Seminar Circle
Unlike a conference table, the middle is empty. A speaker, a text, or a demonstration can occupy the center, and students face inward. It is the right shape when the object of attention moves, and the wrong shape when everyone needs a desk full of materials.
Use it when
- Socratic seminars
- Demonstrations in the middle of the room
- Community circles and read-alouds
Pick something else when
- Students need a large work surface
- You will project slides that half the room would see backwards
- The class is too large for one circle
Class sizes
8 students
3 rows on a 5 by 5 grid.
10 students
4 rows on a 6 by 6 grid.
12 students
4 rows on a 6 by 6 grid.
14 students
4 rows on a 7 by 6 grid.
16 students
5 rows on a 7 by 7 grid.
18 students
5 rows on a 8 by 7 grid.
20 students
6 rows on a 8 by 8 grid.
22 students
6 rows on a 9 by 8 grid.
24 students
7 rows on a 9 by 9 grid.