You mentioned that you are considering switching from desks to tables in your classroom. I switched from desks to hexagon tables this year, and I absolutely love the tables! Below are some pros and cons of tables. Overall, I am extremely happy with the switch!
Pros for Having Tables in Your Classroom:
-They do not take up as much space as individual desks.
-They eliminate the "this is my stuff" attitude that kids tend to get when they all have their own desks. My students share supplies that are stored in their table caddies.
-They support the collaborative learning that takes place on a regular basis in my classroom.
-They are useful for students working together at word study centers or during science experiments.
-They make your classroom look less "messy." Student desks can become very messy and disorganized on the inside. They also get moved a lot, so my students' desks never stayed lined up like I wanted them to be. The tables can be easily moved when necessary without having every student realign their own desk.
-Switching seats is easy. Students just take their chair pocket to a new seat and do not need to take everything out of their desks.
Cons for Having Tables:
-Storage of textbooks or binders can be tricky if you do not have other places in your classroom. Luckily my students mainly use folders that they keep in their chair pockets, and we have lots of shelf space to store our reading binders.
-Students have less personal space to spread things out when doing projects or independent work. However, my students are not at their tables all day. Most activities we do require students to be spread out around the classroom.
Jenny (comment #21),
You mentioned that you are considering switching from desks to tables in your classroom. I switched from desks to hexagon tables this year, and I absolutely love the tables! Below are some pros and cons of tables. Overall, I am extremely happy with the switch!
Pros for Having Tables in Your Classroom:
-They do not take up as much space as individual desks.
-They eliminate the "this is my stuff" attitude that kids tend to get when they all have their own desks. My students share supplies that are stored in their table caddies.
-They support the collaborative learning that takes place on a regular basis in my classroom.
-They are useful for students working together at word study centers or during science experiments.
-They make your classroom look less "messy." Student desks can become very messy and disorganized on the inside. They also get moved a lot, so my students' desks never stayed lined up like I wanted them to be. The tables can be easily moved when necessary without having every student realign their own desk.
-Switching seats is easy. Students just take their chair pocket to a new seat and do not need to take everything out of their desks.
Cons for Having Tables:
-Storage of textbooks or binders can be tricky if you do not have other places in your classroom. Luckily my students mainly use folders that they keep in their chair pockets, and we have lots of shelf space to store our reading binders.
-Students have less personal space to spread things out when doing projects or independent work. However, my students are not at their tables all day. Most activities we do require students to be spread out around the classroom.
I hope this helps!
-Beth