Activity
Classroom Jobs
Promote the classroom community with these ideas of simple jobs in the classroom!
This activity has been revised and was originally created by Charlotte Cushman and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
Developing an awareness of their community is the first step for students with multiple disabilities to integrate into that community. By performing simple jobs in the classroom, students will increase their sense of responsibility while becoming aware of their classroom as a community. Lessons include Social Skills, English Language Arts, Orientation and Mobility, and Independent Living Skills.
- Make a job chart for the classroom using pictures or tactile symbols for each student’s name and for each job. Some students may find it helpful if a real object which is part of their job is found on the job board (e.g. sponge for wiping tables).
- Cleaning supplies, if applicable (sponge, trash bags, watering cans, etc.)
- Job time can be scheduled as an activity or done on an “as needed” basis, without being specifically built into the routine.
- Each job should be designed to offer an appropriate level of challenge to the students. Certain jobs may need to be adapted for students who are totally blind or non-ambulatory.
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The following is a list of some possible classroom jobs:
- Answer door
- Turn off lights (when class leaves)
- Water plants
- Take attendance
- Act as messenger
- Clean chalkboard/whiteboard
- Change calendar (put up date)
- Empty trash
- Wipe off tables and chairs
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Clean up free time area
- When appropriate, have two students do a job together to reinforce cooperative work skills. This would be possible with wiping tables and emptying trash.
- Rotate the jobs as often as seems appropriate. Some students may be able to change jobs daily, while others may need more time to learn one task at a time.
Hints: Toxic cleansers and plastic trash bags should be avoided with students who mouth things. Encourage students to help actively with jobs in their homes or residential units.
