Small groups are one important way to break down large class numbers into manageable ones. These smaller groups may all work on the same task or they each work on topics to support the current class subject matter.
Examples: Reading Hour. While the teacher reads with one small group, the others groups read the same story. OR, the other groups tackle tasks that support the story: use dictionaries and work on vocabulary from the story, write their own story using the vocabulary words, read about the author’s life or talk about books that cover the same topic as the class story.
For Math Hour: Groups cover the class topic OR one does measurement tasks, another practices story problems and a third works with tangram shapes. All these skills support various math understandings.
Once that group of students is heading your way, to your table, are you prepared? Check this list:
1. You understand your task.
2. You have a tote with the necessary tools for your project (pencils, erasers, rulers, etc.).
3. You are standing by your table so your group locates you on their own (rather than you needing to round them up).
4. You greet the students.
5. You sit along one side of the table so you are part of the group, not isolated at the end of the table.
6. You hook their interest with a quick activity (1-2- minutes) related to your task.
7. You go over your expectations briefly as you introduce the task.
If you practice these management skills to begin you group, they will be ready for whatever you present.