Flexible Seating

This school year I had many different options for flexible seating including 3 different types of wobble cushions, a beanbag, two floor chairs, and many small tables around the room that students could sit at during group activities.  These seating arrangements provide students options while also giving them a space where they can focus.  I tried my best to include seating that would allow students the maximum amount of sensory input without being distracting.

During the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, I did not have a classroom where I taught my students.  Instead, I taught in a common area between classrooms.  This proved to be a unique challenge as I figured out how to ensure that my students had the best possible chances to learn and focus in a busy common space, especially since many of my students were highly distractible.  After doing some research, I came up with a possible solution; flexible seating.  I had to get creative because I had neither the space nor funds for wobble chairs or standing desks.  To remediate this issue, I visited Crayons to Computers (a local nonprofit organization which allows teachers to get supplies for free) and picked up two preschool tables.  To go with these tables I bought some cushions for the floor.  These provided some options for students who benefit form seating options.  Instead of standing desks, I asked the music teacher for an extra music stand, which she agreed to provide me.  Not pictured are wobble cushions that the students can choose to use either on the floor or on their chairs for added sensory input. I also typically park my desk chair at a desk away from the learning area so that I can circulate and provide my students with in-the-moment feedback. My students very much enjoy using these different seating options, especially as it provides a welcome break from the general education classrooms and allows for a warm and engaging learning environment.