What is Flexible Seating?
Last year, I stumbled across a blog post about flexible seating. I had heard this term used before, but never really considered what it meant in terms of a classroom setting. Basically, flexible seating is exactly what it sounds like: students picking their seat based on their individual needs and from a variety of seating options.
I started reading research about how letting kids choose their type of seating improved their ability to focus and collaborate. Who wouldn't want that in their classroom? I then started thinking about how I work best. I like to sit with my legs crossed on a chair, and I also love to work on the floor. As an adult, we have the ability to get up and move our bodies whenever we want. In school, we expect kids to sit and move when WE tell them to. Why not give some of that power back to them? Why not let them do what is best for THEM?
If you want to read more about flexible seating:
Flexible Seating and Student-Centered Classroom Re-Design
ALL IN on Flexible Seating and Why You Should Be Too: A Principal's Perspective
I started reading research about how letting kids choose their type of seating improved their ability to focus and collaborate. Who wouldn't want that in their classroom? I then started thinking about how I work best. I like to sit with my legs crossed on a chair, and I also love to work on the floor. As an adult, we have the ability to get up and move our bodies whenever we want. In school, we expect kids to sit and move when WE tell them to. Why not give some of that power back to them? Why not let them do what is best for THEM?
If you want to read more about flexible seating:
Flexible Seating and Student-Centered Classroom Re-Design
ALL IN on Flexible Seating and Why You Should Be Too: A Principal's Perspective
How Do I Use it in My Classroom?
After researching and consulting with our Occupational Therapist, I dove into applying flexible seating in my classroom. I started small; lowering 1 table to the floor and raising 1 table to standing level. I was BLOWN AWAY with how instantly successful the students were with it! They were working well with peers, focusing for longer periods of time, and all around happier to sit and do their work. I ended up lowering another table (that is definitely their favorite) and encouraging students to also work on the floor.
Going into the 2016-2017 school year, I am ALL IN on flexible seating. Our Kindergarten classroom consists of 3 main tables: a standing, a floor sitting, and traditional chairs. Additionally, all over the room you will see different types of seating options the students can use such as stools, adirondack chairs, yoga mats, and even a tent! The students will learn how to access all seating and materials from the very beginning of the year, and choosing our seating option for the day will become part of our regular routine and procedure.
Going into the 2016-2017 school year, I am ALL IN on flexible seating. Our Kindergarten classroom consists of 3 main tables: a standing, a floor sitting, and traditional chairs. Additionally, all over the room you will see different types of seating options the students can use such as stools, adirondack chairs, yoga mats, and even a tent! The students will learn how to access all seating and materials from the very beginning of the year, and choosing our seating option for the day will become part of our regular routine and procedure.
2015-206 School Year Flexible Seating
2016-2017 School Year Flexible Seating