A few years ago, I began my journey with flexible seating with some floor chair rockers I had at home. I brought them to my classroom and the students loved to sit in them during independent reading. They asked if they could use them throughout the day with clipboards. They told me they worked better when they were more comfortable, and I noticed a positive difference. So I brought a few more pillow cushions and my journey began.
This fall, through a generous grant from our Ed Foundation and PTSA, I was able to expand flexible seating in my classroom.
Why?
The 21st-century classroom promotes personalized learning so instruction is individualized for each student's skills, abilities, and interests. While explicit "whole-group" instruction does occur, more time is spent in collaborative small groups and one-on-one conferring. Brain research supports giving students options for movement and individual learning styles.
Research, Organization, and Procedures
Before making purchases, I spent much time researching flexible seating options and thinking how it would work best in my classroom. I came across many classrooms that were “deskless” and allowed students to select a work spot freely every day and throughout the day. Most had a variety of seating options that provided movement for students. Getting rid of desks provided more room for all of the seating options.
I agree that I would not want to sit in the same spot for 7 hours of school, however, for my management style, I wanted a “home base” for students. A place where students begin each day that they could call home and house their supplies and resources. I believe the “home base” provides structure and consistency for students.
I also notice that in many of these “deskless” classrooms, students house their supplies in bins that are placed in bookshelves around the room. Teachers rave about community supplies and book bins. While I also like supply and book bins, I wanted to minimize transitions. I didn’t want students or team/table captains getting up every time a supply was needed. So I decided to get bins that students could keep underneath their chair or table so they were easily accessible.
Seating Options at Student Desk (“Home Base”)
Chairs for Desks/Tables: While I believe a “home base” provides structure for students, I still wanted to provide a variety of seating options that help students “fidget” or “move” safely while at their desks. I noticed many classrooms incorporated yoga ball chairs and wobble stools. I wanted something that “centered” students and gave them the ability to move. I purchased three different types of chairs. I was unable to buy enough for the entire class, so 6 students a day are given the opportunity to sit in their chair of choice at home base. This enables each child to have a day where they can sit in a chair of their choice and requires little management from me. I simply rotate their nametags on the whiteboard. I have 12 new chairs so ½ the class has a special chair at home base each day.
* Virco “Leaning” Chair – The legs on this chair also look like a sled, but while you may not rock in this chair, you can lean back safely.
* Smith System/Flavors Noodle Chair – When you adjust sitting in this chair, you feel like you are on a yoga ball. It provides the sensory movement, while still centering a student in a chair.
Classroom Seating Options
Standing Desk: I found many standing desks that I would have loved to have in my classroom, but to stay within budget I bought a bar table. Drinks in the classroom? No, but they provide a great circle table that provides space for 2 or 3 standing students. They love it!
Cushion Sofa: Using floor cushions, and pillow cushions against a wall you can create a cozy little sofa in your room. Students love this and you can throw the pillow cushion covers in the wash, keeping them clean and fresh.
Scoop Rockers & Bean Bags: These are great! You can stack them when not in use so they don’t take a lot of space. They are portable and light so students can move them in any corner to work alone or in pairs.
Coffee Tables or Lowered Tables: Students also enjoy being on the floor with some cushions at a coffee table.
Lap Desks: Larger than a clipboard, students like to use these lap desks on all the flexible seating options.
Cozy Pet Pillows and Bath Rugs: Students enjoy laying down on these cozy spots to work.
Wobble Stools: I contemplated putting the stools at the home base desks, but opted to keep them at an extra circle table I have on the side. I prefer this location because all the wobbling can be distractive.
Sofa I’m hoping to add a sofa soon. The bean bags and cushion sofa are quite a hit, so I plan to add this as soon as I can.
In conclusion, I believe providing seating options has provided students to find a workspace that works for them. This process has required much thought, reflection, and evaluation. Before implementing or purchasing, it was essential to think about what the purpose and goals of flexible seating. I also needed to think thoroughly through my values for the classroom and specific procedures so that flexible seating aided instruction and learning. I think without a clear purpose or classroom procedures, the flexible seating options can easily become a chaotic distraction. Flexible seating is a personal journey. Just like unique student learning styles, each teacher needs to develop their own style and management system. I believe it’s a journey worth traveling through and student productivity, individuality, and creativity are enhanced by it.