Dear year 7 student,

For the Stance Cultural Fair, one of the projects my class will be presenting is group work. I recently had a fever and lost a whole week of classes. I’m feeling way better now, however, when I came back, the groups had already been chosen. Our teacher was nice at letting us pick who we would be working with. Since I wasn’t here, I was left with a group of only boys while all my friends were together. That's not what bothers me the most; what bothers me is the fact that they don't talk to me, meaning I don't get to work at all.

At the end of all classes, our teacher checks on how much each member worked. When it came to my turn, the boys started complaining to the teacher that I hadn’t done anything, but they didn't let me. My grade is getting lowered because it's the same thing every time. I have already tried to talk to the boys, but I only got called lazy.

I don't know what to do now! Please help me!

Best regards, Year 9 Student

Dear Y9 student, 

I know how hard it must be when your group doesn’t talk to you and you’re blamed unfairly. It sounds like missing school due to illness meant you got stuck in a group that isn’t cooperating, and now your grades are dropping because of it. To fix this, I think you should talk to your teacher, make sure you’re getting your chance to help, and try to keep track of everything you do.

You were sick, so you missed picking your group, and now you’re stuck with a group that doesn’t include you. You should have a private chat with your teacher and explain how your absence led to being left out.If the teacher knows what’s happening, they can help change things. Talking to the teacher is really important when you’re being treated unfairly.

The group isn’t letting you do anything, and they’re blaming you for not working.

Ask your teacher to give each person a clear task, so it’s obvious who is doing what.

If everyone has a job, they won’t be able to blame you anymore. This will make sure everyone does their part, and you’ll be able to show your work.

When you tried talking to the group, they ignored you and called you lazy.

Suggest regular group meetings where everyone shows what they’ve done.

If the group had better communication, this wouldn’t happen, and you’d get your chance to help out like everyone else.

The best thing you can do is talk to your teacher and ask for clear tasks for everyone in your group.If things don’t improve, you might want to ask about switching groups or getting someone new in your group. I hope this advice helps you get back on track and that your group starts working together!

Sincerely,

Y7 - Otavio M.