seating arrangement/hard to do partner work

salad · **seating arrangement/hard to do partner work** 11-14-2009, 11:55 AM

I tried my students in a group of four and it did not work because they TALK SO MUCH.They get so noisy.So I put the desks into a horseshoe but it does not work well for numbered heads together or group work or partner work.Should I put them back into groups so they can work together more.I am not even sure if the horseshoe desk arrangement has helped the talking.

liketeaching1 · **groups** 11-14-2009, 12:47 PM

I'm sure we all struggle with this same issue. For me, I think setting the limits has helped more than rearranging the desks. I give the kids lots of opportunities to "turn and talk" during our workshop meetings, morning meeting, partner work, etc. Then I also just say "excuse me" but I am talking now or this is the time for you to be working, etc. By letting the kids know that they do and will have times to talk with each other they are more apt to work quietly when needed.

liketeaching1 · **Another idea** 11-14-2009, 12:50 PM

Another thing that has worked is to spread the groups out with an empty desk in the middle (if you have extra desks). I call it the "dining room" style but it does put a little more space between the kids!

hummingbird71 · **dining room desks** 11-15-2009, 12:14 PM

I really enjoyed seeing your picture of the desk arrangement!!
How inspiring.................thanks.

pretty woman · 11-19-2009, 04:36 PM

I like the desk arrangements, but we have to use phrases like "work with your elbow partner or your team." Does this style work in that kind of situation? I may try it and see if my Principal complains. We are using the Success for All curriculum and cooperative learning is a huge part of it.

liketeaching1 · **Desk arrangement** 11-21-2009, 04:34 AM

It works well for me.

I do have the kids with a "partner" for reading workshop, meeting area, etc. I partner them up and they sit side by side when we are in the floor. They can turn and talk, go to their reading spot, etc.

When we are at our desks it is usually just to work on math or writing workshop, etc. But the way the desks are arranged they still have someone beside them. I actually have one fewer desk on the "end" now because we added another class due to large enrollment. Each group of desks are for six kids.