Author Question: Mr. Cicardo arranged his second grade students in groups of four to accommodate group work for math. ... (Read 94 times)

Pea0909berry · **on:** Jun 20, 2018

Mr. Cicardo arranged his second grade students in groups of four to accommodate group work for math. Students keep their desks in this arrangement at all times. During spelling tests, Mr. Cicardo reminds students to look only at their papers and demonstrate their individual ability to spell the words. Occasionally, he finds students looking at a neighbor's paper anyway. During language arts lessons, Mr. Cicardo often sees students mouthing messages to one another in their groups, and he reminds them to pay attention to the lesson. When Mr. Cicardo works with small reading groups, the rest of the class works on independent seatwork. This is a time when students often collaborate and talk with others seated nearby. The noise is distracting to students who are working quietly, and it disturbs the reading group being conducted. So, Mr. Cicardo frequently needs to remind students that this is independent work, not group work.

Describe specific changes Mr.

Cicardo might make in both classroom arrangement and classroom procedures to improve the learning environment and increase academic learning time.

Question 2

Third grade teacher Ms. Hinsley is giving instructions to the class about a new cooperative group assignment. As she speaks, Mick makes loud crashing sounds with his mouth. Which of the following confrontations delivers an I message to Mick?

a. I don't like your noises while I'm giving instructions. You are showing disrespect and need to stop now.
b. You are interfering with the lesson and disturbing the other students. I need you to stop and listen like everyone else.
c. You're making loud noises while I'm giving instructions. Your noises interfere with my teaching and make me feel disrespected.
d. I'm annoyed by your noises. You have distracted the whole class, and I'd like for you to apologize.

KKcool · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Suggested Response: Mr. Cicardo needs to change the seating arrangement for independent work. Second graders will function better with independent seatwork if they are seated in horizontal rows while the teacher conducts small reading groups. When they are seated with their desks next to each other, they are likely to talk during independent work.
Mr. Cicardo also needs to change procedures. He wants students to work in groups on math tasks. He might establish a procedure for moving the desks into group formation when it's time for group work. For this procedure to work smoothly and for second graders to transition quickly, Mr. Cicardo needs to teach the students how to get into group formation and make sure they practice the procedure correctly. By developing an efficient procedure for forming groups, Mr. Cicardo increases the amount of time students might be engaged and on task. Increased time on task is likely to result in increased academic learning time.
Text Reference: Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Answer to Question 2

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