There is a common debate on whether lunch tables should be assigned, or student-picked. Most reasons for a seating arrangement at lunch has to do with inclusion and making friends. These things could also be avoided in other cases.
It is believed by some that having assigned seats at lunch eliminates the stress and worry of trying to find a seat. Experts agree that developing social-emotional skills is very important and should be prioratized. The table talk at school lunch tables gives students the opportunity to get closer with peers and demonstrate how to make conversations with others in the future. Breaking down groups allows students to blend, encouraging meeting new people and making new friends. With all ages and social groups, this overall benefits the school’s culture.
On the other hand, 98% of teens say they have one or more close friends, while only 2% say they don’t consider anyone to be a close friend. Some ways to make kids feel included are providing different options in completing assignments. Suggesting many ways to go about the students’ learning helps the kids feel responsible for their learning and comfortable with their atmosphere. Another way to include all, is to have recognition of the students’ personal life out of school. Having games and fun activities can include many and help bring school into a positive environment in kids' minds. All of these ideas are things schools can do to help kids feel comfortable, welcome, and included in school without changing a seating arrangement.
In my opinion, I think including students in ways that are more controlled by teachers is much more effective than hoping the kids at lunch tables are kind and encouraging to others. What do you think?
Do you think there should be assigned seats at lunch? Why or why not?
Would blending all social groups encourage new friendships?
What are some other ways to include all students?
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/11/28/teens-friendships-and-online-groups/
https://appletasticlearning.com/how-to-make-students-feel-like-they-belong/
https://www.k12dive.com/news/assigned-cafeteria-seating-can-improve-school-culture/565825/
Replies
In my high school years, I have seen a lot of upsetting things happen at lunch tables. Some kids will band together and kick one person out, others will bring in kids just to make fun of them, but most just keep to themselves. With that being said, I personally do not think they should make assigned seating during lunch because most kids do have their own friend groups, and those who don't usually just sit by themselves, which they probably don't mind.
Yes I feel like that's totally true. Some kids that do sit by themselves probably want to be there by themselves. If someone truly wanted to sit with someone they would make some sort of effort and probably succeed. Kids here at school are totally willing to let people into friend groups if they reach out.
I don't think we should have assigned seats at lunch because we have assigned seats in classes. Also it's our lunch break and we should be able to pick where we sit. I also think that we don't need assigned seats because you can make new friends if you invite them to sit with you at lunch.
I agree, having a blend of everyone with seating arrangements in other classes is certainly similar to this lunch situation. However, lunch is a very social hour so more coversations would possibly go on causing kids to get to know each other better.
I think there should not be assigned seats at lunch. We already go all day from class to class having assigned seats this is our one break to get to sit by our actual friends which many teachers don't let us do that during class. I think that throughout the day we have class projects and other things during class that we should be able to get a break and get to go with friends some time during the day and I think that should be lunch time.
That's true, having a break from classes is nice and to socialize and talk with your friends is a great way to relax. With assigned seats at lunch though, there could possibly be more time where you could make new friends! Whether is sounds exciting or not, the school might benefit.
I don't think should be assigned seats at lunch this is the only time people get to sit by their friends this is kinda like our social period and kinda like their break I personally wouldn't like having assigned lunch because this is my time to get away from annoying people. I also feel like there are people who would love to make people feel included if there is room at their table.
That's definetely a problem. Kids would get annoyed with one another leading to the opposite happenings. Kids wouldn't make friends and socialize, they might not get into positive relationships. But, that is including people and maybe that's whats better?
I don't think that there should be assigned seats at lunch because I like talking with my friends about our classes, homework or gossiping about people. I think that mixing different social groups together won't really encourage new friendships. I think it would just be very awkward eating with a bunch of random people you don't know.
That could happen, though I think it might be awkward the first coupld days or weeks but eventually get better. Obviously super social people wouldn't stay quiet all lunch period. In the long run, I think people would start to creat small talk and overall get to know each other better.
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