[my3beautifulboys]

My son is is Grade 3 class, and his class has no desks set up yindividually for each child. They have a few tables and chairs and then some can choose to sit on the floor to do writing, with leaning on a clipboard. I questioned the teacher and she said that children prefer to sit on the floor! In other countries they do. I am not happy at all about it, children need a routine and their own workspace.

[chickendrumstick]

But what if it actually works?
I'd like that option as it gave me more opportunity to stretch my body when necessary and also to remove myself from sitting next to someone I may not like or who may be distracting or a bad influence.
The school year is less than two weeks in...why not give it a chance?

[libbylu]

Sounds like our school. They have one two three composites and while there are some desks and chairs in the classrooms, there is not one for every kid in the classroom. When there are writing tasks to do the kids go and find their own spot to write, so some will chose the floor, others will sit on the terrace and some will sit at a table or stand at the benches.
I am not sure about the older year levels though.

This post has been edited by libbylu: 12/02/2013, 10:24 PM

[YellowKittyGlenn]

I came through we are discussing.

When I was in primary school (I'm 27) no one had individual desks at all we all shared a desk or they were grouped together, we also had beanbags and you could sit in them and do your work on a clipboard if you wished, it was all the classed from prep to 6 that had these. It was awesome and a hella lot more comfy then sitting on the hard plastic chairs and I found my shoulders would hurt because I hunched over my desk when sitting on a chair.

It can work and kids do like to sit on the floor, we had reading time where you had to be either on a bean bag or sitting on the floor in anway you wanted like lying down or sitting up against a wall or whatever. It was relaxing. I personally wouldn't be worried about the configuration.

[my3beautifulboys]

I feel that children need a routine and their own personal space in class, a work station that they organise and call it their own. I think there is a time for floor time, as a reward, for free play for doing good work, or quiet reading, puzzle time or similar. Or of course class discussions. I really dont think children can do their best work sitting on the floor leaning on a clipboard. Its going to be tiring and a strain on theyre backs too.

[CocobeanLillylov...]

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I feel that children need a routine and their own personal space in class, a work station that they organise and call it their own. I think there is a time for floor time, as a reward, for free play for doing good work, or quiet reading, puzzle time or similar. Or of course class discussions. I really dont think children can do their best work sitting on the floor leaning on a clipboard. Its going to be tiring and a strain on theyre backs too.

What indicates that there is no routine? Seating arrangements don't suggest if there is a routine or not.

[Foogle]

Sounds a bit Barbara Prashnig style to me and I think that's great.

An article for you to read.

I like what Prashnig is doing within classrooms. I first came across her a number of years ago in NZ and attended quite a few of her lectures and learning seminars.

Don't discount a non-traditional classroom setup. Many children find that it enhances their learning.

[my3beautifulboys]

The children that turn up to class in the mornings, tend to look abit Lost. They need their own desk to go to, to be able to sit down and read or colour in or just organise theyre pencils etc. I think that is routine for them.

[EssentialBludger]

I would personally find it a bit strange. I can't imagine sitting on the floor writing for extended periods of time and would find it uncomfortable. Beanbags would be cool though!

[roses99]

Is your child having a problem with it?

Or are you projecting your concerns about it onto your child?

I admit, it seems unconventional. But why not see how it goes?

I doubt the teacher is doing it for the fun of it. He/she has either found it's worked in the past or is trying something that might have merit.

When you say 'children need' this or that, you're only talking about one type of child. Kids all have different needs and learning styles.