Preschool Daily Helpers!

    I love this project because it was cheap, effective and adorable!  I needed a way to keep track of who was line leader, caboose, lunch helper, door holder, etc. in my preschool class so I made this chart to use every morning during circle time.  The kids LOVE it. The best part is that there are not enough 'helpers' for everyone to have a job every day so they have to earn the privilege to be a helper....and you better believe I use that to my advantage!

 

Materials:

• poster sized styrofoam board
• gift card holders
• tongue depressors or popsicle sticks
• heavy duty cardstock
• black sharpie
• glue gun (or heavy duty glue)
• velcro stickers (optional)

    Start by purchasing a poster sized styrofoam board and some gift card holders (I got both of these at the dollar store!).  Decide how many daily helpers you will need each day and how many extras you will need to store the extra names.  Before you are ready to glue, arrange the holders on the poster board until you are happy with the overall look.

    Now, cut the bottom rounded section off of the gift card holder so you have a flat bottom to hold the helper sticks in place.  Glue the bottom 1/2" of the holders shut so the sticks don't slip through.  Then attach the holders to the poster board with some heavy duty glue or a glue gun.  I also added several velcro stickers on the back of the board so I could stick it to the bottom carpeted section of my classroom at school.

   Make the name sticks by writing each child's name on heavy duty cardstock and cutting them to size.  Hot glue them to the top of the popsicle sticks and let them dry for a few minutes.

   Draw pictures and the name of the helpers on cardstock (this helps the kids recognize their job) and cut them to fit on top of each helper pocket.  I also hot glued these into place.

   Now you are ready to start your daily helper routine! It is a great way for kids to feel comfortable in a regular routine and to work toward a goal of being a helper.  Not only does it provoke some great conversation about helping out and earning a reward but it also gives them something to look forward to at circle time everyday.