We have been hearing the term ‘flexible seating’ a lot lately. I’ve read where some call it a new fad and say they are not jumping on the alternative seating bandwagon. I am not really sure if flexible seating is a new idea though. I have some pretty fond and vivid memories of my kindergarten days back in 1980. We sat on a huge rug and listened to our teacher read stories and instruct, we could work in different areas of the room, and we had a large cardboard house we would go in and read our books to each other. See…sounds a lot like flexible seating doesn’t it? No wonder I loved my kindergarten experience!
Whether it is a new fad or not, classrooms that have implemented flexible seating have reported some pretty remarkable things. Improved grades, happier and more engaged students, as well as students having more stimulating conversations are just a few things that have been reported. ({Fist pump} Sign me up!)
Now you may be asking yourself, “Is flexible seating right for me?” What we really have to ask ourselves is, “Is it right for my students?” You have to take a long hard look at your group of kiddos and decide what would be the best type of learning environment for them. Whatever your decision is, be sure it allows your students to work collaboratively, communicate, and engage in critical thinking.
If you are ready to transition to flexible seating then read on to get some tips on how to implement it in your classroom.
How to implement Flexible Seating in your classroom
Before you begin
Make sure you have a discussion with your administrator about implementing flexible seating in your classroom. You will want their support and thumbs-up before you begin.
Classroom Arrangement
Start by taking a look at your classroom size. Decide on how you will arrange your classroom. Look at Pinterest to get some inspiration. (You can always count on Pinterest for wonderful ideas!) Here are a few things to keep in mind…
Desks- It is good to keep some in the room. Some children have different body styles and are not comfortable working on the floor. Some students just prefer to work at a desk.
You will want an area or space for whole group instruction.
Where will you store student’s books and materials?
Will your classroom supplies be community supplies?
Flexible Seating Options
What types of options will you offer in your room? Check out the list below to get some ideas. Don’t be limited to only these ideas. Be creative! When it comes to flexible seating ideas the sky’s the limit.
bouncy bands
wobble (hokki) stools
wobble seat cushion
stability balls
yoga mats
pillows
tables lowered down to the floor
standing desks
pedal desks– or create your own by putting these under your desks.
scoop rockers
crate seats
stools
futon
bean bags
bath rugs
lap trays
other items to add are rugs, lighting, and music
Funding
There are many funding options for flexible seating items.
1. Garage sales or resale shops are great places to find some gently used items at a bargain of a price.
2. Dollar Tree, Five Below, and the Target Dollar Spot will often have flexible seating items for only $5.00 or less.
3. If your school has a Parent Teacher Organization you can submit a request for items. PTO organizations are more than happy to support classroom activities and ideas. My PTO purchased my scoop rockers, futon, wiggle cushions, and stability balls.
4. You can ask for donations from your classroom parents. You can do this by sending home a letter or by writing a Donorschoose grant. Get your students excited about the idea and their parents will be more likely to make a donation to your project.
Management
In order for flexible seating to be successful, you will need a strong classroom management plan.
Start with developing an anchor chart with flexible seating expectations and rules with the students. Ask them what they think would be good rules and expectations. Use these ideas, as well as your own, to develop your set of rules. Check out Megan Snable’s free Flexible Teaching Resource here.
A flexible seating student contract is another way to make your students accountable. I found this free resource available here that also includes a parent letter as well.
As you roll out your flexible seating you will want to model what it will look like. Revisit your anchor chart every day in the beginning of implementation to give your students the reminder they will need. Make sure you are giving lots of praise for properly used resources. There funare lots of fun brag tags on Teachers Pay Teachers to reward your students for a job well done.
Enforce your rules. Don’t forget to be firm, be consistent, and be fair. You will have to give your students a chance to prove themselves. Don’t be surprised when they amaze you!
Flexible Seating and Whole Brain Teaching
I use Whole Brain Teaching in my 2nd-grade classroom for my overall classroom management plan. This year I wanted editable posters to be able to have the option to diversify the 5 rules to make them more suitable for flexible seating.
I made these (EDITABLE) posters below that can be found in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop, Carrie Mayville at Hometown Happy Teacher.
I hope this post gives you some ideas on how to implement flexible seating in your classroom!
*This was first published on July 5, 2016 at hometownhappyteacher.com
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