Flexible Seating

Why Flexible Seating?

I remember being in elementary school. There was always one spot, area, or chair in the classroom that every child wanted to occupy or use. My third grade teacher had a huge bean bag chair in her reading area. She would chose one student to use that chair for the day. It was so comfortable and relaxing. Every student made sure to be on their best behavior to earn their turn and to keep their turn once they were chosen. I loved to do my work in that chair. I felt as though I did my best work there because I was so relaxed and so willing to complete my work.

Thinking back to how I felt when I was given that choice for the day, made all the difference in my mood. I had a choice. I had freedom to do my work in a manner that better suited me. Giving students choice allows them to make a decision where they can do their best learning. As educators, we understand that not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. We must also be aware that not all students do their best work in the same way. The traditional setting of having students sit at desks, with regular chairs, is not fair to them. I am guilty of assuming that most of my students are comfortable with this style of seating.

As a second grade teacher, I am always looking for ways to keep my students motivated and engaged. We take brain breaks throughout the day because they are seven and eight year old who need frequent movement. They need to move around and stretch. When they are forced to sit for long periods of time, they lose focus. Flexible seating will increase student motivation and engagement. Instead of having a student sit on a regular chair and fidget, allow them to stand or sit on a yoga ball.

My Vision

Above is a google drawing image, I designed, of a flexible seating classroom. There are many different areas and types of seating being utilized.

Class meeting area- This area is used for whole group discussions and sharing. Here is where we would start in the morning to have our daily morning meetings. During math, we would use this area as a meeting point to display and share our work. A white board is also at the front of the room to aid us in the sharing process. During reading and writing, we would also meet here as a group to share.

Group Tables- There are three different types of group seating. One option would be the table closest to the floor. Students will be provided with pillows or cushions to sit or kneel on to complete their work. Many of my second graders love doing their work on the floor, using only a clipboard. Many will also try and kneel on their chair, instead of sitting on their bottoms. A second option would be the high table for standing or sitting on high stools. Sitting, for some students, is especially difficult. I have several students throughout the day that ask if they can stand to do their work. The third option for group seating is a table with yoga balls. I have seen yoga ball seating be used for several students who have trouble with fidgeting. They are able to bounce a little while completing work. These students seem to understand that it is important not to bounce to hard. Group work and partner work would be completed at these tables. For testing, students would use privacy folders.

Computer cubbies/ Individual work area- Each class is given one or two student computers. This is the place where that computer would be stored. This is also the place where students can go to work independently or for a cool down. It is important to provide a space like this in every classroom. Students should have a place to go if they want to work alone or if they feel as though they need a place to regroup until they are ready to rejoin the class.

Small group meeting area- The purpose of this area is for small group or intervention work. Group sizes for this area would be no more than six. Students will use crates as seats in this area. This is an area for the teacher to meet with small groups or intervention groups to work.

Library/ lounge area – All of our class’ books would be stored in this area. We have a classroom library as well as our ARC books. Students will be able to use this area to read during our thirty minutes of independent reading.

Teacher/student conference area- This is an area I would use to meet with students one on one during our writing or ARC time.

IPads- This would be a class set of IPads to use.

Student Storage Area- Since we will not be using traditional desk, this will be a storage space for individual and group supplies.

Classroom Management

This would be something that I would implement at the beginning of the year. Setting expectations and having them posted would be key. I saw a set of rules/ expectations on Pinterest and thought it was perfect!

With younger students, it is really important to set one’s expectations and follow through with them. If students are not doing their best work in the area that they chose, move them. If you move a student, explain to them why. You can even give them another chance to be responsible and try again another day.

Many teachers are terrified to consider flexible seating with younger students because they don’t think they are mature enough to handle it. I think the opposite. Students at this age are more mature than we think. They know what works best for them. They know what helps them learn. It is time for us to listen to our students and take into consideration their wants and needs. There are more benefits to flexible seating than concerns.