As a first year teacher working in a school that is in it's first year many of our classroom furniture is from the old high school. This includes my old school desks. As times have changed some of the desks are tiny compared paired to my 8th grade students which is why I would like to be able to get tables into my classroom. I also have noticed a desire need for movement in the classroom.
With the rebuilding stronger initiative many students went from a K-8 setting with recess and specials.
In the new 6-8 model kids are missing the amount of movement and are expected to sit for much longer then they are used to. I believe flexible seating would heightened engagement as many kids ask to sit on the floor and other weird locations. However, I do not let them because it can be heard to write or see the board from the floor. These seating styles would eliminate this problem.
I would eventually love to have all tables in my room but that is out of the budget right now, and instead I have been focusing on these flexible seating options. Flexible seating supports middle school students by promoting comfort, choice, and collaboration. It allows them to select seating arrangements that suit their individual learning styles, enhancing focus and engagement. This approach encourages movement, reduces restlessness, and fosters a sense of autonomy. By providing varied options—such as standing desks, bean bags, or floor seating—students can adapt to different tasks, improving concentration and boosting creativity. Overall, flexible seating creates a more dynamic and personalized learning environment.
If there is a generous donor who would be able to make this possible for my entire classroom please let me know and we can brainstorm together!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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