Flexible Groups What They Look Like in Our 3 rd Grade Classroom Lisa Roberts CUR 505
What are Flexible Learning Groups? Students are grouped together in a variety of ways to work collaboratively to achieve a common goal. By Student Learning Needs By Student Interests By Student Preferences
Learning Needs Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Verbal/Linguistic Visual/Spatial Logical/Mathematical Naturalist Musical Bodily/Kinesthetic Intrapersonal Interpersonal
By Student Interests All students have specific areas of interest/strengths: Favorite subjects Favorite topics Favorite sports Favorite hobbies Favorite activities
By Student Preferences All students have specific preferences: Where they sit in the classroom Who they work with How many people they work with How they learn best How much time they need to complete an assignment
Group Member Responsibilities Each member of the group will have an assigned task. Collector (gathers all materials) Recorder (writes down all responses) Reporter (speaks to class) Time Keeper (keeps track of time) Encourager (use kind words to keep group members on task)
Flexible Grouping Expectations All students will move quickly to their assigned group location. All students will be responsible for their assigned task(s). Each member will listen while another is speaking. Make certain everyone agrees on the response before reporting it to the rest of the class. Wait patiently for the teacher to assist your group. When your group has completed the activity, return any materials to the designated area. If an activity is completed before the time is up, refer to the Smart board for a follow-up activity.
General Noise Guidelines Productive Noise VS Disruptive Noise Productive NoiseDisruptive Noise Reading aloud textArguing with group members Discussing possible solutions Singing a non-related song Clarifying textYelling across the room Making a planBanging on desk Responding to questionsLaughing/Goofing off
Wrapping it Up When the timer sounds, time is up. Return all materials to designated area. Remain seated with your group and wait silently for your speaker’s signal to report your group’s findings, solutions, conclusions, or thoughts. Listen carefully to the others report. Complete an exit slip.
Exit Slip 1. What was the main thing you learned today? 2. What is one question you still have? 3. What did you like best about this topic?
Resources Heacox, D. (2002). Differentiating instruction in the regular classroom. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing Inc.