What things can students do independently? This is something I was unsure of as a new teacher. However, after years of teaching first and second grade, I’ve learned the answer is… a lot! Of course, it will depend on the time of year, age and maturity of your students, but here is a list of things that most kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students can do independently in your classroom.
Before we get started
Here are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to teach your students how to take over any task you expect them to do. It will come down to clear explanation, modeling, and expectations.
Second, asking students to take over certain tasks can and should be helpful. But that doesn’t mean that giving certain tasks to students will always make your life easier. Sometimes it will, and sometimes it will make certain things slower and harder. BUT, it will help your students gain ownership and independence which is the ultimate goal of teaching.
Lastly, it’s important to give your students control over as many tasks as you are comfortable, but it’s okay to keep some things to do yourself. A great example for me is that I prefer to sharper pencils because, even though kids can do it, it makes a mess and I find it distracting. However, it is definitely a task students can do. We all have our limits and that’s okay.
A List of 50 Tasks Students Can Do in Your Classroom
Organization Tasks
- change the schedule each day
- keep the library organized
- pass out papers
- write the date on the board
- lead class affirmations
- run morning meeting
- put toys away
- put manipulatives away
- put classroom supplies away
- keep table supplies organized
Self-management tasks
- take their own attendance
- keep their own materials organized
- tape a ripped paper
- help to develop classroom expectations
- work together to resolve conflicts
- staple their papers
- decide when to use the toilet
- get a tissue as needed
- getting their own supplies as needed
- select their own spots for centers
Classroom care
- tidy up classroom supplies
- sweep up a mess on the floor
- water plants
- put their chairs up at the end of the day
- clean their desks or tables
- sharpen pencils
- bring recess supplies out and back in
- erase the whiteboard
- caring for a class pet
- check that marker caps are on
Helpful tasks
- bring messages to other teachers/the office
- explain tasks to classmates
- help a student having technology issues
- take pictures of things that happen in the classroom
- write a classroom newsletter each week
- pick their own brain breaks
- select a music playlist
- label classroom supplies
- select their own reading books
- choose their own partners for activities
Academic tasks
- pick an early finisher activity
- upload their own work to Seesaw
- select their own centers
- complete centers independently
- choose their own learning tools and manipulatives
- practice math facts with a partner
- give peers feedback on work
- brainstorm on a poster with a group
- create the classroom alphabet
- present on areas they are experts
As you can see, there are so many things students can do on their own is we’re able to give up some control. It helps them become more independent students and take ownership of the classroom. It also means you don’t have to worry about a lot of tasks that take up time you don’t have.
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