In a traditional classroom, desks and chairs often crowd the space within the room. When you walk into a classroom with “Flexible Seating”, you would be greeted with open areas that include a variety of seating options. It means there would be a table lowered to a height to accommodate students sitting on a set of “wiggle cushions”, a table with a set of exercise balls as seats, a table hosting a set of “wobble stools”, a table adjusted to accommodate students who learn best by standing, and mats on the floor with lap desks.
Young learners often get “fidgety” sitting stationary behind a desk all day long and therefore are not fully engaged on their academics. Because they are active learners, their seating options need to allow movement and the opportunity to “get their wiggles out” in an appropriate, non-disruptive manner. When a student can find the type of seating that helps them learn the best, I’m accommodating the needs of the WHOLE learner. I’m working hard to meet their learning styles, as well as, their physical and sensory needs.
I eagerly asked my students if they would be interested in trying "Flexible Seating" during our last semester. Lacking the funds to properly equip the room, I got creative by lowering a table and placing "bleacher cushions" around it, raising a table for standing, purchasing exercise balls at a dollar store, and adding yoga mats. I'm amazed at how successful our very basic attempt at “Flexible Seating” has been. I can confidently report that MY students LOVE IT! They are feeling more successful now that ALL of their learning needs are being met. Providing and teaching the WHOLE learner makes for very happy, excited second graders and their teacher.
About my class
In a traditional classroom, desks and chairs often crowd the space within the room. When you walk into a classroom with “Flexible Seating”, you would be greeted with open areas that include a variety of seating options. It means there would be a table lowered to a height to accommodate students sitting on a set of “wiggle cushions”, a table with a set of exercise balls as seats, a table hosting a set of “wobble stools”, a table adjusted to accommodate students who learn best by standing, and mats on the floor with lap desks.
Young learners often get “fidgety” sitting stationary behind a desk all day long and therefore are not fully engaged on their academics. Because they are active learners, their seating options need to allow movement and the opportunity to “get their wiggles out” in an appropriate, non-disruptive manner. When a student can find the type of seating that helps them learn the best, I’m accommodating the needs of the WHOLE learner. I’m working hard to meet their learning styles, as well as, their physical and sensory needs.
I eagerly asked my students if they would be interested in trying "Flexible Seating" during our last semester. Lacking the funds to properly equip the room, I got creative by lowering a table and placing "bleacher cushions" around it, raising a table for standing, purchasing exercise balls at a dollar store, and adding yoga mats. I'm amazed at how successful our very basic attempt at “Flexible Seating” has been. I can confidently report that MY students LOVE IT! They are feeling more successful now that ALL of their learning needs are being met. Providing and teaching the WHOLE learner makes for very happy, excited second graders and their teacher.
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