Organizing a Group
Developed by: Maine Council for the Social Studies

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Elementary K-2, Elementary 3-4

The MLR performance indicators listed below are for illustrative purposes. Depending on the focus of the lessons as developed by individual teachers, these indicators may or may not be addressed. Conversely this is not a definitive listing of all of the performance indicators which could be addressed in this lesson.

MLR-K-2: Civics and Government (Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation): A-1; English/Language Arts: C-1, D-1, F-1, G-1; Visual and Performing Arts: Creative Expression

MLR-3-4: Civics and Government (Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation): A-1, A-3; English/Language Arts: C-1, D-1, F-1, G-1; Visual and Performing Arts: Creative Expression

 

Task Description

This is a good lesson for the very beginning of the year.

First, get the students to identify who is “the group”. The discussion could include the obvious similarities and even some differences that do not preclude students from the group.

Secondly, identify some “jobs” that need to be done in the classroom.

Then, each job can have some identified levels attached, in other words, how will the students know the job has been completed successfully. Criteria might include: timeframe, materials necessary to complete the job. The group of students should be able to agree on the level of work acceptable.

Student Product/Performance

Students can describe how they think the identified tasks ought to be apportioned. Each job might have a rating sheet developed and written by the teacher. After each job is completed, students could discuss and agree on whether the job has been completed successfully.

Resources

Criteria for Evaluating Quality of Product or Performance           

Students should be able to identify tasks necessary for the functioning of the classroom. Additionally, students should begin to recognize and describe the successful completion of a task. Evaluation categories might include: job done on time, job done without being asked, neatness.