TABLE 3.

Social Structure of Literate Activity: Collaboration Versus Individual Work

Classroom	Activity
Wendy	Small and large groups working together with or without adult; individual tasks, helping, scribing; uniform and multiple task structures; emphasis on communication and craft.
Patti	Small and large groups with or without adult, many tasks can be done either alone or collaboratively (kids’ choice), ideas often brainstormed before independent tasks, uniform and multiple task structures, emphasis on creativity and communication
Jan	Large group instruction and recitation with adult, individual tasks and helping is encouraged (although not actually doing work for another child), uniform and multiple task structures, emphasis on getting as many kids as possible involved in literacy activities
Stacey	Large group instruction with adult; independent seatwork, adults monitor, assist; Chat is OK if you do your own work; uniform task structure only; emphasis on finishing correctly and on time