We only get one chance to make a first impression with a new group of kiddos, and it’s my best opportunity to get an unguarded glimpse of who they are. That's why, over the years, I've developed a strategy that helps me get to know my next new class quickly. I call it “free-range seating.”
Free-range seating is a simple concept: Let them sit wherever they'd like!
Yep, that's it... I like grouping desks in pods of 4 - 6, depending on how many students I have. To give everyone an even shot at choosing their seats, I have them gather around the perimeter of the room, and then tell them they may sit wherever they choose. As they quietly jockey for position, moving toward their friends, they're cautiously optimistic. When I say go and they lay claim to their new territory, they're convinced 6th grade is going to be alright!
I do this for a couple of reasons. Not only can I tell who their friends are, but I can also get a potential read on their learning personalities.
This is what I've observed over the years...
There's the group that wants to be closest to the teacher's desk or front of the room. (I am rarely at my desk, but they don't know that, yet.) These are often the extroverts. They have all the answers and love to participate in any discussions. They might also be the kids who are vying for the coveted role as Teacher's Pet... (which I let them know right away I don't have. Pets take a lot of care and I'd have to leave them in the room over the weekend, because my dog would get jealous, if I brought them home. Yes, I get looks that say, "Is she serious?" But it seems to take care of any future TP issues.)If I'm not careful, this group can suck the energy right out of me! However, they seem to be the students that love school, so who am I to quibble over a little (OK, a lot of-) sucked-out energy?
Next, there are the students that like to be in the middle. These kiddos are frequently on the learning fence. They may like one subject, but not another. They could be introverted and want to blend in to the crowd so just maybe they won't be called on. This group is hoping that the rumors of my being a hard teacher are grossly exaggerated. (I prefer to think of it as challenging them to give their personal best all. the. time.)
Then there's the group that prefers to sit by the door or the very back of the room. This group is quite a mixed bag. These are the kids looking for a fast escape when the bell rings, or to be first in line, or closer to the bathroom (which they like visiting frequently). They are the fidgeters who love playing with their mechanical pencil leads (I hate mechanical pencils for that reason!) or anything else in their desks. They're the ones passing the notes to their friends, always hopeful they won't get caught. These are the social, chatty ones, my active learners that sometimes make me feel like I'm herding butterflies!
Usually, the last students to find a seat are the slower processors. While they quietly weigh the pros and cons of each seat in the classroom, everyone else is grabbing prime real estate and they end up having to take whatever seats are left. This group needs a quieter learning environment so they can process what's happening. Introverts are often part of this group, as well.
They might also be the outliers (no friends in the room, or new to the school and haven't met anyone yet). They may or may not really be in to the whole schooling idea, but are always willing to give it a shot. (Who knows, maybe this is the year the lightbulbs come on!)
After everyone is comfortably settled in, I let them know it's totally up to them as to whether this seating arrangement will stick, or if the seat fairy has to come in and rearrange things overnight. (Ahhh, there's the catch!) I ask them how I'll know they want to remain where they are. (Funny, they always seem to know what it takes.) With everyone in agreement, we start off feeling really good about a new year.
From Free-Range Seating to Self-Reflection
Once everyone has settled in to their new seats in the new classroom, I like to kick off the new year with a self-reflection activity that cements their resolve to remain in these choice pieces of real estate.
Using my Kids Caught Doing Great Things growth mindset quotes and posters reminds them of who is really in charge of their success, as they complete these engaging poster activities throughout the semester. (They make a terrific BTS bulletin board!)
(Teacher Tip: Laminate the poster set and run off a class set of the poster activities at the beginning of the year. Great for writing centers and sub days!)
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| Kids Caught Doing Great Things Growth Mindset Quotes & Activities |
I'd like to say this free-range seating arrangement lasts quite awhile, but we all know that's just not going to happen. To begin with, I need to mix up the energy in the classroom. (Let us not forget that back-of-the-room group... They just can't seem to help themselves.) And because I can't change the furniture around at home (don't want to mess with my feng shui), that leaves my second home, my classroom, as fair game.
Thus concludes my not-so-very-scientific way of getting a good first glimpse of my new students on the first day of school. Free-range seating works for me. Give it a try!
What tricks do you have up your sleeve for your first day? Please share them below. And most importantly, have an awesome new school year!
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Wayne Dyer
