We basically have no reason to group kids, but a lot of observers come in to our classrooms looking for exactly that so that they can check that box on their evaluation sheet. In that interest, Judy Dubois suggests below an excellent strategy for meaningful group work for our upper level kids, maybe even level 2 kids:
…I heard about the Dictogloss at the TESOL France conference. The teacher reads a short dictation At Normal Speed and students write down what they remember, then in groups put their notes together and try to come up with the original text. At upper levels, 3 + 4, this might be an interesting exercise. With students willing to stay in the target language, it would involve listening, writing, speaking and reading….
Thank you, Judy!