I was able to go into my new room (boy its a mess!) I have so much cleaning, organizing and rearranging to do. Well, I realized there is a kidney shaped reading table in my room. Do I really need it? I'm really limited on space, but wanted to know from all of you if you use a reading table. Being from the primary grades, I have always had a reading table in my classroom. If you do use one, how/when do you use it? TIA You all ROCK!!!
I've been teaching 5th grade and couldn't live without a table for reading groups! It is also a great surface for classroom parties and activities. It also gets used for students who come in from other rooms for behavior/attention reasons. (We have buddy classes for discipline - no ISS.)
I use my kidney table all the time. It gets used for variety of things: small group instruction, literature circles, pick-up spot when a number of papers need to be distributed, a party buffet, a place for partners to spread their work out a little, also a place for cooperative groups to meet, a location for parent-teacher-student conferences... the list could go on. Sometimes I wish I could do away with my students' desks and just have large tables in the classroom (I can't stand how no matter how hard I work at it there are always a handful of students who shove papers into their desks... they're too hidden).
So, even if space if tight, I think you should keep it.
You definitely want to keep that kidney table. I had to work for two years begging for you. It works so much better than any other shaped table for guided reading groups!
I have had a rectangular meeting table for the last couple years, but decided that a large meeting space was more important to me this year in my new room. So, no more reading table! I think it will be just fine. I'll have groups meet me on the floor instead of at the table, or if there are groups of kids who aren't sitting at their desks, I can use that.
I think the "reading table" sets a serious tone for your group. My kiddos know reading instruction is important and when we're at the table there are no interruptions.
Because I teach 3rd, I wanted to make the table more inviting so I have it on leg (bed) extenders and I bought 6 bar stools for the kids. They love coming to group and my back isn't killing me from bending over!
I had to beg, borrow and steal (okay, maybe not steal...but I had to wait for a retirement!) to get mt kidney-shaped reading table! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
I use it for guided reading...I use it at celebrations to set out treats, I use it for extra seating (when students need to have a little "time out"), I use when doing porjects to lay out materials, etc. I would be lost without it...even if it does take up space, it is worth it!
I love working at the kidney table for all the same reasons that others have posted here. I am also working in a small-sized classroom this upcoming year and I've decided **gasp** to get rid of the teacher desk and use the kidney table as my exclusive teacher working area!!! I bought one of those sterilite rolling drawer things and have stashed my stuff in there. I am hoping my idea will work out as well in reality as it sounds in my mind!!
If you don't want the kidney table, I'll take it! I just transferred to a new-to-me school, and instead of a kidney table, I have two large-ish computer tables. I know I want a small-group area for all the reasons given by PPs, so I'm going to make it work. Maybe I need to go on a recon mission through the vacant rooms to see if there is a kidney table waiting to be liberated...
I heard it referred to as a 'rainbow table' this year and like that description. I would not give up this table. I find it is excellent for all types of group work as well as a fine rotating station, display table, and teaching station. We 'turn the table' occasionally and a student takes the role as facilatator/teacher, etc. They love taking that spot in the middle.
Thanks for the suggestions. I thought about getting rid of my desk, but then realized that I just want the table to have a reading focus and not have all of my teaching stuff on it. I will just make it work!
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07-21-2010, 08:43 PM
