Action:

• Ask students to look around them to see if there is anyone who doesn’t have a partner.
• This will often require students who are sitting alone to move seats.
• Walk around the classroom and point out “it looks like someone near you doesn’t have a partner could you two ask them if they want to join your group?”

Reason:

• This avoids awkwardness for a student who doesn’t know anyone to ask to be included in a group.
• More members of the classroom become partners in creating a welcoming classroom atmosphere.