Good Practice Database >> Working with Others
| LA | Rhondda Cynon Taf | School Name | Hendreforgan Primary School |
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What was the focus for improvement?
• To provide an environment which encourages the development of social skills within both age phases (Reception / Year 1).
• To encourage children in Reception class to work together more effectively in groups.
• To encourage children in Year 1 to work independently in groupings outside of their comfort zone.
What did we do?
• Teachers discussed activities that were already in place to encourage group working, such as guided role play, activities within friendship groups and partner work in Read, Write Inc. literacy time. Year 1 pupils had also previously worked collaboratively with place-mats and envoying.
• All staff reflected on Think2Learn course, and decided upon which ‘Working with Others’ strategies were best suited to Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2 following on from the. (Some strategies were felt to be suitable for both)
• Reception pupils carried out a ‘Things that move’ sorting activity with their teacher in a group.
• Year 1 pupils carried out simple diamond ranking tasks related to suitable items to pack for a sunny holiday. This was carried out independently with teacher observation.
What were the outcomes?
• The reception pupils began to develop confidence in their own decision making, rather than relying on adult approval. Some reception pupils found turn taking difficult.
• Year 1 pupils were able to work collaboratively without the teacher, but the success varied according to the pupil mix (particularly one child who tended to dominate discussion)
• Collaboration improved as pupils became more comfortable with turn-taking and roles within the group.
What evidence have we collected to demonstrate improvements?
• Video evidence was collected of both classes during their activities, which demonstrated the skills be demonstrated.
What have we learnt about teaching practice and pupils learning?
• Foundation Phase pupils need to be shown how to take turns and to have regular encouragement and practice to do so.
• At Key Stage 1, the careful establishment of certain ground rules help to ensure that social protocols are adhered to.
• Pupils are able to demonstrate quite high levels of collaboration, with turn-taking, debate and accepting others points of views at a young age, given appropriate modelling and engaging and purposeful contexts.
What we aim to do next
• Explore methods to encourage turn taking with Foundation Phase pupils, such as using counters or passing a toy.
• Continue to develop group-work roles with Key Stage 1 pupils, and develop a wider range of contexts in which pupils are invited to collaborate and solve problems.
Supporting Documentation
Link2Learn PowerPoint Slideshow
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Link2Learn PowerPoint Slideshow | 642.5 KB | ||
| Collaborative Working Strategies | ||||