Classroom desks come in all shapes and sizes. How you arrange them can have a big impact on your students’ learning and collaboration. Take a look at these six ideas for how to arrange different types of desks so your students get the most out of each lesson.
Triangular Desks
Often with a curved edge for accommodating different sizes of students, triangular-shaped desks offer a variety of versatile arrangements for a flexible classroom space. You can place two together to form a rectangle, or put four together and get a square. Alternatively, you can opt for the traditional rows and columns setup for distraction-free class time.
Large Tables
A collaborative environment, such as a Makerspace, is easy to create when you have large rectangular or square tables. Seating four, six, or eight students together makes it easier for them to share ideas, get hands-on with their education, and directly interact with their environment. A designated Makerspace workbench with storage gives students freedom to move around and helps with SEL initiatives since this arrangement fosters feelings of confidence and empowerment.
Square Desks
A simple and versatile design is easily achieved with traditional square desks. Whether you align students in rows, have them sit face-to-face with a work partner, or push four desks together in a small group, they’re easy to arrange and rearrange in whatever setup works best for that day’s lesson.
Curved Desks
A less common, though no less effective, desk is one that is curved on all edges. These can be arranged in a full or semi-circle which is perfect for sharing and reading aloud time. For small group work time, pushing five tables together to create a flower shape ensures each student in the group can see and be seen by the others for full cooperation.
Geometric Tables
Tables are becoming more popular for classroom seating as it encourages cooperation and sharing, as well as providing more space, less maintenance, and fewer distractions. Thanks to their geometric nature, you can combine many different shapes of tables to create a suitable workspace for any project or activity. Trapezoids and rectangles can be used separately, or combined to create squares, hexagons, and oval shapes.
Alternative Materials
Students are often fascinated by novelty. Anything new can hold their attention for quite a while. Try using desks with whiteboard tops instead of traditional materials. These can help students with critical thinking and problem solving, allowing them to break down problems, collaborate with each other, and write notes or reminders.
Which Classroom Desk Arrangement Will You Try?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to arranging desks in your classroom. New units, different activities, and certain groups of students may constitute a rearrangement. Having flexible classroom seating options is the best way to be prepared. As an education supply company, we offer a variety of furniture options from MooreCo and other school supply brands. Not sure what would suit your classroom? Give us a call at 1-800-831-5904 and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect solution.