This post originally appeared on the blog The Classroom Key.
I’ve done a lot of experimenting with desk arrangements over the years. I’ve definitely found my favorite. Keep reading; I’ll tell you about it. I’ve also discovered that it’s smart to pick a few arrangements that you like and teach your students how to quickly move between the positions when the activity requires it. I like to have a whole group lesson position, a group work position, and a testing position.
The Double Horseshoe
Pros – All students are facing toward the front
Cons – It’s hard to get to the students in the back row
Three Columns
Pros – Saves space in your classroom, sharing materials is easy
Cons – Some students have to turn to face the front
Small Groups
Pros – Saves space in your classroom, sharing materials is easy
Cons – Some students have their backs to the front
The Modified Horseshoe
Pros – Everyone faces toward the front, a little easier to get to all the kids than with the traditional horseshoe
Cons – Takes up a lot of space, hard to share materials
The Butterfly
Pros – Everyone faces toward the front, it’s easy to get near all students
Cons – Takes up a lot of space, hard to share materials
The Hybrid (My Favorite!)
Pros – Everyone faces toward the front, easy to get to all students
Cons – Hmm, I got nothin’. This arrangement is pretty good
Pairs
Pros – Easy to separate students that don’t work well together, everyone faces the front
Cons – Takes up a lot of space
One by One
Pros – Discourages talking, everyone faces the front, great for testing
Cons – Takes up a lot of space, not good for group work
Rows
Pros – Everyone faces the front
Cons – Takes up a lot of space
Circles
Pros – Great for discussions and sharing
Cons – Some students do not face the front, difficult to get to all students
Around the Edges
Pros – Leaves space in the middle for activities, easy to share materials
Cons – Some students do not face the front
Which arrangement works the best in your classroom? Which arrangements am I missing?
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Hannah Braun taught 2nd grade and was a library specialist for a total of eight years. She blogs at The Classroom Key, where she makes education theories, research, and new techniques easily accessible for the busy teacher. Hannah sells low to no-prep materials for writing, Common Core math, holidays, and much more at her TpT store. If you like teacher humor, you should definitely follow Hannah on Instagram. You can also find her on Facebook and Pinterest. When not creating curriculum, you can find Hannah keeping up with her 2 and 10-year-old, crafting handmade cards, or busting stress at a Zumba or yoga class.
