In my classroom students are usually working in groups or pairs. At the beginning of the year I am not familiar with my students and how well they work together. During the first few weeks of school I use many different methods to group my students so that I can determine who works well together and who does not. Below you will find a few of the methods I use for grouping in math.
Grouping in Math with Class Lists
One of the ways I group students in my math class is by using my class list. I have listed some of the ways I use class lists to group below:
Alphabetically
One way to use your class list to put students into groups alphabetically. You can group students using their first or last names. First, decide on how many groups you will need, then put the students into their groups by starting with your alphabetized list. For example, if you want 4 students in every group place the first 4 students into group 1, the next 4 students into group 2 and so on.
Randomly
Another way to use your class list is to put students into groups using a pattern. Many times students will know their classmates that are close to them alphabetically because teachers put them in seats and groups this way. Sometimes I prefer to use a pattern with my class list instead. For example, you will pick the first student on your list and skip down 2 and pick that student, skip 2 more and pick that student until you have a group of 4. Continue doing this until you have used all students. I usually will put a mark beside the students that I have already placed in a group so that I do not accidentally miss a student. You can choose whatever pattern you like when doing this (every other student, skip by 3’s etc..).
Grouping in Math by Assigning Numbers or Letters
One way of grouping in math is by giving students a letter or a number. You need to decide on how many groups you want first. If you want 8 groups you will use the numbers 1-8 or the letters A-G. Assign each student a letter or number. Once all students have been assigned have them go to their designated places in the room according to the number or letter.
Grouping in Math with Objects
This method is a fast way to group students. Students are given an object when they enter the room (you can also do this once they are seated, but I find it faster to do it as they enter the room). Sometimes I use colored cubes or counters, pieces of construction paper or playing cards. You will need to determine how many groups you want before giving the students the object. If you want 8 groups you will need 8 different colors of cubes, or 8 different colors of paper. Each color will need to have 3 to 4 objects depending on the size of your groups. For example if I have 8 groups with 4 to 3 students each I will need 8 colors of cubes and 4 of each color. I usually put them in a plastic tub or bag and give them to the student. Once they have their object they are to go to the designated place for their color cube.
Grouping by Ability
In math it is sometimes necessary to group students according to their ability with a topic we are studying. Most of the time I will have 3 ability levels with a topic:
- Students that understand the topic and need enrichment or more challenging work.
- Students that have a basic understanding of the topic but need more practice.
- Students that do not understand the topic and need to be retaught.
I try to do the best I can with grouping the students. It depends on how many students are in each category. I do not want my groups to be to large which means that students will have to work in pairs if necessary.
Conclusion
I love using groups in my math classes. During the beginning of the year it does take time to get to know my students so that I can assign them to groups that will help them be successful in math. It is always challenging at first but after a few weeks I am more comfortable with it.
Check out our Scavenger Hunts! We have several that review important math concepts for grades 6-8. These are the perfect activity for having students work together in math.
Click the link below for a FREE scavenger hunt. A print and digital version are provided.
