Hybrid Flexible Seating

Funded Sep 5, 2021

My students are absolutely loving the new flexible options in my classroom! They are on a rotating schedule between the different table choices and everything is available during free time. When I have visitors from other grades they are always excited to choose between floor, chair, or standing tables. For my very little students, they love being able to be near the floor instead of a chair that is too large for their feet to touch the ground. In addition to loving the choices, my students never complain about being uncomfortable anymore because of the cushions and the big blue carpet. With 24 (soon to be 25) students it used to be difficult to organize into a perfect circle for circle time. Now with the big blue circular carpet we get it done with ease every time!

When my I got the text message from our school custodian saying our order had arrived I shared it with the class and there was intense excitement from the class. Even more so when they came back to school the next day and the classroom was rearranged and a big blue carpet was in our carpet/circle area. An unintended benefit to the floor cushions and the big blue carpet are that they are a sensory tool for students that self stimulate. Both the cushions and carpet have calming textures for running your hands on.

Next steps for my class are to make sure that everyone has had a chance to rotate through the different zones and options available for flexible seating and have students identify which choice works best for them and why. This self-awareness will help my learners get more in touch with themselves and advocate for their best learning practices. My students love their choices and I cannot wait to share this classroom with next year's group.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Silva