Learning how to work with others is a critical social skill set that students will utilize for many years to come, not just in school, but in the community and in the workforce.
It may be difficult for some students to work in groups, but teaching some basic guidelines for how to work with others may help!
Try using the GROUPS rules!
G: Get along with others in the group
R: Respect the ideas of others
O: On-task behavior – stay focused on the task at hand
U: Use quiet voices so you can hear others and not disrupt other groups
P: Participate actively – share your ideas and help with the workload
S: Stay in your group so you can be engaged and not disrupt others
If a student is having a difficult time working in a group, talk to them about the aspects they find most challenging. This will give you ideas of social skills to work on with your students to help them grow more comfortable working with others.
Check out our social skills learning module about working together and give the activities a try with your students!
The special education resources on this page were authored by Watson Institute’s special education consultant, Andee Morris, M.Ed.
Powerpoint Presentation:
I Can Work in a Group – Facilitator’s Guide
Resource Materials:
I Can Work in a Group Activity Sheets
I Can Work in a Group Magnet Cards
I Can Work in a Group Mini Schedule
I Can Work in a Group Parent Note
I Can Work in a Group Teacher Note
I Can Work in a Group Homework
Pre/Post Assessment
A pre and post lesson assessment is included in each lesson. Use of the assessment is an instructor preference. Many of the ‘homework’ pages for a lesson can be used as a pre/post assessment device alone or as part of the provided assessment. Each homework page can be checked by the instructor as well as the student.
Review all included pages of the lesson to determine what ‘assessment’ method will meet your needs. If the student is able to achieve a + in the majority of items of the pre-assessment, or if the student has been observed to display the skill topic of the lesson often, then the lesson may not be introduced or can be taught with a group as review and/or reinforcement.
I Can Work in a Group Pre/Post Assessment
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.