Sharing Seating Charts with Students

Mary Jo Edwards, a math teacher at East Carteret High School in Beaufort, North Carolina

I always assign seats for the purposes of helping me learn names, taking attendance and controlling behavior. But getting students in the proper seats the first day (and every time I change the arrangement) was always a headache. This year I tried something new. I made copies of the seating chart and handed one to each student as they entered the room. By the time the bell rang, they had all found their seats and class was ready to begin.

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Vicki | 2011/08/11

I use the SMART board to project my seating changes for students. I also include markers such as doors, windows, teacher's desk, etc. for reference. Using SMART allows me to make changes easily by dragging names to different places for changes without starting over. Even my fourth graders can move quickly and place themselves correctly.

Mary Ann | 2011/08/10

I put a copy on the Elmo and project it on to the screen. I change seats every quarter and the students soon learn to come in and check the screen to find their new seats. Then for substitutes I put the charts into sheet protectors that fit into 3 ring binders. You can use a dry erase marker to check off names of who is present or absent. These can also be used to keep track of participation points.

Carey | 2011/08/10

I like the idea of letting the students figure out the seating chart. It is also helpful for them to see where everyone sits so if they need to they can use the seating charts like we do--to remember names! I do something similar--I just make three copies and lie them on the table at the front of the room. The students quickly find their seats this way too.

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