Mixed-ability groups
Tag reading levels #A #B #C and balance by them, so every group has a spread and stronger readers can model.
6 groupsBalance levels
Live board · updates as you type
Random Group Generator (Team Maker)
Split a class into random groups or teams in one click. Choose the number of groups or people per group, balance by tags, keep pairs apart, then drag names around, print or project.
- No sign-up
- Names stay in your browser
- Cryptographic randomness
Class list
24 names · 4 tags
The board updates as you type. New names join the groups with room. Add #tags after a name to balance.
Tag people 0
Tags spread people evenly: one #helper per group, a mix of reading levels #A #B #C, a #leader each.
Pick a tag, then tap names to add or remove it.
Ideas:
Keep apart 0
Two people who should never share a group.
Names stay in this browser. Nothing is uploaded unless you save.
Split by
Number of groups
Group sizes
More options
Balance by tags
Group names
Your groups
Drag names between groups, or tap a name to move itLock keeps someone in place on a shuffle
New names joined groups with room
Shuffle to rebalance everyone. Locked people stay put.
Save this class list? Keep it in this browser, or open it on any device with a free account (adults 18+). Pro keeps unlimited class lists in the cloud.
See ProHow it works
How to make random groups
- Paste your class list
One name per line, straight from a spreadsheet or your gradebook. Up to 1,000 names. The board fills in as you go.
- Pick groups or group size
Choose how many groups, or how many people per group. Leftovers are spread out, so sizes never differ by more than one.
- Balance and separate
Tag names (
#helper,#A) to spread them evenly, and add any pairs who should be kept apart. - Shuffle, tweak, share
Shuffle until it feels right, drag names between groups, lock anyone who must stay put, then print, export or present.
Grouping tips for teachers
Try a ready-made setup
Each one sets up the board above with the sample class, so you can see it work.
A helper in every group
Tag your peer helpers #helper and make as many groups as helpers. Rotate roles like #leader and #scribe each week.
6 groups1 helper each
Think-pair-share partners
Pairs for quick talk, threes for discussion, fours for labs. With an odd count, one pair becomes a trio instead of leaving someone out.
2 per groupFully random
Rotate, but keep a few apart
Fresh groups each unit help students work with everyone. Keep pairs who distract each other apart, and lock anyone who needs a set table.
Groups of 41 pair apart
How the randomness works
Every shuffle is a Fisher–Yates shuffle driven by your browser’s crypto.getRandomValues(), with rejection sampling so no position is favoured. Each arrangement of your class is equally likely.
With tags, tagged people are dealt out first, one group at a time, with random tie-breaks; everyone else fills the open seats in a fresh shuffle. Keep-apart pairs are checked on every try, and if one can’t be met you see exactly which pair, never a silent compromise.
- Generator
- Web Crypto, in your browser
- Shuffle
- Fisher–Yates, no modulo bias
- Balancing
- Tagged people dealt first, ties broken at random
- Your list
- Stays on this device unless you save it
Questions teachers ask
How do I split my class into random groups?
Paste your class list, choose the number of groups or the number of people per group, and the board shows fair random groups straight away. Press Shuffle groups for a new arrangement, then print, export or present them.
Can I balance groups by skill level?
Yes. Add a tag after a name, such as Ada #A or Ben #helper, or use Tag people. Balance by tags spreads each tag evenly, so every group gets a similar mix of reading levels, skills or roles.
Can I keep certain students apart?
Yes. Add a keep-apart pair and those two land in different groups on every shuffle. If your pairs and locks make that impossible, ChalkSpin names the pair it couldn't separate so you can add a group or change a lock.
What happens to leftover students?
They are spread out. With 25 students in groups of 4 you get 6 groups: one of 5 and five of 4. The dots above the board show the sizes before anything moves.
Can I add a late student without starting over?
Yes. Type the name into the list and they join a group that has room, so everyone else stays where they are. Shuffle when you want to rebalance the whole class.
Can I save my class list or show it on a projector?
Names stay in this browser. Save a list in this browser, or to a free account (adults 18+) to reuse it on any device; Pro saves unlimited class lists. Present shows giant group names full screen with no ads.