All Things CLASS

Would you consider teachers having assigned seating for children either at the carpet or tables to be restriction of movement? I have found teachers that have this just in their circle time carpet area and strategically have seating for students but do not restrict their movements within the space. Others have it only at tables and some have it at both. We typically dual code in our program and this often comes up as we discuss different thoughts while coding. This has also been a topic of disagreement with our behavioral specialist who are suggesting assigned seating. I feel that assigned spots do not necessarily automatically equate to restriction of movement. What are your thoughts? 

Hello Veronica,

Great question, from my own experience I would say having assigned seats provides children with ownership/leaderships skills, because it allows them to feel a sense of control of their environment. It also helps with productivity because it doesn't allow for any miscommunication, which promotes ease of transitions. 

Latif Matt

Assigning seating does not necessarily equate to a restriction of movement. It is important when observing to consider how assigned seating is implemented and whether it hinders or enhances children's ability to move freely within the space.  As Latif said, assigned seating can serve various purposes. At circle time on the carpet, it might be used to ensure visibility and engagement during group activities. At tables, it might promote focused work or enable specific teaching strategies. It's crucial to assess whether assigned seating allows for flexibility and movement within the defined space. For instance, even with assigned spots on the carpet, children might be free to move within that area, such as turning to a partner or adjusting their posture. It is important to ensure that assigned seating does not rigidly confine children to their seats but rather supports a positive and engaging learning environment.

Ultimately, the key is to consider how assigned seating is implemented and whether it aligns with creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment that encourages children's freedom of movement and active participation.

I feel the same that assigned seating gives the students ownership of their placement at certain times in class

Hello Veronica,

     I can appreciate that there are times when a child having an assigned spot helps support a specific scaffolded goal you might have for that particular child.  Along with that perspective, in our program, we have encouraged teachers to give children choice and autonomy whenever they can. This builds a self-awareness skill, a decision-making skill, a sense of agency and autonomy that is crucial for their development.  Depending on Teacher and classroom it can present as lack of confidence from Teacher and needing a sense of control. We want to build those missing skills in children in every part of our day.  Knowing the why behind the assigned seating for all or one, or a few is the key to scoring it correctly.  Love hearing about this, it has been a debate here in our program as well.  - Susan