Monday, July 2, 2012

Monday Made It Classroom Jobs

Okay before I start this post, can I just tell you how productive I feel today?!?
  1. 2nd day of bootcamp - hello summer body!
  2. Took dogs on a long walk.
  3. Pulled weeds in the front yard.
  4. Completed my Monday Made It!
And it's only noon! For me, this is a mighty accomplishment! Although now I have a heating pad on my lower back because I think I might have pulled something? Hopefully not. I have a lot more bootcamp left to do!

On to my Monday Made It. I was inspired by one of my pins:

I bought all of my supplies BEFORE I went ahead with my safari theme for next year's classroom, but I think it will still work. I've always had my job board called Helping Hands so I thought this was too cute NOT to make.

First I bought 12x12 scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby, and cut it into 6 pieces. The pieces are 6 x 4 inches. You can get 6 pieces out 1 scrapbook page.

Then I added clipart and the job title, printed it out and glued it to all the different patterned papers.

To make it easy to change the little hands, I bought this Velcro at Lowes.

Then I attached the Velcro to the paper, and the back of the hands. It turned out like this:

Feel free to save this hand outline and use it! I actually drew this myself! How I love Paint Shop Pro. :)


I'm excited to post these up in my room! Last year I was using index cards taped to my cabinets, and they were forever falling off. Super annoying.

I would love to post the little clipart, but I have found them from various places on the internet, and don't know about copyright and all that with them. I've had the same clipart for about 5 years now and have NO CLUE where they came from.


In my room EVERY student has a job. We do a classroom economy. It is hands down, my favorite management tool and valuable teaching. If there was one thing I would suggest to new teachers- it would be this! Here's a list of some things we do:
  • Each student applies for a job every 2-3 weeks. (You can make it longer if you like!) Their application must be neat and in complete sentences. I'll share my applications when my computer is back up and running.
  • We create class money at the beginning of each year. We vote on the design. I copy 1s 5s and 10s. Money is given out for participation, great answers, great behavior, jobs done- anything really.
  • We create a bonuses chart (where students can earn money) and taxes chart (where students pay ME money). As a class we decide on the prices as well.
  • Each student has a tax chart (which I'll share later too). At the end of the day they add up their tally marks and place the money on top of their chart. The tax collector signs off on the day that taxes were paid and brings me the money.
  • We have a class store where students can buy things. I don't do a treasure box, this takes its place. Students have to count their money to make sure they have enough to buy stuff. Most of the things I have for sale aren't items. Sure I have pencils and erasers, but we do more classroom rewards. Like teacher's desk for a day, shoes off, lunch with teacher, 10 min computer time, free homework pass, 10 min class pet time, choose first at stations for the day, pillow for the day, stuffed buddy for the day, etc.
  • I use to have a banker/cashier when I taught 5th grade, but I found it a little hard for my 2nd graders this year. Maybe I'll tackle it again this year when I am more organized. Anyone else have advice on this?
If any of you are interested, I'll try to make a post going more in depth when I get back into my classroom so I can take pictures. :) I LOVE CLASSROOM ECONOMIES!

Do you have any classroom jobs that you love and couldn't live without? Any favorites you do with a classroom economy?

And don't forget to view my post about the Safari Clip Chart I made! I left a link for you to download it for free on my post!!

20 comments:

The Meek Moose said...

Awesome sauce! I would love to hear more about classroom economies. We are starting our year off with our economics unit- and we create our own town with mayor and district representatives, and town seals, and currency and the whole shebang. This would fit in perfectly.

http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com

Polka Dots and Teaching Tots said...

So glad you directed me to your post. It seems that we have a similar philosophy about the types of rewards students can earn in a classroom. I really like the idea of printing up classroom currency for the students to use. I will definitely be back to learn more about your taxes and bonuses! *Newest Follower*

Fancy Free in 4th said...

I have a classroom economy too! I am going to be posting about it soon! I am your newest follower! I just started my own blog and am excited to connect to other passionate educators.
Fancy Free in Fourth

Emily said...

I like your list of jobs! Thanks for sharing. =)

Emily
I Love My Classroom
www.ilovemyclassroom.blogspot.com

Tara said...

Hi Amanda! That turned out so cute! Love it and love that you can change it out:))) Thanks for linking up! Stay productive like you were this morning and come back next week:))))

4th Grade Frolics

Michelle Griffo said...

Wow! So much hard work went into the project! I love it!

Michelle
Apples and ABC's

Tamera Wilson said...

LOve the classroom helpers!
I am your newest follower!
:)
Tamera

http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com
Kaizactan2001@yahoo.com

Kindertrips said...

I need to learn more about your paint shop pro! You are very creative!
Jennifer
kindertrips

Lisa R. said...

Your chart came out phenomenal! I will have to look into paint shop pro also!! Great job! :)
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

Polka Dots and Teaching Tots said...

Hi There. I have really enjoyed reading your posts so I am nominating you for the One Lovely Blog and Versatile Blogger awards. Come back to my site to pick up your awards!

Polka Dots and Teaching Tots

Megan said...

Yikes! I did too! Stop by to see!

Megan
I Teach. What's Your Super Power?

Anonymous said...

I gave you an award, buzz by to pick it up=)
Heather
The Busy Busy Hive

Lana said...

Your class economy sounds awesome!!

Julie Sawyer said...

I love your blog! I am passing on the Versatile Blogger award to you. Visit my blog to see the post. If you’d like to add the button to your blog, go to http://bit.ly/LxsyIH
Julie
Math is Elementary

Unknown said...

Hey! Guess what!? I'm your 100th follower!! Woohoo!!!! Welcome to bloggy world. Your blog looks great and I love the ideas you've shared so far. Looking forward to many more of your posts!
Dianne
Hopelessly Devoted to Teaching

travel teach and love said...

Amanda, I have an award for you! Come on over.
- Amanda Inspired in Second

Anonymous said...

OH I am SOOOOOO glad I saw this!! I am heading out NOW to get the supplies to make my own...and I also have the Safari/Wild animal theme! :)
Marie
The Hands-On Teacher in First!

Anonymous said...

I hope you'll check out my HELPFUL HANDS job chart!! Thanks for the inspiration!

http://cotesclass.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-made-it-my-first.html

Marie

Kaylees Education Studio said...

I love how you switch classroom jobs.

David said...

Could you give me a copy of the checks?