6 Ways to Form Effective Groups in the Classroom
We all know that the success of every group is determined by how well group members work together. By picking groups randomly, it indicates to your students that you trust them to get the job done, no matter who is working together. Here are a few of tried and true methods I've used over the years. Name sticks or name cards At the beginning of each year, kids decorate the large craft sticks or blank business cards (available at office supply stores). I use them all year long to call on kids, randomly, to group them, to check attendance and lunch count, and to make it easier for guest teachers to learn their names. They get to take them home at the end of the year, if they'd like... and they usually "like." :) Draw a Stick/Card They pick 1 partner and I put partner groups together. A word of caution... it's easy to end up with those last few kids who never get picked. How I avoid “Last Man Standing.” I get arou...