While students, just like their teachers, prefer to work with their close friends, varying their partners allows them to get to know other classmates and combines students of different learning styles and abilities. Many computerized gradebook programs can scramble student seats with the push of a button. When you post each seating chart, use a highlighter to indicate how groups and pairs will be formed. Whatever seating arrangement you prefer, it is important that no one has his or her back to the board or overhead. It is a good idea to record the card drawn by each student to eliminate swapping.
Teachers can quickly create different pairings by combining suits.
For example, for one activity the hearts would work with the diamonds and the clubs would work with the spades. For the next activity the hearts would work with the clubs and so forth. For group activities, all four group members work together. A view of your classroom would include students moving around, interacting with each other, working in groups, using technology, and taking risks with their new skills. 1999 McDougal Littell Inc. All rights reserved.