Embrace change. As of late, that seems to be my message and I have been very moved by those of you who have commented on the blog and emailed me your inspiring stories. This week, Kathy Merlino, a friend and colleague who teaches in Islip, New York, agreed to share her story of change and the experience of teaching second grade in a deskless second grade classroom.
The decision to go deskless
I had heard about the idea for years at conferences I attended. It never attracted me. I didn’t see the point. Then, last year, I began to entertain the thought, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind: going deskless in the classroom. What would it look like? Where would the children sit? Where would I teach whole class lessons? My mind began to race with ideas. What are desks for? Why have them take up valuable space in the classroom? Couldn’t I have community pencils and supplies placed around the room instead? A child will seldom fit the exact measurements of his desk. Other seating arrangements could actually be better for small children. Handwriting improves for sloppy writers when their elbows are anchored down on the floor and they are forced to use their smaller motor skills. Besides, the atmosphere would be more comfortable–almost like at home– and the children would be better able to learn.
I already had a couch in my room, but I didn’t really have any child-sized furniture. I went to yard sales and acquired a couple of low coffee/end tables and a magazine rack. I bought a child’s Adirondack chair and a child’s rocking chair. I got a child’s park bench and a bean bag chair. I lowered my posters and bought beautiful braided, non-allergic, non-flammable rugs. I traded my big old teacher’s desk for a smaller version that tucks away in the corner by the sink. I brought in plants from home, not just for cleaner air, but also to help relax the children. I was ready. I was excited. I just couldn’t wait for the new school year to begin!
Organizing the space
I felt like I was setting up a home–a home for little folks who come to learn. Many of my colleagues came by to see my room and were surprised and impressed with the new set up. They asked me questions and I showed them the “mailbox” I had set up to hold the children’s math and science workbooks. I showed them where I was going to place the children’s homework on the top shelf of their cubbies. It took a lot of thinking, but everything seemed to have a logical place to go and there were no desks to get in the way.
Living in a deskless classroom
As the weeks have gone by, I have had many visits from many more colleagues, my principal, and parents. They have observed and commented on how welcoming my classroom is. They say it’s beautiful and cozy and comfortable. This year my students seem to be more attentive and caring. One child even said, “I don’t see anything I don’t like about this room!” It all seems to be working out very well. Change is often difficult, but this change has been paying big dividends!
