Saturday, June 30, 2012

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!


5 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great ideas, Hope! I gave up on weekly jobs also, but I will be trying your system next year. Thanks again!

    Delighted in Second

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  2. I definitely want to try assigning student numbers this year. I know other teachers that do it & it always seems to work well for them. Thanks for sharing your ideas Hope! :)
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

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  3. I am really enjoying the Work Smarter, Not Harder posts! I'm nominating you for the Versatile Blogger award. Stop by my blog for more info :)
    Storie
    Stories by Storie

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  4. @Hope - I love these ideas! You're "spot on" with the student numbers. I've found that they make life a lot easier. I love that it's "one less thing" I have to do when we go back to school.

    @Cynthia - I'm so glad you stopped by today. Your blog is adorable!! I can't wait to look through all of your fabulous ideas!

    :) Abby @ Third Grade Bookworm

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  5. Hi Hope! I just gave you an award! Thanks for inspiring me! Stop by my blog to pick it up! Fun Games 4 Learning

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