Ages 8 to 11

A deck of cards comes in handy to organise a class into random groups. Count the pupils and pick out the appropriate numbers.

Groups of four can be made with four kings, aces etc. If the headcount is an odd number, give the joker to the pupil to choose a group it may be easier to give this to a confident pupil.

Shuffle the selected cards, hand them out and enjoy watching your pupils having fun finding their group. Pupils have then been easily mixed.

To group pairs, collect a selection of “free” postcards (from cinemas, cafes and so on a pair at a time). Shuffle, hand them out and have pairs find each other

Rebecca Brant is a primary teacher and PSHE co-ordinator at St Mark’s Junior School, Salisbury