The Desk Shuffle & Some Humor

The same thing happens to me every year… I begin the year with my desks arranged in beautiful groups. Some years I have groups of 4 other years groups of 6 depending on the size of my class. Then a few weeks into the new school year the shuffling begins. Desks go here, then there, then EVERYWHERE!!! So what have I learned from 14 years of shuffling?

#1. Every group of student is different so just accept the fact that the shuffling is going to occur.

#2. It’s OK to move desks and move them again, and again, and AGAIN! I know it can be a pain, but sooner or later you will find the arrangement that works best for your students needs and yours as well…I promise! Just hang in there.

#3. Be daring… be willing to think out of the box and go out of your comfort zone. You just might be surprised.

And in case you need some inspiration, here are a few pictures:

 

First few weeks of school: Groups

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

My current setup: Rows of 3

Jackpot!!!!! My students are thriving with this setup. I am still able to partner up for activities, but I don’t have as many distractions as I did when they were seated in groups of 6.

 

 

 

Groups of 2: For the REALLY distracted Bunch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s all about the U :0)

This is what I meant by thinking outside of the box! Actually the U setup was what I used last year and I absolutely loved it! I placed a chair in the middle of each U. That way I could easily sit with each group and assist a few students without having to wait for them to get up and come to the back table with their supplies. I recommend this setup if you feel your group of students would benefit from frequent small group instruction/ mini- lessons.

So how is YOUR classroom setup right now?

… and now for some humor to end your day!

xoxo,