One of the biggest things I use in my classroom to mix things up is cooperative learning! There are so many great strategies out there to break students into groups and to help them pair up for activities. Here are a couple of my favorites!
Speed Dial Groups
One activity I like to do to get my students up and moving is to use Speed Dial groups. If you have ever seen the appointment clock, this is very similar. It is an updated version.
Here’s how it works…
Students walk around and find partners for each space on their speed dial phone.
Students trade papers and sign the same number slot as their partner they are currently meeting with. For instance, if I am meeting with Susie she will write my name on spot 2 and I will write her name on spot 2. This way when you tell students to meet with a partner, they will go with their speed dial 2 partner (or whatever number you choose.)
If you have a smaller number of students, you may want them to X out spots 10-12.
If you like this, you can snag the freebie here or by clicking on the image above.
Cooperative Learning Cards
I have also used Cooperative Learning Cards in the past and randomly group students using them. These cards also have jobs on them so that students know what their role will be in their group for the day. If you would like to check them out, you can find them by clicking here!
Lead4ward Playlist
Finally, I also like to use a site that we have here in Texas called Lead4ward. This site has great grouping strategies on a Playlist. The playlist gives great examples and descriptions of ways to groups your students and the best part is its FREE! You can check it out by clicking here.
I hope you find these tools useful! You might also like these tools below as you start a new year!
