Desks or no desks

A recent debate over the use of traditional desks in classrooms has become a very hot topic in the setting of the elementary classroom.  While some teachers support the structure and professionalism of traditional desks, others have branched out to more eccentric styles.  Group tables are one of the more favorite alternatives. Teachers say that this allows for more communication and group work as opposed to the isolation that individual desks suggest.  Another alternative is no desks or tables at all.  Beanbags, pillows, or rugs are the modified workspace.  Teachers using this describe this learning environment as more laid back.  This cultivates more imagination, a less formal and invasive feel, and allows children to feel more at home.  In my opinion, a blend of the traditional and non traditional room setup works best.  Having observed classrooms using both styles, I see the pros and cons of each.  Using desks allows for a more organized room and has children behave more "socially accepting," especially in certain school districts.  When children come from home lives where they do not have many guidelines or expectations, desks help set the tone for the behaviors and mindsets expected in a school setting.  Children in this kind of lifestyle may not react maturely with a more laid back classroom with pillows and other areas where you sit on the floor and have more freedom.  It would be easy for children to take advantage of this, and they would be more likely to sit with friends that lead to poor behavior choices such as talking out of turn and being off task.  On the other hand, this freestyle desk-free environment allows children that can be mature about this setup really excel.  With a more tranquil and homey feel, children seem to exhibit more creative and out of the box thinking.  Being able to move around, sit in a comfortable area, and not be stuck to the seat of a desk allows them to be more themselves.  In my classroom, I would like to have tables and free seating areas.  Tables allow you to do more formal and structured activities like taking tests, and the free seating areas allow them to relax and enjoy yourself for things like reading, creative writing, and group discussions.  The key to finding the balance between the traditional and nontraditional classroom setups is getting to know your students and determining whether it is appropriate for the curriculum.  I encourage fellow teachers to explore both ways, and determine which they prefer.