Choose Wisely: Seating Arrangements

The Moving Writers blog has been a wonderful resource with ideas about how to foster a positive writing environment.  The article recently posted deals with seating arrangements and how important they can be in creating an environment that feels safe.  It also warns teachers not to get too comfortable with one seating arrangement.  You can read the article here.

The seating arrangement in a classroom is one way that teachers can work smarter not harder.  The way that the classroom is arranged determines a lot of how the class will go.  I have tried many different seating arrangements, the horseshoe, pairs and larger groups.  I had various amounts of success with each one.  Rebekah O'Dell reminds teachers to not get too comfortable in any one arrangement.  Just because something is going well does not mean that it could not go better.

I used to keep my students in pairs.  I did not want to keep kids in single file desks, because I wanted to promote positive discussions.  However, I was scared of having larger groups of students together at once.  I was afraid that I would lose them to talking.  It wasn't until I observed another teacher who used tables in her classroom that I decided to change my seating arrangement.  Her students were motivated and went to each other when they needed help.  That was the atmosphere I wanted in my classroom, so I gave it a try.  It was a risk that paid off.

My groups foster a sense of community that I did not consider when I was using pairs.  I love to utilize turn-and-talks with my students, but now I have them talk with an entire group.  I no longer have an empty silence when I ask for volunteers.  My students talk with each other and confirm and expand their understandings.  It makes them more willing to stick their neck out with an answer.

My classroom is certainly not perfect, but I do agree with Rebekah O'Dell.  It is important to consider our seating arrangement and what it does for our students.  If I want a classroom centered around full group discussion, I should use a horseshoe.  If I want students working alone, then rows would be perfect.  The seating arrangement should work for a teacher, not against a teacher.  If you find that your seating has gotten stagnant, switch it up.  The results may surprise you.