Collaboration is a skill that doesn't always come easy to many people. In my classroom, collaboration is a skill that is practiced constantly. However it can be difficult to have active discussions when my classroom has desks instead of tables. Tables provide more opportunities for discussions.
My students come from diverse backgrounds.
They all have inquisitive minds and are constantly asking questions to help them make sense of their world. My students are critical thinkers and use questioning not only to build on their prior knowledge but also to have elaborate discussions with their peers. This type of discussion is important to facilitate comprehension and a positive classroom community.
My Project
My classroom is a project based learning classroom. This requires students to learn by collaborating with peers and asking questions about various topics. In order to do that students must be able to talk to each other.
Currently in my classroom, we have desks. Desks in the classroom do not provide ample opportunities for collaboration. Instead desks are similar to islands, a defined space that is separated from other spaces. Tables, on the other hand, would provide a better opportunity for my students to work together and have productive discussions on different topics we study during the school year. Tables in the classroom not only require students to sit together but makes it much easier to collaborate!
Our society demands workers to be able to collaborate.
Practicing collaboration in the classroom is the best way for my students to perfect this skill. However in order for my students to practice collaboration they need to have tables in the classroom. Whether we are studying science, math, reading, writing, or social studies my students need ample time to sit and work together. Without collaboration my students would not be able to share their ideas and learn new things from their peers.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Feldmiller and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.