From the Grandma's Purse: class

"OK, class. Count off by fives."

When your teacher gives you that instruction, you know what's coming next. Sometimes, breaking into small groups lasts as long as the class does. Other times, it signals the start of a "group project" — which means you will be working with a few classmates for a day, several days, or longer on an assignment.

Ever wondered why this type of project is so popular in school? Or what you can do to make sure your group project is fair, fun, and successful? You want a good grade, right?

Why Group Projects?

Few of us act alone in the real world. Most things are done with the help or ideas of other people. Group projects are great practice for high school, college, and real life, when you will probably have a job that requires working with others. Right now, group projects can be fun and they often allow you to do a bigger, more interesting project than you could alone. With group work, you can actually learn more in less time.

Group projects also give you a chance to get to know kids you might not otherwise know or talk with — maybe the quiet kid in the third row, the boy who lived down the street when you were in kindergarten, or the girl you are sometimes scared to say "hi" to at recess.

Group projects are also a great way to practice skills you are not so sure of. For example: working on a deadline, staying organized, or being patient. And if you are a little nervous talking in front of a group, a joint project can help you become more comfortable with it.