I decided that the images in my Lightroom catalogue that best illustrate the theme of arranged would be a few from my files of classroom pictures. I bypassed many because they show students’ faces, and I do not have their permission to post them; therefore, I chose to show the classroom devoid of teenagers. I hope that you enjoy a look into my workplace in all of its various arrangements. (These shots were taken with the Canon G12 and aren’t as sharp as those from my Nikon D90. I know that the G12 is capable of producing good images; I think I just haven’t learned how to use it.)

You can see that the arrangement of papers on my desk is messy, reflecting my mind; this must have been lunch-time or the end of the day. It also shows that I am working on at least five tasks at one time.

What's the saying: a cluttered desk is a sign of genius?

These files were arranged by category at the beginning of the year. Now, the files in the 1st 1/4 of the drawer were moved off piles on by desk and floor and are waiting to be filed. I bet that might happen in August when the new year begins.

At least the files are arranged in some semblance of order. Another drawer contains stacks of random papers without the hint of organization.

This shot shows my typical arrangement of desks, which are configured so that each student has a partner; I use a lot of “turn to your partner and discuss…” type of strategies. They can easily turn the desks around to enable small groups of four for a more extended small group discussion.

I try to teach the students how to work together.

When the students walk into a new arrangement, they complain; they like stability. I like to mix things up and arrange the desks to suit the lesson.

Arranged for whole class discussion of a short story.

Ah! My desk is neatly arranged. This must have been at the beginning of a day, before clutter and chaos rule. Lately, I haven’t been able to see the desk, even at the start of the day.

Before students bring their teenage enthusiasm into the room