[Tchn4fun]

What does the seating arrangement look like in your class? I just moved my desks into 4 groups of 5 - wondering if this will work???

[GiantSubs]

I have 18 desks and I teach reading and writing. In order for me to effectively help students, I have the students in a U with 2 students on the inside - think of a horseshoe with the ends on the inside.

This way, I can sit on my rolling chair and move from student to student from inside the U. It's a lot more effective than standing over them or bending over - you're eye to eye and can talk to them rather than at them.

[proud mom]

Although because of desk and class size, my U is made of three outer lines of 4 desks each, and two inner rows of 4 desks each. I'm lucky with my largest class this year being 20. The U works well for discussions during my Social Studies block, and also works well for my two Language Arts blocks.

[Tchn4fun]

Proudmom - that's how I had my desks and it was working really well for me, but I was in the mood for a change this morning. The class was really chatty in the groups, but I think I'll leave them that way until we get most of the Christmas artwork done (we have a big "Deck the Halls" coming up and I need to make some Concert backgrounds, so the groups make a good workspace.

Thanks for your input, Giant Subs, I think I'll try that next time I move desks!

[teachingZfun]

I have 20-21 students in the room, depending on the subject.
I usually change the room arrangement every 2 weeks. That way no one has to sit in the front/back too long, or be stuck by "that kid."

Anyway, when I do put them in groups, I sometimes do groups of 4 or 5. I usually expect the voice level to naturally be raised though and sometimes I don't leave it that way for long. I also usually tell the groups that if there is too much chatting I will move a desk or two away, and they definitely don't want to be the "odd desk out."

Another way I arrange them to be "together" but not necessarily in such close quarters is to arrange them in "L-shaped groups". That way they are still a group, but I can walk up to each one of their desks to see them individually if needed. Make sense?

[senseigold]

I am a rebel. I don't have assigned seats. I let the kids choose where they want to sit. We talk first about their responsibility and how I will make a suggestion if I see they are not on task and then I will ask them to move to another location but as long as they are able to work and others are able to work around them then I don't care where they sit.

I also don't have a lot of chairs in my room. I took the bottom part of the legs off some of my tables (about half) and the kids sit on the floor. Some kids alway choose to sit on the floor, some always on chairs and many go by mood.

[teacherboo]

but i love it. go on my website... under our adventurous memories icon. click on classroom tour and you will get a great shot. I hope that helps.
teacherweb dot com/GA/AshfordParkElementary/Sobel

[liketeaching1]

I like to have an extra desk in the middle of my groups of desks. It allows a little more "breathing room" and makes more of a "dining table" style.