Classroom Seating Arrangements & Behavior

The arrangements of desks and students in a classroom can lead to positive classroom management.

Classroom management is one area where many new teachers struggle. Having a carefully planned seating arrangement in your classroom is a simple, yet effective way to prevent behavior problems before they happen. One key to remember is that seating arrangements do not have to be set in stone; change them regularly to suit your instructional plan or management needs.

Assigned Seats

Assigned seats serve several purposes in classroom management. They help a teacher assert her authority by designating seating arrangements and they also enable her to separate rowdy students or pair up students who could help one another in group assignments.

Straight Rows

In the traditional classroom, students would sit in rows facing the front, where the teacher would lecture. This style of seating is still well-suited for days when the students will take a test or any other situation where you want to minimize interaction and keep student focus directed in one area.

Clusters

Some schools actually require teachers to arrange their desks in clusters or groups; other schools purchase large tables instead of student desks to facilitate this arrangement. This type of seating encourages collaboration, which can lead to excessive student talking and lack of attention for the instruction.

Half-Moons or U-Shapes

For classroom discussions, arranging the desks in a half-moon or U-shaped arrangement can work well. The students can see each other well and keep their attention on the teacher. However, it can be harder to fit the desks in this arrangement in a small room.

Flexible Seating

It can help if you make several seating charts for a variety of options in the room. Students might have assigned seats in every center or learning area, thus ensuring a smooth transition between lesson segments.

References

• Lesson Plans Inc: Classroom Management Rule #9