Assign students to help you with administrative tasks in the classroom. One student might be in charge of passing out papers or supplies, while another picks up the mail from the office. Scholastic's website suggests students can also help by taking attendance, taking lunch orders or acting as a "messenger" who takes notes to other teachers and students when needed.
Let preschool students help set up snacks and meals. For snacks, ask one student to set out napkins and eating utensils, while another places a cup at each place. Depending on the snack, students may also help to prepare food after washing their hands. After eating, ask each student to clean up his own space. Assign one or two students with the task of wiping off the table and pushing in the chairs. Older preschool students may also help with sweeping the floor.
Encourage preschool students to take ownership of their classroom by keeping it clean. Ask students to clean up after themselves throughout the day. Students should clean up toys and materials when they're done using them. Ask students to throw away trash, keep bookshelves straight and neat and hang their coats and book bags on designated hooks. Make cleaning up easy for your students by demonstrating how to complete tasks and keeping everything reach.
Classroom pets teach preschool children responsibility. Let students take turns caring for your class pet. Show students how to give the pet food and water and clean its cage or tank. Talk about the importance of completing these tasks so the pet is safe and happy. In addition, ask preschool students to care for any plants in the classroom. Demonstrate how to water plants and talk about why plants require water and sun to live.