How to group students randomly
Classroom steps for transparent random groups with uneven-size warnings and shared-device hygiene.
Period three has twenty-six students and five lab tables—you need random groups, not friendship clusters.
Explain that the tool shuffles names, not grades or IEP flags; you still adjust manually for documented needs.
Prep the roster
Paste first names one per line.
Avoid student ID numbers on a projector-connected laptop.
Clear last period's list from localStorage by pasting fresh text.
Pick group count
Choose five teams for five tables when layout is fixed.
Switch to team size four if you prefer mostly fours with an honest remainder warning.
Read the warning before students move chairs.
Between bells
Twenty-six names, five tables, one honest warning—that's the whole trick.
Set norms
Tell students reroll happens only for absentees, not social complaints.
Post printed cards on tables for subs.
Combine random groups with assigned roles inside each team.
Accessibility
Move a student near an exit after the draw if needed—the shuffle does not know room maps.
Keep allergy or vision notes in your teacher binder, not the public textarea.
Document manual swaps in your lesson plan.
Reflection
After activity, ask what random grouping changed about who they talked to.
Use one Reroll team only after reflection, not instantly.
Link to your syllabus policy on group work.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.
Use first names only on shared school devices.
Print a copy when the gym Wi-Fi drops mid-class.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.
Use first names only on shared school devices.
Print a copy when the gym Wi-Fi drops mid-class.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.
Use first names only on shared school devices.
Print a copy when the gym Wi-Fi drops mid-class.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.
Use first names only on shared school devices.
Print a copy when the gym Wi-Fi drops mid-class.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.
Use first names only on shared school devices.
Print a copy when the gym Wi-Fi drops mid-class.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.
Use first names only on shared school devices.
Print a copy when the gym Wi-Fi drops mid-class.
Keep a screenshot if parents ask how groups were formed.
Offer one reroll only when the whole group agrees.
Leave skill talk for captains after the shuffle finishes.