I Do it Myself! – Specific Ways to Assign Responsibility and Grant Ownership

Potty Processes – Rather than swooping in and scooping up your diapered friends only by the class schedule, wait until you hear a baby fuss (or you can tell by your other senses that someone is in need of a fresh diaper).  Say, “OK, Baby.  It sounds (or smells) like you’re asking for clean pants.” Or “Toddler, we’re going to change your diaper in two minutes”, or “Hey, Three, your pants are wet.  Help me pick out some dry ones from your cubby”.  Some children are nervous about their bodies and have a heightened sense of privacy – respect that – and let them be more responsible for their bodies and functions.

Food Functions – Never force a child to eat anything he does not want to eat and never demean his family food choices.  Never use food as a punishment or reward.  Model manners at the table, include nutrition education in your curriculum, and give each child responsibility for his food choices. Use small pitchers so they can pour their own juice or water and have blunt-point scissors at the table so they can open their own packages. Let them help each other.

Dress Designs – With the exception of safety and health, always let a child’s choice of clothing be his responsibility.  Let them try to dress themselves as often as possible and give them time and opportunities for practice in this area.

Behavior Business – Use a system of behavior management that calls for clear rules about harmful behaviors and assure that age-appropriate consequences occur when rules are broken.  This is how children learn how to behave appropriately and take responsibility for their actions.  React immediately if anyone is being hurt, but if possible, let children work their issues out by themselves. 

Cleanup Clashes – Clean up WITH the children, not as an overseer or cleanup director. Use a visual or audible signal like turning off the lights, clapping hands, chanting, or singing to give everyone time to finish up their work and always have a ’countdown’ signal too, so there is time to prepare – “5 MINUTES TO CLEANUP, FRIENDS!” Require that ALL must help, but make individual assignments (Block Boss, Art Aide, Dressup Diva) so that everyone is interested in the activity.  Try to have an incentive for cleanup time.  “When our room is clean, we can go to the playground.” (Not, “We’re not going anywhere til we find that #%&**?!’n hamster!”)

Classroom Chores – Have a job for every child every day.  Jobs are important to the self-esteem of every child, and for creating a sense of community. They are great for meeting the attention and skills needs of individual children. Some examples – children who are nervous or insecure make great Door/Gate Closers; children who need math practice can be Head Counters; children who say mean things to others need to practice positivity as Smile Keepers (making sure everyone is happy); children who have a tendency to run need to be Crossing Guards; every child needs to be Line Leader – front, back, and middle of the line.

Every day, every child must be given a job!!!!!

Remember and Believe This:

The more children can do for themselves, the more competent they feel.

The more competent they feel, the more eager they will be to try and to participate

The more they try and the more they participate, the more they learn.

The more they learn, the smarter they become.

Mission Accomplished!

Psst! – (Two more secret side effects of ownership and responsibility are that the greater the ownership, the better and behaviors and the better you look to parents during Teacher Appreciation Week).

Best Jobs Ever! – Line Leader, Line Middle, Line Caboose, Door Opener, Door Closer, Song Chooser, Cleanup Crew, Dressup Director, Dustbuster (ask your parents or administrators for a portable hand-held vacuum for your room), Crumb Catcher, Table Sprayer (water, not bleach), Recycler, Napkin Captain, Juicebox Helper (or Straw Sticker), Chair Stacker, Floor Sweeper, Plant Waterer, Pet Feeder, Cage Cleaner, Weather Watcher, Pledge Leader, Prayer Picker, Folder Filer (makes sure folders with ‘work’, notes, notices between home and school are put in teacher’s box), Office Assistant, Kid Counter (takes attendance), Crossing Guard, Smile Maker (makes sure everyone is happy – good job for a bully), Hand Holder (good job for a runner or for assisting a hesitant or special rights child), Wheelchair Pusher, Shoe Tier, Monkey Bar Monitor, Center Checker, Bathroom Boss, Block Boss, Art Arranger, Science Supervisor, Swing Sargent (gives each child a push for each year of age), and many, many, more.

Next Blog:  Emotional Safety – Celebrations!