I was just telling my mom and brother and sister how I group and regroup my students all the time. I have a few reasons for doing so:
1. I've observed that it's developmentally challenging for 11- and 12-year-olds to consistently pick seats where they will be productive.
2. Although choice is a powerful positive, it's stressful for some people to have to choose their own seats.
3. Changing seats frequently makes change less anxiety-producing. It also alleviates complacency and/or boredom.
4. I group students hetero- or homogeneously based on the assignment or activity, and designate a captain based upon different criteria. Everybody earns the position of leader sometime.
Today was a new seat day, and it's always interesting to hear how the groups settle in to their latest arrangement. Sometimes the captains are sure and steady, sometimes strident or silent. This morning though, I was most impressed by the social skills of one new leader. As the students waited for their directions, he made a little small talk with the other kids at his table. "So," he started, "I have a question for you."
His group turned their attention to him. "What's your favorite IB MYP Global Context?" he asked.
And with that?
He had them.
1. I've observed that it's developmentally challenging for 11- and 12-year-olds to consistently pick seats where they will be productive.
2. Although choice is a powerful positive, it's stressful for some people to have to choose their own seats.
3. Changing seats frequently makes change less anxiety-producing. It also alleviates complacency and/or boredom.
4. I group students hetero- or homogeneously based on the assignment or activity, and designate a captain based upon different criteria. Everybody earns the position of leader sometime.
Today was a new seat day, and it's always interesting to hear how the groups settle in to their latest arrangement. Sometimes the captains are sure and steady, sometimes strident or silent. This morning though, I was most impressed by the social skills of one new leader. As the students waited for their directions, he made a little small talk with the other kids at his table. "So," he started, "I have a question for you."
His group turned their attention to him. "What's your favorite IB MYP Global Context?" he asked.
And with that?
He had them.
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