Flexible Seating

When you visit our classroom, you will notice the physical layout of our room looks somewhat different from a traditional classroom. This is because we are implementing a research-based concept for classroom design called flexible seating. I piloted this concept on a limited basis with administrative support a few years ago. What began as a few cushions and wobble stools in our classroom has expanded over the years, making us an official flexible seating classroom.

Flexible seating is a concept rooted in educational research that encourages students to choose their type of seating based on their learning preferences. For example, some students prefer to stand while learning, so we have a standing table (with stools if they want to periodically sit down). Some students prefer to sit on the floor or on their knees, so we have a low table for students to sit around. Some students prefer a traditional table, so we have some of these that provide traditional seats. I am especially aware of students who might need to move while working. These students can enjoy doing their work seated on a movable wobble chair or a yoga ball. We also have clipboards we can use while sitting on the couch or camp chairs.

All together, our classroom has over 30 different seating options available for our approximately 20 students. Whether your child prefers to sit in a traditional seat or explore a non-traditional posture, our classroom is designed to increase communication, learning and creativity.

Students are not locked-in to a seating assignment and will have the ability to make a different seating choice when we switch subjects throughout the day, as their academic needs dictate. For example, some students may want to use a traditional type of seat during math, but then use a yoga mat while reading a favorite novel. The choice and freedom is theirs as long as they're exercising a responsible choice that helps them be academically successful. To this end, we will devote time in the first few weeks to establish an understanding of how to make appropriate choices and how to self-monitor our behavior and focus in this environment.

Over the past several years I have researched ways to design more collaborative spaces for students to work. Flexible seating in our classroom will allow our students the freedom to foster their creativity, work in groups, become mindful of their own learning behaviors and needs, and give them a feeling of ownership and peace while in the academic setting.