Flexible Seating
Flexible seating options are a way that can help students engage deeper in their learning environment. Rather than confining kids to traditional tables and chairs, teachers are giving students lots of different seating options so that children can take control of their learning and find a classroom work space that feels best to them.
Why flexible seating...
- CHOICE: students may choose where they want to work
- COLLABORATION: they have more opportunities to work with different students
- COMFORT: students may do their work where they are most comfortable in the classroom
- COOL: students may move around throughout the day; they’re not stuck in just one spot
How to Set Up Flexible Seating
1. Think Through Flexible Seating in your Classroom
Think where the flexible seating will be housed in the classroom. Consider if you will have flexible seating stations where the seating will remain fixed, or if students will be able to retrieve flexible seating to bring it to their desk. Think if students will need to return the flexible seating options and the procedures for that.
2. Teach Expectations
Before allowing students to access flexible seating, teach the expectations around using flexible seating. Post the expectations for flexible seating so you can reference it quickly if students need reminders. Click here for FREE editable flexible seating expectations!
3. Consider Using a Flexible Seating Contract
Once students know the taught expectations, you can have them sign a contract that they will follow the agreed upon expectations. Please click here for a free flexible seating contract.
4. Praise Positive Behavior
Publicly praise students that are following the expectations of flexible seating. This can be done as a class with a whole class reward system or individually. Know that students are going to fall off of flexible seating options. Students fall out of all chair options from time to time. It is important to remind the student of the expectations.
Please note flexible seating does not work for all students. Make sure you read all IEPs and 504s thoroughly so you know your students' needs when it comes to seating. Flexible seating will be beneficial to so many students, though!
Think where the flexible seating will be housed in the classroom. Consider if you will have flexible seating stations where the seating will remain fixed, or if students will be able to retrieve flexible seating to bring it to their desk. Think if students will need to return the flexible seating options and the procedures for that.
2. Teach Expectations
Before allowing students to access flexible seating, teach the expectations around using flexible seating. Post the expectations for flexible seating so you can reference it quickly if students need reminders. Click here for FREE editable flexible seating expectations!
3. Consider Using a Flexible Seating Contract
Once students know the taught expectations, you can have them sign a contract that they will follow the agreed upon expectations. Please click here for a free flexible seating contract.
4. Praise Positive Behavior
Publicly praise students that are following the expectations of flexible seating. This can be done as a class with a whole class reward system or individually. Know that students are going to fall off of flexible seating options. Students fall out of all chair options from time to time. It is important to remind the student of the expectations.
Please note flexible seating does not work for all students. Make sure you read all IEPs and 504s thoroughly so you know your students' needs when it comes to seating. Flexible seating will be beneficial to so many students, though!
Flexible Seating Contract
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Flexible seating contracts are an excellent way to hold students accountable and encourage them to uphold your classroom flexible seating rules.
Click here to print your Flexible Seating Contract! |
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Flexible Seating Ideas
DIY Flexible Seating
This DIY crate seating allows room for storage while having flexible seating options for the students.
This type of seating is great for small groups or seating in the classroom library.
