Cooperative Groups Made (Well, Slightly) Easier
Having students work in cooperative groups can be a nightmare! Often there is fighting, someone not doing their work, and/or group division. So how did I overcome this? (At least to large extent, I am not a miracle worker ;) ) Well, through trial and error of course! So here are some things I learned.
Group Rules and Consequence
Like many of you, I begin the year establishing boundaries through a class contract. Children need to know what to expect. (Remember your Harry Wong?) But groups must also know what to expect from each other. Have your group right some “rules”, “agreements”, etc. to guide their group work. The first few times you should definitely walk your groups through this process or you might get some superfluous rules (i.e. Everyone must wear pink on Tuesdays.).
Next, I would have your groups establish a series of consequences. For example, a group verbal warning that a student isn’t follow directions. On the second violation, a student may be asked to hand over an item of distraction or importance to the group, give up a privilege, etc. (At my school, their ipad was usually the culprit. But it may be a toy, book, etc.) Third violation the group may vote that the student should send a parent email after a group meeting with Mrs. O. Notice that I didn’t have to step in until after the group had met three times. J There were
Role Play
At the beginning of each time you switch up groups or pods, do some role playing to test out their conflict management. It may seem a little silly to them, but it’s much easier to practice this skill when no one is truly angry. I included a list of picture books I love below.
Literature
Be sure to select books every now and then that show characters with admirable qualities and great cooperative skills. Spend a few minutes reflecting on the qualities you liked and how the conflict was solved. Reading books like this will help establish that culture, I promise!
Recognize and Compliment
Have a space in your room to celebrate kindness, cooperation, and good work! Your students will start to look for things others are doing well. And one of the fastest ways to get a rowdy class until control is to compliment an on task student. We all like a pat on the back. I know I do! Your kids will too.
Tattle Tells
When a student comes over and immediately says, “So and So just________________me.” Call the other student over and make them face each other. Have the students talk it out. Most of the time you won’t need to say much if anything. Sometimes though, you will need to guide your students in solving the conflict. But after a while you will hear the students begin to try to solve their own conflicts first.
Books to use to teach about cooperation and collaboration;
Being a Friend:
Do Unto Otters, Scaredy Squirrel Makes A Friend
Being an Individual:
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon, A Bad Case of Stripes, Stella Luna
Cooperation/Your Actions From Someone Else’s Perspective:
The Day the Crayons Went on Strike, Hey Little Ant, Stone Soup, The Sneetches, The Dot, Princess Justina Albertina
Sharing: The Giving Tree, Enemy Pie
Responsibility/ Problem Solving: Strega Nona, The Wump World, Can Hens Give Milk
I used these books with third to fifth graders. But really, even my sixteen year old like to be read to. So, do you have any suggestions or books you like?