While the teacher is working with a small group, the rest of the students can be engaged in various independent or collaborative activities that reinforce learning and keep them productive. As mentioned in the teacher-guided small group article, establish expectations and procedures that you as a class practice multiple times prior to small group instruction. Here are some ideas for students who are working away from teacher-guided small groups:
Independent Work
Independent Reading: Students can read assigned texts or books related to the current unit. This can be followed by reflection or comprehension activities.
Writing Assignments: Students can work on essays, journal entries, or creative writing tasks that tie into the lesson.
Practice On Your Own: Provide practice activities that reinforce recent lessons, allowing students to apply what they've learned. Many of the Exploros activities can be assigned as individual activities.
Research Projects: Students can conduct independent research on a topic related to the current unit, preparing a report or presentation. Exploros offers several projects students can work on during this time.
Collaborative Work
Group Projects: Assign students to work in pairs or small groups on a project that aligns with the curriculum, such as creating a presentation, poster, or video. There are many different places in Exploros that offer students the opportunity to work on group projects.
Peer Review: Students can review each other’s work, providing constructive feedback on essays, projects, or assignments.
Discussion Groups: Set up discussion circles where students can debate or discuss key questions related to the lesson. This can be done using Socratic seminar-style questions or prompts. Pro tip: Please make sure to set up expectations and practice before having students attempt this without you present.
Learning Stations
Rotating Stations: Set up different stations around the classroom with various activities (e.g., a reading station, a technology station, a problem-solving station). Students rotate through these stations at set intervals.
Interactive Stations: Use technology-based stations with educational apps, online research, or interactive simulations related to the subject.
Enrichment Activities
Extension Projects: For advanced students, offer optional extension activities that dive deeper into the subject matter, such as exploring a related historical figure or concept in more detail.
Creative Projects: Allow students to express their understanding through creative mediums, like creating artwork, writing a song, or designing a game that relates to the topic.
Self-Paced Learning
Choice Boards: Provide a choice board with a variety of activities that students can choose from, allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Here are some templates and ideas for choice boards.
Learning Contracts: Use learning contracts where students agree to complete certain tasks by a deadline, allowing them to manage their time and work independently. Here is an example of a learning contract.
Skill-Building Activities
Vocabulary Building: Students can work on building subject-specific vocabulary using flashcards, word walls, or online tools like Quizlet.
Skill Drills: Assign drills that focus on core skills, such as grammar exercises, map reading, or solving math problems.
Reflective Activities
Journaling: Students can keep a journal where they reflect on what they’ve learned, pose questions, or make connections to real-world events.
Goal Setting: Encourage students to set personal learning goals and work towards them during this time, tracking their progress.
Classroom Jobs
Classroom Responsibilities: Assign students classroom jobs, such as organizing materials, managing the class library, or helping peers, to give them a sense of responsibility.
By keeping the rest of the class meaningfully engaged, you ensure that learning continues effectively even when you're focused on a small group.