Cooperative Learning for K-3

Although there are 2 distinct sides to the cooperative learning debate, it is clear to me that the benefits definitely out-weigh the down sides. Children progress at a much fast rate when they are able to dig in and investigate together. Utilizing each other for resources and creating a community where building off of each other, students will grow exponentially in their understanding. In the professional world people have to work together in teams all of the time. Without training in cooperative and productive group work, many adults struggle with the skills it takes to produce quality and accurate work.

In this post, you will find resources and examples of Cooperative Learning activities for grades K-3. There are links and explanations. Enjoy!

In the beginning primary grades, it is important that cooperative learning activities be focused and fun. Students at this age have the hardest time paying attention and, from my experience, the easiest time getting distracted. Activities for this age group should have clear objectives and goals. Providing a check-list of procedures for the students can also help keep them focused. It is also important that the teacher be interacting with their students during the activities.

In this link, you will find 50 Cooperative Learning Activities for grades K-3. All of these activities focus on using Color Tiles, however a broad spectrum of content areas are explored. These content areas include: Patterns, Counting, Place Value, Addition and Subtraction, Geometry, Measurement, Graphing, and Probability.

Color Tiles Activities

In this link, you will find an additional 32 activities that are suitable for grades K-5. Several of these activities are already set up as Cooperative Learning activities. The ones in this list that aren't can easily be adapted.

Academy Curricular Exchange Activities

Finally, the article below explains how games in Math can help children, particularly those at a young age. It is important from the beginning that students find Math to be entertaining, practical, relevant, and engaging. Math activities and games are great ways to accomplish this.

How Do Math Games Help Children?