I am joining up with Ladybug's Teacher Files to discuss:
TABLES VS. DESKS!
Update: the tables are from jonti craft)
Can't you just picture those words said in dramatic fashion as if you were at a pro wrestling type event? No? Just me? Must be the awesome summer sun!
Anyway, I have used both tables and desks. My opinion is tables are WAAAY better than desks. They don't move around much and can be used during my station times without others feeling as territorial as they seemed to when using desks. I do feel that you also have to have the right size of table. I have had tables that are too big and they take up too much valuable floor space. I have had tables that are too small and the kiddos are bumping elbows all day. The tables I am using this year are great. They have a 2 cubbies under each side and one on each end.
The students put their poetry, handwriting, math, reading and writer's workshop folders in there. NOTHING ELSE! (I do periodic checks on this!) Scissors and glue are passed out and collected as needed. Each child has a cup they keep their 8 basic crayons in and a glue stick. A pencil goes thru the straw hole. I usually go to Applebees or Ruby Tuesdays and ask for a class supply of cups. These have to be the sturdier ones with lids. I used to get them from Pizza Hut and Fazzolis - but they have started using cheaper cups that bend easily. I use these in place of boxes. It saves room and if they drop on the floor they don't explode like the boxes. Name tags were an issue but I purchased ones from Really Good stuff last year. These were sticky all across the back and a bit smaller than others. I just used rubbing alcohol to remove and change names.
All that being said, I do usually keep a few extra desks in my room. Occasionally I will have a student who can't handle being in such close proximity to others. I will then put their desk up against one end of the table. This gives them a bit more personal space, but doesn't exclude them.
That's it on my room. Whadd-a-ya think?
