Widgets
Group maker
The Group maker widget quickly creates random groups or pairs from your class roster. It takes the guesswork out of assigning teams, letting you focus on the lesson instead of sorting students.
Teachers use Group maker when they want to mix up student groups for collaborative activities, partner work, or quick discussions. It helps keep things fair and fresh, and saves time during transitions.
Ways teachers use it
- Quickly create random pairs for think-pair-share activities.
- Assign students to small groups for science labs or projects.
- Mix up teams for classroom games or competitions.
- Randomize discussion groups for literature circles.
- Form new groups for peer review or feedback sessions.
How to set it up
- 1Log in to your Edform teacher account.
- 2Open a classroom screen or create a new one.
- 3Click the 'Add widget' button and select 'Group maker' from the list.
- 4Import or enter your class roster if you haven't already.
- 5Choose the number of groups or group size you want to create. You can also select 'pairs' for partner work or let the tool decide groupings randomly each time you run it.
Tips
- Shuffle the groups again if you want a different mix of students.
- Save your favorite groupings for future activities.
- Use Group maker at the start of class to set the tone for teamwork.
- Display the groups on your projector so everyone can see their partners right away.
Questions teachers ask
Can I adjust the group size?
Yes, you can set the number of groups or specify how many students you want in each group.
Does Group maker save my student names?
Your class roster is saved in your account, so you don’t have to re-enter names each time.
Can I use Group maker without a class roster?
You can enter names manually for a quick shuffle, but saving a roster is faster for regular use.
Is Group maker available as a standalone tool?
Yes, you can use Group maker on its own, or as part of a classroom screen with other widgets.
Templates with this widget
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Group work time for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A ready-to-use group work screen for pre-K with easy instructions and classroom tools.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Group work time for kindergarten–2nd grade
Guide group work in K–2 with random groups, timer, noise meter, and clear steps.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Group work for grades 3–5
Organize group work in grades 3–5 with easy tools: timer, group maker, checklist, and noise meter.
Grades 6-8 (ages 11–14)
Group work for grades 6–8
A simple, free group-work screen for grades 6–8: random groups, timer, checklist, noise meter, and clear instructions.
Grades 9–12 (ages 14–18)
Group work for grades 9–12
A ready-made group work screen for high school: group maker, timer, checklist, and noise meter for focused, structured teamwork.
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Station rotation for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A free, visual classroom screen for pre-K station rotation with timer, groups, plan, and checklist.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Station rotation for kindergarten–2nd grade
Guide K–2 students through station rotation with a visual timer, group maker, and simple checklist.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Station rotation for grades 3–5
A ready-to-use screen for grades 3–5 station rotation, with timer, checklist, group maker, and day plan.