Rows...Go Figure!

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Rows...Go Figure!
By Brian

My students, also just given the chance to rearrange the room, unanimously voted for rows. I was sort of flabbergasted, as I thought they would choose to sit with friends. So, we made rows and they are all happy, for now.
It has been one day so I am not sure where the volume level will go. However, given the time of year and the fact they are 6th graders, I can guess. No comments yet from the front office, but testing is rapidly approaching, so he may go for it. If we have to change, I'll let you know.
A few years ago, I tried large table groups in the back of the room and three couches up front

for board work and directed teaching. A coffee table and some clipboards helped. The kids loved it and knew that when they came to the "learning room," they were expected to be prepared and on-task. It worked very well for a while. Then hormones kicked in. It also made small groups easier as we could rotate between the back tables and the front reteaching. I have found the community is willing to donate couches that are in ok condition. Try it.