Working in small groups can be highly beneficial for middle schoolers. Encouraging students to collaborate with their peers and fostering teamwork skills are lessons beneficial in both academic and real-world settings. Middle school is a critical time for social development where students develop friendships and navigate interpersonal dynamics.
Working in small groups empowers middle schoolers to become active learners, effective communicators, and collaborative problem-solvers, preparing them for success both academically and socially.
Because small groups are given different topics of research, it is important that each group have the opportunity to listen to the research material available. When there are five or six different audios playing in the classroom, it can be difficult to focus in on one's own. The earbuds requested will allow students to hear the audio assigned to their group without interference from another group's audio. Students regularly use markers and card stock in the classroom to create posters and one-pagers that share their ideas and views with other groups within the classroom. When students work together in small groups, they are more likely to actively participate in discussions, problem-solving tasks, and hands-on activities, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.
Small groups also encourage students to learn to see the world from others' points of view. Students are prompted to think critically and analyze information from different perspectives. By discussing ideas with peers, students can challenge assumptions, ask questions, and explore alternative viewpoints about the world. The dry erase materials allow students to move around the room while working, able to socialize with other small groups, and make edits to their notes, ideas, and hypotheses formed. The dry erase pouches can then be hung around the room for a gallery walk-style display that allows for a larger whole group discussion and research opportunity.
Reusable Dry Erase Pockets 10/pk
• Teachers' School Supply
$24.16
5
$120.80
CN-Outlet Wholesale Kids Bulk Earbuds Headphones 200 Pack Multi Colored Individually Bagged Disposable Earphones Perfect for School Classroom Libraries Students (200Mixed)
• Amazon Business
Sharpie Ultra-Fine Point Marker - Color Burst Colors, Set of 24
• Blick Art Materials
$21.74
2
$43.48
Dry Erase Blocks Foam Blank Dice Assorted Colors Dinner Decider Dice Small Dry Erase Cubes with Dry Erase Marker for Game Classroom School Supplies Draw Letters Number, 2 x 2 x 2 Inch(7 Pieces)
• Amazon Business
$12.79
2
$25.58
Staples 110 lb. Cardstock Paper 8.5 x 11 White 250 Sheets/Pack (49701)
• Staples
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Dr. Berlin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
