Small Group Classroom Management! Game Changer! Let’s face it, classroom/behavior management can be one of the most difficult things to get a handle on in a classroom! I was looking for something that would provide me with classroom management that was consistent and effective while also helping to build relationships, teamwork, and accountability in my classroom. I found it in this small group management system I call THE GROUP SCOOP! (to view in my TPT store, click the pink words, any picture, or head to the bottom of the post and click the pink button).
I LOVE Classroom Management Techniques – I use several in my classroom – but I never found a technique that fostered a small group of students working together, keeping each other accountable, and achieving goals together; so I created this! My classroom management style is very much about teaching students to problem solve and work together (I do not need to fix everything, I do not need to step in all the time – we need to be building our kids into people that can work with others to accomplish things and to think through problem solving strategies). This classroom management technique does that! It changed how my room operates (I have even redone my classroom jobs around this system – it makes it SO much easier on me as well as gives my students purpose; they feel needed by their group – a resource on this is coming soon!!), how my students respond to one another, and how they themselves feel within the classroom.
The Group Scoop - How it Works:
Students are divided up into groups/tables. There are 5 expectations that have to be met throughout the day and each time a group is caught accomplishing one of those expectations they are given that piece; that scoop of ice cream that matches the expectation. This way students always see what they have and need to maintain as well as what they are still trying to work towards. Pieces can also be removed if a group chooses to act in a way that does not befit having that piece (for instance, if they did something to earn the respect and kindness piece and later on in the day the entire group bursts out into an argument, that piece would be removed because they have no longer earned it).
At the end of the day the group(s) that has/have all five pieces are marked on the Recording Sheet (sample in the pictures above). When a group reaches five days worth of marks they receive a special prize of your choice (special supplies, special seating, a class coupon, etc) and their marks (the five scoop ice cream cone) are removed – this sheet is laminated and the marks are magnetic or Velcro so that it can be used all throughout the school year and so that when one group reaches the goal the other groups do not lose their hard work, they keep going. Having the Recording Sheet within view of the students also allows each group to be aware of how close they are to achieving their goal.
Finally there is the Teacher Tracker (sample in the pictures above), which is used as a data collecting sheet per nine weeks (I change my seating chart every nine weeks, but this can be adapted to fit your classroom). The tracker keeps record of how many times each group reaches the five days goal. This can be primarily for your own purposes or you can keep record and present a certificate or prize to the group with the most marks or scoop stickers (I have a sticker sheet in the resource to make it fun for you the teacher to record in the Teacher Tracker! – we are teachers, who doesn’t love stickers) at the end of the quarter.
What's in the Resource:
All the Pieces!
This resource has all of the pieces you will need to make this classroom management technique work and more importantly work best for you! There are multiple different options for title, scoops, cones, expectations with EDITABLE pieces to make whatever you need for your classroom! I wanted to make this resource moldable into what you need! There are also several different colored versions as well as a printer friendly black and white version of each item!
Data Collecting Pages
Let's face it, teachers love data! I have included two types of data collecting sheets. Each data collecting sheet has multiple versions with coordinating colors to choose from as well as a black and white version.
The Recording sheet - used in view of the children, laminated so that you only have to make one.
The Teacher Tracker - two sheets, used for personal teacher records to keep track of group progress over a nine week period.
Thorough Instruction Pages!
I have included a complete and thorough instruction guide on creating and using this small group management technique! You will find instruction pages on what to select to make the system, tips for creating, how to use the data collecting sheets, how to create if you have a Cricut or other cutting machine, how to print/use the "scoops" - the five scoop ice cream cone, how to make the stickers, and more.
Cricut Instructions and PNGs
For those that have a Cricut or other form of cutting machine, I have included Cricut specific instructions as well as PNG images of all of the elements of this small group classroom management technique to make it easier on you to print, cut and assemble this resource! I used a Cricut to create mine and it took no time at all (LOVE this machine - not a paid advertisement...I just truly love it)!
This classroom management technique completely transformed my classroom, not only because I feel like I have a better handle on what is happening but also because my students are taking ownership of their actions, they are working as a team, and they are uplifting one another! I love it and I hope you take the chance to try it out and see what it does in your classroom!
