Admit it–when you were in elementary school, the most coveted job was line leader. We all loved it. It felt like it came with the power of Thanos’ glove, or the power of Iron Man’s suit.
There are so many other jobs in the classroom environment that are also exciting, and Ms. Lyday’s 2nd grade students participated in Classroom Job interviews to find out who would be the next “art supply organizer” for their class. Filled with excitement–and a touch of nerves!– students showed up clad in their best outfits and holding neatly prepared resumes. They were ready(ish) to experience a taste of the professional world, proving that no one is too young to feel a bit of interview anxiety!
In the days leading up to the event, Ms. Lyday introduced her students to various classroom jobs, from line leader to art supplies organizer. Each role comes with specific responsibilities essential for a well-functioning learning environment, and she encouraged her students to reflect on their strengths and interests, helping them choose positions that matched their personalities.
The preparation involved learning the art of resume writing, where the 7- and 8-year-olds highlighted their classroom contributions, hobbies, and extracurricular activities. They also rehearsed answers to common interview questions like "Why do you want this job?" and "What makes you a good fit?"
On the day of the interviews, parents, teachers from other grades, and administrators stepped in as hiring managers, eager to engage with the young applicants. Introducing themselves with confidence, focusing on strong handshakes and good eye contact, students took turns facing their interviewers, presenting colorful resumes created in Google Slides, featuring photos that showcased their unique qualities.
Some students, aiming for the "clean up crew," passionately discussed how a tidy classroom enhances learning. Others, like the aspiring “pencil sharpener,” demonstrated their efficiency in getting to the sharpener and back quickly.
The interviewers were impressed by the children's enthusiasm and preparation. This experience taught them about self-reflection, goal-setting, and the importance of presenting themselves well. By the end of the day, each student left with a sense of accomplishment and valuable life skills, ready to face future challenges.
