some of the jobs we've had in our own classrooms include a tech manager who handles plugging in devices, distributing tablets, and troubleshooting the basics. A materials manager who distributes and collects supplies like rulers, calculators, glue sticks, lab equipment.
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[00:01:45] Brittany: A class photographer or social media liaison for classes that document their work. A class historian who keeps track on just an index card or in a composition book, what was covered in general terms and what, if anything, weird or funny happened that day.
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[00:02:23] You could also have a class greeter, somebody who greets people as they come into the classroom and explain what the class is doing and offers the person a seat. Like when you have that pop in surprise by an administrator, A class greeter might, you know, go ahead and greet that person and tell them what's going on.
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[00:02:54] Ellie: One of the key shifts here is that jobs should feel age appropriate and meaningful. If it feels baby-ish, they will probably check out immediately. You can check out Brittany's dot Dude Decor for some fun dot dudes and classroom jobs that kids will like. So let's get into the pros and cons because classroom jobs can be fantastic and they can solve some common challenges.
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[00:03:48] A student handling the tech setup or organizing the materials for you, frees you up for instruction and more connection time with your students.
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[00:04:40] Brittany: So let's talk some logistics. How can teachers implement classroom jobs effectively without losing their minds?
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[00:05:04] Brittany: You can use a posted job chart or a digital dashboard. This makes it easy to track who's doing what each week. Google slides, a whiteboard, or a classroom display are all suitable options.
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[00:05:38] Brittany: You don't need to have every kid have a job
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[00:05:42] Brittany: Then incorporate reflection or feedback. Have students check in monthly. What's working? What jobs would you change? This promotes accountability and gives them a voice.
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[00:06:11] Like in my homeroom or in my ninth period, I might have these two or three jobs, but in my math classes I might have different jobs. Or even from class to class, you might feel like this class can handle jobs a little bit better than this class can, or we need some different ones. What do you think about having different jobs in different classes?
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[00:06:41] so that those first and last periods can help the classroom get started in the morning and prepare for the next day.
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[00:07:14] takes control of dismissing them to go to their lockers or somebody writes the agenda on the board. That might be where you have a board helper if you don't have it in other classes.
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[00:07:25] And don't forget, you don't have to do it alone. Delegate your job set up as a job itself. Like have a classroom manager who helps train others or monitors the board or switches the jobs every week.
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[00:07:47] so middle schoolers can get a bad rap for being unmotivated, but when you give them a role with real meaning, like these jobs can be, many of them will rise to the challenge.
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[00:08:05] Ellie: Right. Right.
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[00:08:23] Have you tried classroom jobs in your middle school? What worked? What flopped? What has been your best job?
