No Desks or Tables in Classroom???

[Anonymous]

I am very concerned about my 2nd graders classroom this year and wonder whether any parents have experience with/ insights about this kind of set-up. My child's classroom has no desks; rather, students are to use clipboards whenever writing. There are chairs for, as my child put it, "special occasions." There are also two tables, but there are only 3 chairs between the two of them. I am puzzled about how students will practice their penmanship, and I am more concerned about their discipline and focus if all lessons are learned while sitting on the floor. As for cubbies, according to my child, only the girls get a place to hang their backpacks; the boys (as I saw this a.m.) are to throw their backbacks on a bench in the room. I plan to ask the teacher why she has planned her classroom this way, but it's only day two, so I haven't had the chance. Any insights would be MUCH appreciated, because, as both a parent and upper school teacher, I am very concerned about this model! I am also surprised that this set-up is allowed by DCPS, but I am trying to keep an open mind, hence the posting. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

That is f-ed up. Maybe it is one of those classes (see Murch thread) where new equipment is still on the way?

[Anonymous]

Elementary teacher here. I'm all about floor time, but that being the ONLY option seems a bit kooky as a long term solution. For the short term, children are usually very adaptable and work with unusual circumstance when explained ( ie we are doing this until your desks arrive). They might find it fun and I would not expect a corrosive effect on discipline if the class is otherwise well run. I would not read too much into the gender of who puts backpacks where...probably an easy way to divide. However, chances are if you view the overall situation as less than ideal, it may be to the teacher as well. More to the story here?

[Anonymous]

What school is this??

(BTW, the ad on the right side of the page says "Special Deals on Classroom Furniture Great Prices! Save 70% www.HertzFurniture.com" someone should tell Rhee.)

[Anonymous]

only girls are allowed to hang their backpacks? i am truly befuddled by this......and everything else you write.

[Anonymous]

Some kids probably need the support of a desk and/or chair -- poor core muscles.

[Anonymous]

Where does your son go to school, OP?

[Anonymous]

OP,
You have a right to know what the plan is. No desks or tables is flat out unacceptable. This isn't Ancient Rome. Keep us posted.

[Anonymous]

DCPS insists that students participate in group learning activities, but in most cases they refuse to supply the tables and chairs needed to facilitate group learning activities.

Teachers find themselves between a rock and a hard place. In order to teach effectively they are required to include group work in their lesson plans. The only problem is that there are very few tables and chairs available to facilitate these activities. In order to conform and to prevent themselves from being fired, many have purchased their own tables and chairs. Also, the vast majority of DCPS teachers who have LCD projectors and other indispensable technology in their classrooms have had to purchase those expensive teaching tools themselves as well.

Recently I've heard that TFAer's in Baltimore even have to buy duct tape for their students.

[Anonymous]

DCPS insists that students participate in group learning activities, but in most cases they refuse to supply the tables and chairs needed to facilitate group learning activities

I'm a bit baffled by this post. My children have been in DCPS for years, and I have yet to encounter a situation where DCPS did not provide furniture. What are you basing this assertion on?

[Anonymous]

Is this Lafayette? I heard about a similar situation in the 2nd grade there and it sounded like a space issue (27 kids in class, no room for 27 seats)

[Anonymous]

I would wonder about this situation. I have been in DCPS for 4 years, never had such situation. Something else is going on. Also there is both more and less money than people think. The problem is that DCPS procurement system is a nightmare so it may not seem worth it for some supplies. Also if you really want to know the root of the problems for DCPS remember without DC statehood we do not have control of our budget funds so if DC appropriations are not passed DC can't spend our tax dollars for non previously budgeted items. . It is one of the stupidest most inane and frustrating parts of how DC is harmed by the current system.

[Anonymous]

The furniture exists, it is the teacher's choice to not use it.

[Anonymous]

Does the principal know? How experienced is the teacher? (I bet the teacher is not that experienced and not a parent of a school-age child.) I think it's insane.

[Anonymous]

My DC has had some teachers who have never had any kids- and some of them have been the wisest teachers in the school. But you do have to wonder- why a teacher with no school-age children would decide not to have chairs/tables in the classroom.