Having classroom jobs is a great way to build community in a classroom. Typically these jobs are things like attendance helper, line leader, lunch helper, etc. Over the years, I’ve tried to do this many different ways. One year, I tried to design my jobs to reflect real-life careers like mail carrier, hall inspector, and teachers assistant. While these worked well, I wondered if there was a better way; a way to have students become more invested in their community.

My goal in my class is to find ways to appeal to students passions, those things that make people tick. Those things that inherently engage students while giving them a sense of purpose. I have found a way to do that through a different format for classroom jobs–peer coaching.

What are peer coaches?

Most importantly, peer coaching is an asset-based way for kids to help each other within the classroom community. Students that love reading, can be the reading coaches; students that love/need movement, become the movement coaches, etc. Most importantly, peer coaches positions are chosen by the students and what they would like to do. Here are some of the coaching positions I have in my classroom and what their responsibilities are.

Reading coaches- helps others find just right books, partner read with others, make book recommendations

Movement coaches- choose and lead movement breaks and morning meeting activities

Calming Coaches- aid peers when they need a break or need to reset, help students check in using Zones of Regulation, pick calming videos for the whole class (Lego cooking videos are our favorites!)

Creativity Coaches- help others with ideas/art when doing projects

Technology Coaches- help others with anything computer or technology related, help me explore new technology

Teachers apprentices- these students do the more traditional, logistical type jobs (attendance, paper passer, lunch helper)

Math coaches- help others when they get stuck during math. They might use manipulatives to help. This is a great one for your students that get math easily, but are working on EXPLAINING how to do it (Math Practice #3)

How do I set up Peer Coaching in my Classroom?

The first step is to look at your students through an asset-based lens. What positions would the students in your class excel in? Also, what is NEEDED in your class?

Then, I create a Google Form Application for the students to fill out. It has them select their top 2-3 choices, so I have some flexibility to make the final decisions. The form also asks them to write about how they will do their job respectfully, responsibly and safely.

Then, I make the ultimate decision. The only reason I might give a child their second choice is if I have too many students choose one type of position. When this happens, I meet with those students and give them a chance to pick another job. I do not make their assignment a surprise. I give them an opportunity to change positions a few times a year, so they will get a chance to do their first choice some time.

Then, I make a BIG deal about announcing the coaching positions. I post them on big chart paper, so everyone knows who they can go to for help in the different areas.

This next part is ESSENTIAL to the success of the model. I train each child in how to do their job. This ensures every job is done respectfully, especially some of the more sensitive positions like calming coaches.

You, and your class, can decide how often you want to change up positions. I suggest having each child do their position for at least 1-2 months so they can really own it. At first, it will take prompting from you, but over time, the kids will just check in with each other or take the lead in their position. THAT is the goal.