Work Smarter, Not Harder #9

Hi everyone! It’s Hope King from Second Grade Shenanigans, and I am super excited to tell you about a few things that I have used to keep me from working harder and instead, working smarter in my classroom.

Classroom Jobs:

One thing that I have always pressed the "dislike" button on in my classroom is classroom jobs. I always… I mean ALWAYS forget to assign new jobs! I just couldn't keep up with the week to week helpers and it drove me absolutely CRAZY!! Last year, I implemented a new little system that saved my teaching life called Rockin’ Responsibilities. This method allows the students to apply for a new job at the beginning of each nine week period. They complete a “job application” and once assigned a job, will continue with their duties until the next nine week period rolls around. I mean come on...can somebody press the "easy" button PLEASE?!?

Check out the download for Rocking Responsibilities HERE. It includes job descriptions, application form, and classroom job labels. I take pictures of my students and glue them to clothespins to attach to the labels.

Assigning Student Numbers:

My second little tip is something that I am sure you are all too familiar with. However, when I began teaching first grade, I thought they may be a little too young to keep up with assigned numbers! I am here to tell you…it works like a charm! Each year, I assign each student a number. This makes life super easy when trying to keep track of work, tests, papers, and all of the hundreds of other things that we must keep up with from day to day!  A numbering system is also fantastic at the beginning of each year.  I simply leave the cubby numbers, desk numbers, etc. up and these are things that I will not have to redo unless I change my theme or they begin to get that "grungy" look.  I love, love, love my numbering system and it has always been a huge time saver!

You can click HERE to check out my MP3 student number labels. 

I hope these two little tips will save you some much needed time in the classroom! Be sure and check in from time to time at Second Grade Shenanigans for more tips and ideas! Have a blessed weekend, friends!