Working with small groups

So far, in my experiences with observing a 5th grade small group for double dosing, it has been a lot of fun. The teacher spends 2 days with mathematics and 1 day with literacy. I believe that the children in this class respond so much better with a small group. Less intimidation for them compared to the large group of their general ed classroom. The children that come seem to be really hard workers and good at following directions. This could be the result of having a small group situation where they don't feel the need to impress anyone, or fall into silence because of the fear of their inadequacies. One of the things that I have noticed after talking about the history of education is that all of the children in this double dosing situation are of Hispanic descent. I have found no prejudices or unequal education for these children. It is so refreshing!

I am also observing a Kindergarten class with 30 students. In this class they have small group activities twice a week with centers. The class is divided into 6 smaller groups and given work activities, which rotate each of the days. There are six centers that the children are able to rotate through over a three week period. Then the teacher switches out for six new ones. The teacher also switches out the children so they are in a new group for the next three weeks. Centers last a total of 30 minutes for each of the two days. Here is a chart similar to the one the teacher uses.

Group 1   Group 2    Group 3        Group 4        Group 5    Group 6

Blue Table Red Table Yellow Table Orange Table Pink Table Green Table

At the tables the children are assigned the same color boxes with their assignment in it.

It is a work assignment that has to do with what they are currently learning. 

When they finish their work assignment they get to do a play/active center with the time left.

Mrs. Wright'sApple Box Puzzles    Mrs. Wright's    Listening   Sandbox

Room **       Art activity                Room**            Center        Blocks or Legos

**This play activity is mainstreaming with the Special Class Kindergarten which is my job. This gives an opportunity for the general ed students and the special ed students to interact with one another. Some of the play activities in Mrs. Wright's classroom are an art table, a rice table, a game table, a puzzle table, toys, books, and a movie. I see great benefits in mainstreaming! It really helps the general ed children to see the special education students as children just like them.