Having kids and young adults working in groups (and partners) is just part of everyday life as as teacher. It can feel wonderful when you see a small group of kids collaborating effectively and learning together about a new topic. It’s true that many kids really learn best from each other when compared to learning from a teacher at the front of the classroom. On the flip side, though, sometimes setting up groupings in your classroom can be a nightmare. Whether or not the groups work well can have a huge impact on your classroom management, lesson, and the entire flow of the classroom.
Here are some simple tips that teachers can implement in their classrooms to support and facilitate cooperative partners and groups.
Tips for Teachers During Group Work
1. Choose the groups ahead of time. It might be tempting to let kids pick their own partners, especially since it is quicker and easier on the teacher. Most of the time, this doesn’t work out nearly as effectively as teacher-chosen groupings. Spend the extra time up front to pick your groups and it will pay off ten fold. Ahead of time, you can make a list of a few possible groupings that work. Keep this as your backup if you forget to make groups ahead of time.
2. Give directions in many different ways. Once it is time to get started in a group, there are always a few kids who didn’t hear the directions and aren’t sure what to do. This can really create mayhem in group situations. Set up a routine with having directions written on the board, written on paper, said aloud, and/or listed on your website. Give kids multiple opportunities to go back to those directions without needing you right there in order to promote independence.
3. Teach skills for working in groups. Don’t assume that all kids know and understand how to work cooperatively in groups. Many don’t. Spend time teaching how to work effectively with partners and in small groups. Giving some “group ground rules” can save the day (and year).
4. Identify the kids who need stronger supports. Some students will need extra attention during partner and group time, such as reminder cards, frequent check-ins, or a checklist to keep themselves on track.
5. Give choice and differentiation in your group work. Provide choice and supports so that all kids have the opportunity to find success. Perhaps a student who struggles with writing doesn’t write the paper but draws for the group. You may also choose to have different groups doing different things. Give a lower level reading passage to those who have similar reading skills, for example. As long as each group is working and making progress, it’s okay if they get to their learning goal in different ways.
6. Modify assignments for students with special needs. Assignments that are just too challenging for kids with disabilities are a recipe for disaster when it comes to group work. Again, make sure that every student has a way to find success. Modifying each assignment specific to student needs is a way to reach that goal. Consider learning more about how to modify for students with special needs.
Working With Others – Groups and Partners
If you need more support in helping kids learn how to work effectively in groups, consider this Working With Others Workbook. Using this workbook, a teacher or specialist can work with a small or large group of kids to develop those cooperative learning skills necessary for success. The workbook is set up to be completed in order, with skills that build on each other. For example, kids will first learn and understand why it’s important to work effectively with others, understand how to be a responsible partner, and then even identify problem behaviors they might exhibit when working in groups.
When it comes to learning to work together, lots of guided practice will make the difference. Not only is group work is often something that kids really love, but a time when lots of student to student learning occurs. It will be worth the effort in the end!
2. Give choices. Allowing a choice in an assignment or task gives kids power and helps them feel more in control of what they are accomplishing. Choice can mean choosing between two different worksheets, choosing their own lab group, or choosing whether to write or type an assignment. Consider finding a choice that fits a student’s individual strengths or interests. If a student isn’t motivated to write a research paper on a famous poet, allow them to present about their favorite musical artist. Instead of completing a lab report on cells, have your artistic student draw and label a diagram of a cell. It’s okay to think outside the box with this.
Yesterday marked my 2 Year Anniversary with starting Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) as a teacher-author. I really wanted to make a post to share some tips that have helped me be successful, but it actually turned into a therapeutic experience for me to look back on the experience as a whole.
Many teachers struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I know I do. While it’s true that the majority of other jobs lend themselves to some work outside the 9-5 schedule, the life of a teacher is just different. There are a few big reasons why teaching so drastically impacts the work-life balance for educators. First of all, we’re dealing with the lives of children and young adults. Even when things are going well and we’re making good progress in our classrooms, we’re always thinking about those kids! Did that student really understand the lesson? Is this student making enough progress in reading? Is that student eating breakfast? The questions go on.
Teaching is stressful. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, as teachers we give our all to our students and our profession. In addition to the hustle and bustle in our classrooms, many teachers have spouses, children, parents, and friends on our minds, too. We are pulled in many directions all at once and often put others first. It’s just part of the teacher mindset. This can take a huge toll on the well-being of educators over time. Here are some tips on how to de-stress and put yourself first for a change.
Teachers are creative. It’s part of our nature and what we do every single day to help kids learn best. That’s why becoming a seller on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) can become a wonderful positive outlet for educators all over the world. I wish I had known about it years ago so I want to share my experience with others in hopes of inspiring someone along the way. Note: This page includes an affiliate link below, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and start a a new seller account.
As teachers, we all want our students to learn, practice skills, and thrive. Time is certainly limited in our classes. Even critical academic time gets interrupted with so much from assemblies, to guest speakers, and even standardized assessments themselves. So, homework often seems to be a great way to get kids to practice those skills we have taught. It’s a deceiving idea, though. There is substantial research that extra homework is NOT the answer to getting children and young adults to learning more. In fact, sometimes overdoing the homework can have a pretty negative result, overflowing to the home and school the next day. Here are some thought provoking reasons why it is okay to reduce the homework.
The beginning of the school year is such a fun and exciting time for kids. They are seeing old friends while meeting new ones. Use this time of excitement to help your students get to know each other while you are learning about them. This brings me to my number two back to school planning tip. It’s all about setting the stage with those getting to know you activities. There are a variety of ways you can incorporate getting to know you activities with your new students.
