Teachers (or others) any suggestions on helping dd learn skills for working in groups

[Takver]

Its one of her targets from her report, she'd like a bit of help, wondered if anyone knew of any resources on the web or elsewhere. I've got (for other reasons) lots of great stuff on consensus, active listening etc but none of it is in very child friendly language and I know dd will be happier with something written to look at. (She's 8, btw.)

(Her problem with group work, I think, is that she can't find a middle ground between pushing her ideas too hard, and giving up & not contributing at all.)

..

It's quite a difficult skill to improve in an abstract manner.
Obviously the best way for her to improve her skills is to work in a group with an adult observer who can intervene, in a sympathetic manner when necessary.

Could your DD write up a code for behaviour when working in a group?
eg Always listen to the opinions and ideas of other people
Make sure everyone has a chance to share their ideas.

She could then try to follow these rules hereslf.

It may be that she struggles under certain conditions - in my class I group in lots of ways
ability
friendship
free choice
my choice!
random
mixed ability

sometimes children can cope very well in one situation, but struggle in another as their role may be very different.
If this is the case can she identify when she struggles - that way she will be aware of when she may need to modify her bahviour.

Tavker - I'm sure if it's one of her targets on her report, then it is something school will be working with her to improve.

School really are the best people to help with this as they have loads of experience and loads of opportunities. So I wouldn't worry about it, just let them do it.

(I don't think they would put it as a target if they had no intention of helping her with it...)

Good old fashioned board games help children to "work" as part of a group taking turns and sharing.

In class I would use cards so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Each child in the group has a different colour or symbol and only children with that colour or symbol can answer the question or make a suggestion or share the groups idea so that everyone has an equal chance.

IndigoBell - that is very reassuring. Because it was listed on the report I wondered if we were meant to be encouraging dd to work on it over the holidays.

I like the code of behaviour suggestion as well - I think that might help dd, she always seems to work best with concrete examples to hang on to.

Board games also good - we do play lots as a family (board game geeks in fact ) and dd is definitely getting better at losing gracefully . . .

The cards is interesting - I think from dd's comments in the past that the problems come up in a small group when there isn't adult input.

mrz I second the board games. Taking turns, paying attention to each other, not being in charge/staying quiet the whole time, taking on different roles, having to sit for a certain amount of time. All these skills can be learnt/practised with games.