I am currently cracking myself up by assigning extremely detailed class jobs. (Side note: I considered naming this blog Cracking Myself Up. I often crack myself up. And, INCREDIBLY, the domain name crackingmyselfup.com is available. Unfortunately, I have to consider the fact that my blog name has to sound SORT OF professional in case my students and their parents see this blog. Plus, I always tell my principal about my blogs so I am in a state of full disclosure.)
I'll post the detailed list of class jobs later, but here's the basic list:
1. Light master- turns lights on and off, opens and closes door as class starts. Five tickets per week. (I might give that second part to my Door Enforcer. We'll see how the Light Masters do.)
2. Class Librarians (2). Highly paid. Ten tickets per week.
3. Technology Assistant. 4 tickets per week plus chance for overtime.
4. Supply Master- makes sure supply area is neat, that kids put tape and staplers back and do not use any supplies for unauthorized purposes.
5a. Planner assistant- reminds kids to copy HW and keep planner open. Also dispenses bandaids as needed.
5b.Absence Keeper- writes kids names down who are absent and what work they need to do, plus put needed handouts in absence binder.
5c. Lost and Found Keeper- monitors lost and found area, returns items to owners, scans class for lost items.
5d. Extra Handout Keeper- puts extra handouts in extra handout binder.
6. Runner- delivers anything I need delivered, fills up my water bottle.
7. Class accountants (2). Help pass out paychecks on payday Friday, run the class store.
8. Passer Outers/Collectors (2)
9. Climate Control- opens and closes windows as needed, turns AC on and adjusts it as needed. Constantly assessing class temperature (and stink level).
10. Phone answerer
11. Mrs. R.'s Personal Organizer
12. Enforcers:
Door Enforcer
Window Enforcer
Class Library/Supply Area Enforcer
Red Zone Enforcer
All class jobs are voluntary. Kids all start the marking period with 5 tickets even if they are not employed, then receive a salary each week. With their salary, then can buy things like pencils, paper, and fun things (to be determined) when the store is open, BUT they also have to pay fines if they get a ticket.
Students can be ticketed for:
chewing gum
arriving late to class repeatedly
forgotten supplies
annoying behavior such as breaking pencils on their foreheads
littering
dangerous behavior such as leaning in their chair despite repeated warnings
loitering near the windows
putting books back in the wrong place
wandering
You get the picture. My enforcers can write tickets, as can I, but I will collect the fines on payday Friday so I can touch base with kids who are having issues and help them set goals.
This is my first time trying out a system like this, because it's always seemed to labor intensive to me. However, if I expect to maintain a neat, active classroom library, I desperately need help from my students. I also really need a Door Enforcer to make sure kids shut the door quietly and don't let it slam so stinkin' loudly. I need a Red Zone Enforcer to make sure no one takes MY tape dispenser off my desk, or god forbid, attempts to borrow one of my favorite pencils. I just need help with these little things so I can focus my attention on TEACHING. I feel like this year has been a real challenge to keep up with the little things (and by little things I also mean big things). I want a well-functioning classroom, and I want my students to have fun.
I want them to also see that if they do extra work, they get extra privileges and have an easier life so they can buy what they need, or buy fun stuff if they accumulate extra. I also want them to see that repeated distracting behavior (leaning in chair, making weird noises, not being prepared for class) has consequences besides just me telling them to stop. I want them to also have a concrete reminder to adjust their behavior. Plus, this gives me a chance to recognize each student every week. (Every student has a job, or is offered a job- I had two reject my job offers.)
My classroom already feels more fun. I did job interviews, negotiated salaries with each and every kid, and shook their hand when they agreed on the job. And for the kids who refused my job offer, I shook their hand and said, "No hard feelings!" The class watched the hiring process and we had a good time, plus it allowed them to hear what every person's job entails and why some get paid more than others. After I offered Mariana the highest salary to be my personal organizer, Thomas shouted, "WHAT? Why do I only get five tickets for the lights then?"
I paused dramatically and said, "Thomas- you could NEVER do this job."
"Ooooooh!" the class cheered.
"Mariana is worth EVERY PENNY, Thomas."
I mean come on, that's hilarious.
Ironically, Thomas is probably the one boy who could handle the job of being my personal organizer, but I had to poke fun at him for challenging my authority. I'm the boss.
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