Student Contributor: K. Aselton
Fold the line is a tool any teacher can use to assure random partners in group work. This tool is helpful because everybody gets a random partner and nobody feels left out or unwanted.
Using this tool is simple and easy to use in any classroom if there is a project or assignment that students need to have partners for. All the teacher needs to do is ask the students to stand up and form as straight of a line as possible, next have one end of the line fold. The student on one end will become partners with the student on the other end of the line, then the second student in line will follow and be partners with the second student in line on the other end and so on. It is important to note that there may be uneven numbers, so by the time the line is folded a triad may need to be formed or the teacher can step in and be partners with one of the students to even it out. Fold the line may be a bit confusing on the first try, but once students figure it out it can take a minute or less to complete. Finding a partner can be scary to a student at any grade level, that is why this tool is important, it supports all students and lets the students relax and not have to worry about finding a partner.
Fold the line is a supportive tool by supporting students that may have a fear in social situations, but it also can be preventative by preventing arguments over partners and hurt feelings in the classroom. It is important to support all students emotionally and socially in order to allow the full potential of a students learning. This tool is best described as collaborative because it requires effort from the teacher and the students. The teacher needs to ask for the students to fold the line, and the students have to be willing to do it. Folding the line is a great resource for any grade level and any class, when it is used correctly it is smooth and quick.
More Information –
Tool Source: Dr. Gus Nollmeyer
https://minds-in-bloom.com/fold-line/
