Classroom spaces

I think that the concept of a desk is an interesting one. How much do we really think about the desk when enter a classroom. I have always thought of it as a part of the classroom, but never why it was there. In kindergarten we sat at table with 5 to 6 other people, then as we moved up in grades it went to separate desks with our name on it. It became our place, on could put stickers on your name tag, and arrange your books how you wanted. But then when you moved to junior high and high school it was no longer your place. You may have had an assigned set but you shared it with many others. I find it interesting that they related a messy desk to a messy mind, but these people are more open to new ideas. When watching the video I wanted to write down the ideas that stood out to me about the seven learning spaces 1) secrets spaces- getting off task a good thing? 2) Group spaces- using the groups around us, finding a space where your group can work without competing with other groups. 3) Publishing spaces- showing off learning connects to putting up children work around the classroom as Ayers stated. 4) Performance spaces- the allow people to be something they are not, play can occur in more than just playgrounds. 5) Participation spaces- where theory is made into practice. There are more than one focal point, they are trading ideas, and learning not only from the teacher but from each other. 6) Data space- using the information around us to add to the lesson so children can get a firsthand look at real time data. 7) Watching spaces- having activities in different space ever day (I would want to know how possible is this??) I think that having different types of table is a wonderful idea, and why have we not thought about this before. We know that all children don’t all learn the same way. It is an interesting concept to not assigning seats. I feel that this gives the children the power. to move and interact with many children throughout the day. Having different types of desk is great; one table for children to stand (for those who can’t sit still), one table for those who like to sit on the ground, and a “typical” desk. I am hoping that I can incorporate this idea into my classroom. I feel it allows student to move freely around the classroom, and learn where they feel comfortable. Not every child learns when they are sitting at a desk where they are told not to fidget. Allowing different space for students to learn can be very beneficial.