Group Steps & Options

Assess the group activity before assigning the student to a group. Think about the student’s strengths, the peers, and the activity. Determine if the activity lends itself to defining roles. If the student has a very specific role the chances of positive interactions increases. Determine the size of the group. Try to assign ‘dyads’ (groups of only 2) for the student on the Spectrum. Positive interactions may be easier when working with just one peer. Finally, if it is just too difficult consider allowing the student to work alone and provide an interactive role such as checking each group for work completed or questions they may have.

Group Steps & Options means carefully assessing a group work assignment by specific tasks, peers, roles, and number of students in the group. Next consider options for the group work as role assignments, dyad grouping, or allowing the student to work alone with a classroom interactive role.

• Child's Age: 6-10, 11-13, 14-17, 18+
• Planning Effort: Moderate
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

knowledge of group dynamics knowlege of ability level of challenged student defined roles work options

1. Assess the group activity for different variables including role defining, number of students, and types of peers to work together; in addition decide if the student would benefit from working alone with a classroom interactive role.

2. Define roles if role delineation can be done. Write the roles and activities to be completed by each ‘role’ for the students.

3. Try to assign the student to only one other peer, choose a peer with similar interests or a peer who works well with the student.

4. If the student is going to work alone determine an interactive classroom role such as: Checking with each group on a check list for work completion; checking with each group for any questions.

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