An uncomfortable student is a distracted and unproductive student. I would like to give my 4th-grade students the opportunity to learn in a classroom that has more engaging and comfortable seating choices to help them personalize their learning experiences. Research shows that non-traditional seating provides students with choices in their classroom, they feel more empowered and can take ownership of their education. This type of seating is very beneficial for peer-to-peer interactions that builds students’ social skills, enhances students’ academic skills and creates positivity toward learning.
Flexible seating gives students the opportunity to work in spaces that can support their individual learning styles while promoting creativity, choice, responsibility, and collaboration.
For the past two years, I have been trying to incorporate flexible seating options in my classroom. Right now, my students are able to work in a many locations within our room. There is a futon, they can sit on the floor with clip boards, and use fitness balls as their seats at the computers. When students are comfortable and relaxed they are motivated.
The beauty of flexible seating is that there are multiple uses for each seating option. For example, the stools can be used at a desk or table for whole group instruction or small group work while providing a little more movement than a traditional chair. The floor cushions and lap desks will allow students to sit away from the traditional desk and have more peer interactions while still having a hard surface for writing. The carpet will give our classroom a comfy meeting space every morning and during engaging lessons on the SmartBoard. It will also give them another seating option where they can sit or lay on the floor and practice math facts and while playing math games.
About my class
An uncomfortable student is a distracted and unproductive student. I would like to give my 4th-grade students the opportunity to learn in a classroom that has more engaging and comfortable seating choices to help them personalize their learning experiences. Research shows that non-traditional seating provides students with choices in their classroom, they feel more empowered and can take ownership of their education. This type of seating is very beneficial for peer-to-peer interactions that builds students’ social skills, enhances students’ academic skills and creates positivity toward learning.
Flexible seating gives students the opportunity to work in spaces that can support their individual learning styles while promoting creativity, choice, responsibility, and collaboration.
For the past two years, I have been trying to incorporate flexible seating options in my classroom. Right now, my students are able to work in a many locations within our room. There is a futon, they can sit on the floor with clip boards, and use fitness balls as their seats at the computers. When students are comfortable and relaxed they are motivated.
The beauty of flexible seating is that there are multiple uses for each seating option. For example, the stools can be used at a desk or table for whole group instruction or small group work while providing a little more movement than a traditional chair. The floor cushions and lap desks will allow students to sit away from the traditional desk and have more peer interactions while still having a hard surface for writing. The carpet will give our classroom a comfy meeting space every morning and during engaging lessons on the SmartBoard. It will also give them another seating option where they can sit or lay on the floor and practice math facts and while playing math games.
Read more