14 Preschool Classroom Jobs That Encourage Responsibility and Accountability
It is never too early to teach young children about responsibility. Successfully carrying out an assigned task boosts a child’s confidence and helps develop their sense of accountability. Preschool classroom jobs are the perfect vehicle for this.
Along with other factors, structure and a regular schedule help develop healthy self-regulation skills in children. In turn, these skills teach them the importance of accountability. Classroom jobs are a great way to promote responsibility in young kids within a structured environment.
Here are 14 jobs teachers can assign little ones to practice responsibility and accountability in the preschool classroom.
Line Leader
The OG of classroom jobs, the Line Leader is responsible for forming a tidy line and keeping it moving at a safe pace.
Caboose
The Line Leader’s right hand (wo)man, the Caboose keeps the end of the line straight, helping stragglers keep up.
Snack Helper
Probably one of the children’s favorite classroom jobs is the Snack Helper. Who wouldn’t want to be responsible for bringing goodies to their classmates!
Looking for a fun Hidden Pictures activity to help teach your preschoolers about chores and responsibility? Download this fun and free “Picking Up” activity from Kindness Connections! Classroom clean up will be a breeze!
Lights Monitor
Leaving the classroom? Dimming the lights? Flickering lights to get the students’ attention? The Lights Monitor takes their cue from the teacher by turning lights off and on as needed.
Cleanup Crew
Whether wiping tables or helping straighten up after a craft, the Cleanup Crew consists of several students. Parents and caregivers take note: sadly, the enthusiasm kids have for preschool cleanup rarely transfers to home!
Door Holders
This traditionally one-person job has evolved into a partnership. The first child holds the classroom door while classmates exit, closing it once everyone is out. The second child opens and holds the door to the new destination. It’s an adorable and efficient bookend operation!
Gardener
Many teachers adorn their rooms with plants for the natural aesthetic and to purify the air. The preschool Gardener is responsible for watering those plants with the classroom watering can. Make sure the can is sized perfectly for a burgeoning Gardener’s small hand.
Calendar Keeper
As a part of every day’s opening activities, the Calendar Keeper ensures everyone knows what month, day, and year it is, updating the class calendar accordingly.
Weather Reporter
Sunny, windy, rainy! On the heels of the Calendar Keeper is the classroom Weather Reporter. During circle time, the Weather Reporter shares their findings with the group as they begin their day.
Greeter
The preschool Greeter, a ray of sunshine, is the friendly face who welcomes all those who arrive to class.
Librarian
When it’s story time, the Librarian retrieves the day’s book(s) for the teacher. They are also responsible for returning it to its rightful spot on the bookshelf.
Materials Helper
Materials abound in a preschool classroom! The Materials Helper assists in passing out and collecting items like papers, crayons, and scissors.
Class Ambassador
When guests visit the classroom or substitute teachers temporarily take over, the Class Ambassador is their go-to for questions and support.
Composter
Raising awareness about being good to the earth is always a great lesson for children. Classrooms are notorious for making a ton of waste, so turn preschoolers into Composters by gathering and depositing brown and green organic waste into class recycling buckets. With help from the teacher, children learn to view trash as something that creates useful soil.
Teacher Tip: Use that “trash soil” to help the classroom Gardener’s plants grow!
Did you love this article? Get regular updates about preschool products, teaching tips, and ideas to cultivate joyful learning in your classroom. Don't miss a thing - sign up today!
About the Author:
Stephanie Jankowski is an educator and author who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she's not teaching or writing, she's spending time with her children, Brady, Ella, and Lyla, and marveling at just how short the years really are.