Famous Threes or Fours...?

Question

I'm looking for clever, cute, or funny names to name my groupings in my math class. Students are divided into groups by ability (so I can differentiate learning) - but I want names that DO NOT show that. The names do not have to be math related - but that would be an added bonus. I haven't decided if I'll use 3 or 4 groups, so any ideas for either will be greatly appreciated. (One group only has 2 people, so it might get combined with another). I'm teaching 5th graders, in a very rural (some Amish) community.

PLEASE BE CREATIVE!

Great ideas so far.. for the most part... except each group needs to have a unique name. Do you know the names of each little pig?

I have done plenty of research. I know they will know which group they are in (ability wise). I am planning on teaching my class at 3 different levels within the same room. The different groups will be progressing at different rates. I am also planning on adding in other forms of differentiation such as differing assessments, projects, and outcomes. I do not think it is fair for my advanced students to be bored waiting for the ones who move much slower to catch up. Separating by ability is not bad - it is when you don't allow someone to rise ABOVE (or out) of their group that it become bad. The "slower" children know they don't understand as quickly and would rather I slowed the pace for them so that they might actually understand instead of being lost all the time. Not that I needed to defend myself. I have a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Perhaps when I have a question about DIFFERENTIATION - I'll ask your opinion!

Thx Dark Phoenix. I was thinking of letting them name themselves too. I figured if I can let the masses here give me ideas - why not the kids =)

Answer 1

I totally disagree with Warren. There is plenty of research that shows the benefits of homogeneous ability groupings. It's best if you sometimes break up the groups and let the kids work in heterogenous groups too. But as an experienced teacher I can say that I've had tons of success with grouping students by ability. I would suggest calling the groups "math clubs" like the book clubs they have in reading. They could be North, South, East and West... You could name them after animals... Maybe let the kids name their own groups? I did that with a fifth grade class once. They came up with stuff like "the Spongebob Kids" and "the MMRBY Group [using their initials]." They weren't the cleverest or most creative names, but it gave the kids of feeling of ownership and it made for a good exercise in teamwork.

Answer 2

Four Aces
The Four Tops
Four on the Floor
The Fab Four
4-H


Three Mile Island (ok that's a wee bit negative)
Three Dog Night
Three's Company
Three Bears
Three Little Pigs
Three Billy Goats Gruff
Threepenny Dodger

Answer 3

Understand one very important thing. That no matter what names you come up with to label your students in ability arranged groups, THEY will figure it out very quickly and will realize whether they are a "crow" or "robin." It's NOT the names that show they are ability grouped. It is apparent to them from their peers who are in the group. Do you think they can't figure out who the "bright" group is as opposed to the "slow learners" group in spite of the very "creative and clever" names you come up with?? Dream on!!

Oh, and, by the way, learn more about differentiated learning (and teaching). Neither requires ability grouping.

Chow!!

Answer 4

Name the slowest learners the 3 stooges

Answer 5

Curly, Moe & Larry
Red, White & Blue
Add, subtract, divide, multiply (use the signs)
winter, spring, summer, fall