While some leadership traits come naturally, most leadership skills develop through years of careful practice. That’s why giving kids the opportunity to grow leadership skills is a part of quality child development programs. While we think of specific roles as requiring leadership, the truth is that almost everyone serves as a mentor, guide, or supervisor at some point in their lives. All kids can benefit from improving communication, practicing empathy, and gaining confidence. The Gardner School encourages kids to show leadership in the classroom through these classroom roles.
1. Greeter
A warm greeting when a child enters the classroom can make a big difference in how they feel each day. Naturally, outgoing students love taking on the greeter role in our classrooms by welcoming their friends in the morning. This role also helps the greeter improve their short-term working memory when the student greeter connects a new classmate’s name with a face.
2. Head Gardener
To help our children learn about the natural world, many of our classrooms house plants, vegetables, and even animals that need regular care. As part of helping our little ones learn responsibility, our student volunteers help water plants, harvest veggies, and feed classroom pets. This helpful role can allow kids to see how daily care and maintenance can make amazing things grow!
3. Meteorologist
For the S.T.E.A.M-focused preschooler (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), a natural leadership role is the classroom’s meteorologist. Our intrepid weather reporters let us know what the outdoor outlook is for the day. Will it be a sunny day for outdoor playtime? Or will we see a few sprinkles while we’re playing on the swing set?
4. Calendar Cadet
An awareness of time, holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions helps children understand how time passes and ways to celebrate important milestones with their classmates. In our classrooms, students can learn about calendars, time, and seasons by being in charge of a classroom calendar that lists the day and the activities for that day.
5. Line Leader
Like an intrepid hiker on a mountainous trail, our line leaders forge ahead, guiding their classmates through the halls of our school and back again. Just as important are our cabooses that bring up the end of the line. They make sure that the classroom group stays together as they move to the next activity. Although it may seem small, even responsibilities like this can help kids learn how to relate confidently to each other and look out for everyone’s best interests.
6. Light Monitor
It can be fun for kids to have the responsibility of turning a room dark or bright. In our classrooms, we channel this high-interest activity into a special responsibility. During quiet time, or when leaving a room, the Light Monitor is in charge of turning off the lights to signal the change. Turning the lights on and off is also an opportunity to teach children about saving energy and helping the earth through our daily actions.
7. Snack Assistant
Healthy eating is a critical part of preparing kids to learn about helping their bodies grow strong. Our eager snack assistants help pass out food and lead our clean-up efforts. Snack time is the perfect opportunity to brush up on table manners and enjoy time together with teachers and playmates. Kids can even learn about allergy-safe foods and how food grows while they’re fueling up for even more fun activities!
8. Song Leader
If you have a child who loves music, you know how easily they break into song. Our teachers set the stage for young musical artists to lead chants and songs. They’ll sing the words to “The ABC Song,” “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” “Baby Shark,” and even more. By sharing their talents and a love for music, our preschoolers build community and friendships one note at a time.
The Gardner School Helps Develop Young Leaders
We provide our students with many opportunities to practice autonomy and responsibility to help build self-confidence and resilience. When kids practice speaking in front of others and advocating for their classmates, they learn valuable leadership skills.
If you’re looking for exceptional child care, contact us today to learn more or check out our virtual tours on our website for The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School!