Flexible GroupsWhat They Look Like in Our 3rd Grade Classroom

Lisa RobertsCUR 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 NeedsBy Student InterestsBy Student Preferences

Learning Needs

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Verbal/LinguisticVisual/SpatialLogical/MathematicalNaturalistMusicalBodily/KinestheticIntrapersonalInterpersonal

By Student Interests

All students have specific areas of interest/strengths:

Favorite subjectsFavorite topicsFavorite sportsFavorite hobbiesFavorite activities

By Student Preferences

All students have specific preferences:

Where they sit in the classroomWho they work withHow many people they work withHow they learn bestHow 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 Noise Disruptive Noise

Reading aloud text Arguing with group members

Discussing possible solutions

Singing a non-related song

Clarifying text Yelling across the room

Making a plan Banging on desk

Responding to questions Laughing/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.