Much of the work that is done in my classroom is done in cooperative groups. It is important to me that the actual process of formulating the groups be quick and efficient. It is also important to me that students have experience working with a wide range of different people throughout the course of the year. I used to let students choose their own groups, but it just ended up in mass confusion and hurt feelings - so now, I use grouping cards.
The concept is simple. I created cards that each have a different color, number, and shape combination. If we are going to be working in cooperative groups during the class period, I instruct students to pick up a card on their way in. Once each student has a card, I have 3 random ways to group them - by color, by shape, or by number. They never know which one I am going to choose, so trying to cheat the system is difficult. If you are performing an activity where you need to change groups up several times, these are perfect.
If you would like to try them out in your own class, the file to download them is below. I recommend printing them on heavy paper or card stock and laminating them for continued use. Once you start using them you won't know how you ever lived without them. They are a huge time-saver and, more importantly, brain-saver!
The concept is simple. I created cards that each have a different color, number, and shape combination. If we are going to be working in cooperative groups during the class period, I instruct students to pick up a card on their way in. Once each student has a card, I have 3 random ways to group them - by color, by shape, or by number. They never know which one I am going to choose, so trying to cheat the system is difficult. If you are performing an activity where you need to change groups up several times, these are perfect.
If you would like to try them out in your own class, the file to download them is below. I recommend printing them on heavy paper or card stock and laminating them for continued use. Once you start using them you won't know how you ever lived without them. They are a huge time-saver and, more importantly, brain-saver!
| grouping_cards.pptx |
How do you like to group your students? Leave a comment below to let us know!
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