We had always allowed the kids to sit in places other than their desks during work time, so when I initially read about it I thought, "We're on the right track." But transforming our classroom into a true flexible learning environment has been a major learning experience for me and my kids!
If you are new to the idea, check out http://www.edutopia.org/practice/flexible-classrooms-providing-learning-environment-kids-need. Definitely a fantastic article - who doesn't love Edutopia?!
One of the very best things to come from the new seating arrangement was the one-on-one time I can have with a student while they are working on something with which he/she needs help. It used to be that we grouped their assigned desks in pods. This meant that if a student needed help, there was an audience while the teacher was working with him/her. Because I was uncomfortable with this in some instances, I'd have the kids work at my desk with me instead. I really love that I can now be engaged with the kids where they are working, while maintaining their privacy. One thing you can't see from the picture is that we switch up how many desks are in groups. Sometimes it's groups of 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. We purposefully purchased a total of 16 desks, but have 28 students. There are many places for the students to sit including other tables. I use the table in the back of the room for my Math Workshop, and that has worked really well!
One other plus to come from the flexible seating is that the kids use cubbies, which means that we don't deal with crazy messy desks! We deal with some crazy messy cubbies, but they aren't nearly as bad as when the kids had their own desks! It was very important that we made sure our kids had their own supplies, because this was a big treat when moving from K/1 to 2/3. Everyone had their own desk and supplies! Since we've removed the assigned seating, it was important that they keep their own supplies. The whole routine has really gone much more smoothly than I had anticipated. *Truly.*
Though I was initially definitely out of my comfort zone with this arrangement, I have to say I don't know that I'd want to go back. I love how connected I feel with my kids given this is new for them too. I know the kids love it too! Sometimes they need redirection to sit where they'll "make good choices," but in general the kids are focused and learning. So to anyone at the beginning stages of whether or not to transform their classroom, just do it! Take the leap! Give it a shot. You may be (incredibly) pleasantly surprised!
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