Grouping Strategies

I have been trying to use different grouping strategies this year.  In the years past I have used a few grouping strategies and repeated them over the year.  It feels a little boring when I do pairings that the students have done before.

I have found that different grouping strategies take very little time to prepare and are motivating for the students.  I also notice that the students are less likely to respond negatively when they find their partner when using these fun strategies.

One strategy that I used was an idea I found on Pinterest.  I picked up 30 paint chip samples from a local paint store.  I picked 2 each of 15 different colors.  When I needed the students to form into working groups I had them draw a paint chip from a basket.  Then along with their reading book, they traveled around the room until they found the matching color paint chip.  Then they read together with their partner!

Another grouping strategy I used was the same process, but different items on the cards.  I googled monster images and then printed 2 of each kind of monster.  The students found their moster alike card to begin working in groups.

I continue to keep finding more ways to group students.  The possibilities are endless!