12 Classroom Jobs That Upper Elementary Students Love

By Kirsten Hammond

Helping my teacher with classroom jobs was something I loved as a kid – perhaps it’s no surprise I became one! Staying after school to help wash the chalkboard, organize the library, and assist in grading were all labors of love.

Of course, we can’t expect every student to share this passion. One way I’ve been able to engage my students is by helping to manage our class community with designated classroom jobs.

After some time, I can say for certain that giving students specific, community-oriented classroom jobs is a must for maintaining a well-organized classroom. Assigning various kinds of responsibilities to students over the year helps them build confidence, understand that their fellow students are part of their team, and begin exploring what roles they enjoy having in their community.

But what classroom jobs are appropriate and also engaging for children? It’s tempting to give them the least important and low-risk tasks, but kids often lose interest if they don’t believe their role matters. Finding the balance between growing their independence in handling important tasks, versus maintaining your oversight as their educator, is the key.

After experimenting a little in my own classroom, these 12 classroom jobs stood out as the ones my students loved the most. With a little creativity, they can be given to promote student responsibility, independence, and a sense of community at any time of the school year! I found that many jobs we give to students are great to have on the days everyone is present and also on the days where there’s a stomach bug or flu going around.

Girl that has a list of classroom jobs

12 Classroom Jobs for Upper Elementary Students

Line Leader

The line leader stands at the front of the line to form up the other students and walk confidently to the destination. Usually the most sought-after job, so it can also be used as a reward.

Caboose

Just as important as the Line Leader, perhaps more! This job is always is last in line, making sure no one strays and the line leader doesn’t get too far ahead.

Attendance Monitor

This student helps you with attendance each day. They’ll remind you to submit attendance and help to take note of absent and tardy students. I recommend being clear that they are not involved in the discipline of repeatedly tardy students whatsoever.

Time Keeper

Have a student keep track of important transition times, such as when it is time to pack up, go to lunch or recess, or just when it’s time to move on to another subject.

Floor Monitor

This student’s task is to visually scanning the floor at different points during the day. If you have a large class area, it can be broken into sections with multiple students covering a single section each. May work with the Time Keeper to scan at predetermined times, or be tasked with setting those times themself.

Brain Break Leader

This student would be able to select a song or video or activity to play during brain break times. Another highly sought after role which can be used as a reward.

Class Meeting Leader

This student would be in charge of facilitating the class meeting at the beginning or end of the day. This typically means calling for their peers’ attention, stating any specific topics to be discussed, and quieting the class.

Restroom Monitor(s)

This person can monitor who would go in and out of the restroom during class restroom breaks. Of course, this can be split into 2 jobs for boys and girls.

Desk Monitor

This person can visually scan to see if all chairs are pushed in, desks are neat, and personal belongings are in the appropriate spot. This can be done before leaving the classroom.

Substitute

Tried and true, this job is great for when students who have already been assigned jobs are absent. A substitute can be in place over each job individually, cover more than one, or even have a group of substitutes covering multiple jobs.

Job Tracker

The student assists you in recording which students have had which jobs, and ensures when a student is absent that the job does not go undone. With your guidance, they can also be involved with next week’s job assignments.

Assigning rotating jobs to students in your class is a great way to promote a sense of ownership and community (and it gives you a little less to worry about)!

For more tips on time management, parent communication, and more, enroll in the FREE Classroom Community Mini-Course!

kirsten hammond

Kirsten is a former 3rd and 5th grade teacher who loves helping upper elementary teachers by creating resources and sharing ideas that are engaging, research-based, and TEKS-aligned. She is a work-from-home mama of 3 rambunctious little ones and loves running, true crime, and lots of coffee.

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