Classroom Organization: Seating Chart Ideas

November 14th, 2008 By: Diane Trim in Articles, Classroom Management

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Sticky note seating charts. I swiped this fabulous idea from one of the gals who taught next to me. Beth used a different file folder for each class that she taught. On the front of the file folder, Beth drew a grid. Each square on the grid accommodated a 1 x 2” sticky note.

With a pad of 1 x 2” sticky notes, Beth created her seating chart and wrote each students’ name on a sticky. When Beth wanted to re-arrange the seats, she re-arranged the stickies.

The genius of this system is that the seating charts were on the front of file folders on her lectern. When she began class, Beth took roll and looked inside for papers to pass back, notices from the office, or missing assignments.

Every once in a while, Beth took her file folders down the hall to the copier to photocopy the seating chart and slip it in her substitute teacher (guest teacher) binder.

Photo seating charts. This one isn’t new, but it’s worth writing about. Make friends with your school yearbook adviser. See if you can borrow last year’s book and photocopy the mug shots for the students in each grade.

When you receive your class list, cut out the student’s photo and put it on the sticky note (see above). It’s helpful at the beginning of the school year to match students with their faces. It’s even more helpful for a substitute to get his bearings in your classroom.

If you’d like to share a tip, submit them to editor@insidetheschoolmail.com.

Tags: Classroom Management

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