Group seating is the favored classroom layout for most elementary school classrooms, particularly through third grade. This classroom layout is particularly important for kindergarten students who are just learning about sharing and working with others. Choose tables that seat three to five students each, or group individual desks together. Use name labels to designate where each student will sit. Tape place mats with student names written on the top on group tables; this gives each student a sense that he has his own personal work space. To foster sharing and a sense of community, place one caddy of supplies like pencils, paper, crayons, scissors and glue at each table for students to share. Rearrange seating from time to time to give students a chance to meet new friends.
Learning centers get students out of their seats and immerses them in specific topics. At a math learning center, students might learn a particular topic by writing formulas on white boards, using math manipulatives or working problems on a calculator. A literacy center might include books for reading, headphones for listening to a story, paper and pencil for writing and art supplies to create illustrations based upon the readings. Many learning centers require students to complete individual work, but they must share materials and take turns in order to finish the assignment. You may wish to have the same group of students move from center to center throughout the day, or mix them up. Either way, make certain to rotate students throughout the school year so that they work with people they do not know.
Cooperative learning helps students learn to communicate with one another, solve problems together and resolve conflicts. Place students in groups of two or three to complete a worksheet, project or presentation. Suggest that older elementary students exchange phone numbers to contact one another while working on the project, as students may find it easier to make friendships outside the classroom. Rotate groups so that students get an opportunity to work with everyone in the class.
Provide plenty of opportunities for students to play and interact together throughout the day. Lunchtime and recess give students a chance to talk to one another outside the classroom. Kindergarten-age students play best in groups of two, notes Scholastic Magazine, so help students foster new friendships by suggesting that pairs of students play with specific items during indoor recess.