Friday, July 28, 2017

Flexible Seating





This past year I had a class full of energetic, unique students each with an endearing special quality about them. They had to constantly be moving, talking, playing, always something new! My classroom was too small and too formal to be a successful learning environment for my students. Together (me using suggestive, leading ideas) came up with a plan to transform our classroom into a flexible seating paradise!


The students took a multiple intelligence test and researched about what helped them learn best. They then brainstormed options of seating, prices, and a realistic set up for our classroom. It was amazing the ownership the students developed over their ideas and ambitions to create a learning environment which fitted their needs. It was an unique bonding experience that I did not have with a class before, they flourished with the knowledge that I trusted them with these decisions.

Throughout the year our classroom went through MANY changes and reorganizing as we figured out how things work. It was a learning experience for all of us! Below are pictures of the various set ups we found.






I made the crate seats out of ply wood, stuffing, and fabric stapled around the wood. The link to the other seating options are below! Check out my other post about how I managed students picking their seats and organizing their materials.




As someone who like things neat, organized, and controlled this was a big leap for me to try this. It was SO worth it! The change I saw in my students focus was incredible. My students were so proud of their one of a kind room and were willing to do their best to keep this privilege.