Here is how I feel about seating plans;

1) I don’t have one.

2) I move the students and their desks around frequently.

3) My desk is placed at the back of the room. This allows all of the students to get closer to the board and the front for instruction.

I think these three things are very important. Students do not want to be in the same place all of the year. I generally switch things up every month.

I sometimes have the students sit in traditional rows and columns. Other times, I will have them sitting with a partner or in small groups. I have put all the desks in a circle or in two semi-circle arcs before as well. I have pretty much used all of the classroom designs found on page 6 of the textbook.

I like the freedom of not having a seating plan. It keeps things fresh and interesting in the classroom. The students don’t seem to mind either. In fact, I find that they look forward to the next rearrangement and ask me, “When are you going to move the desks again?”

I don’t like to be still and I don’t think my students do either. I make sure that I stand up and walk around when I am teaching. I teach from all areas of the classroom and am rarely at my desk.

I have a high desktop so students can work from a standing position if they choose. I know I love my stand-up desk at home and there is no reason that students should have to stay at one desk all day. They can choose to work on the floor or carpet area too.

I strive to have everyone in the class intellectually and physically involved in the lessons. Moving the desks around frequently, even in the course of the day, can make a big difference to both the students and the teacher.

What does your classroom look like?

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