Educational Furniture: Social Distancing Layouts For Classrooms

The educational industry was hit hard by Covid-19. Students and teachers alike had to adapt to homeschooling and virtual classes. With September just around the corner, schools are planning to reopen, and educational professionals have to get creative. Teachers still need the necessary supplies but the collaborative learning classroom layout simply won’t do, so what will?

Desk Arrangement for the “New Social Distancing Norm” in Classrooms

The first thing to note is that not all students will be in the classroom at the same time. Classes that once had 20+ students can expect to decrease to half that number on a given day. The main theory of new normal schooling in NJ is to have half of the students (Group A) in class while the other half (Group B) follows along virtually from their home. The next day, the two groups switch.

With this system, teachers will need less furniture in the room. However, that furniture should be able to accommodate the new styles of layouts and protective equipment.

Here are some of the best arrangements for student learning, collaboration with distance and for teacher-led lessons.

The Circle

This is actually a preferred layout for teachers because it allows everyone to see and engage in the lesson without moving. The teacher can address everyone and conduct collaborative lessons without students getting too close to each other.

Source: Fanning Howey

Source: Fanning Howey

Standard Rows

This is a traditional classroom arrangement, with students sitting in rows and the teacher giving the lesson from the front of the room. With fewer students, desks will be spread out allowing for proper social distancing space. This is great for teachers who like to walk around as they teach to monitor their students’ work. It can also be a good arrangement for tests and exams.

Source: Fanning Howey

The Inverted Clusters

This layout is designed for better student collaboration, but uses the desks to maintain distance between students. Desks are grouped together in groups of three or four with the students facing inward towards each other in each group. Teachers just have to be careful to plan the clusters so that all students can clearly see the board.