I don’t know about you, but I have my students work with partners constantly.
Sometimes partners are assigned strategically, based on data for intentional instruction.
Sometimes, however, I just need my students to find a partner or at least someone to turn and talk to during think-pair-share.
I was tired of my students taking forever to find a partner.
I was tired of my kids working with the same people over and over.
I was tired of saying “make a better choice” or “you aren’t allowed to work together.”
I have equity sticks (popsicle sticks with names on them) and use them often, but the partnerships aren’t planned and therefore often aren’t great.
Here’s a management trick to partner your students successfully – the first time, every time.
Thus, I introduce to you…
The Partner Wheel!
I originally heard this idea from Amie Dean, The Behavior Queen. (Side note: SHE’S AMAZING!)
It’s perfect for partnering your students. Put students that you don’t want working together on the same circle… They will never figure out why they never end up as partners. LOL! #teacherwin
I’ve been implementing more whole-brain teaching into my daily routines, so I’ve been using this partner wheel to determine weekly reading carpet partners. It may not be the prettiest thing, but it serves its purpose!
If you want to make one yourself: Search “circle segmented into __ parts” on Google images to find a circle that fits your needs. If you have 24 students, you’ll need a circle partitioned into 12 parts. Print one smaller than the other, attach with a brad, and there you have it!
Give it a try! If you make your own, please send a picture my way on Instagram @schoolandthecity so I can praise your hard work!
Love this idea? I’d super appreciate it if you shared this post with your teacher friends.
Note: This blog post was originally published (by Kristin) on The Primary Peach blog on February 9, 2017.
Pin me!
