What is Flexible Seating?

We, in 2^nd grade, love flexible seating! Our kids enjoy having the freedom to choose where they work best.  We have seen a big change in student behavior and productivity since implementing flexible seating in our classrooms.  Have students that need to move? No problem! Stick them on a yoga ball, wobble disk/chair, and watch those wiggles help them learn! While some students still choose a traditional seat option, most students prefer alternative seating.  The students have to cooperate and work out among themselves where to sit each day and to see the conversations and negotiations taking place is awesome! Students take on the responsibility for choosing where they learn best and who they sit next to, which places the accountability on the child to make a great choice.  Kids figure out very quickly their own learning style and how to choose for an academic setting versus sitting near a friend.  It is awesome to see children being empowered!

When asked what their favorite thing is about flexible seating, here is what some 2^nd graders had to say:

“I like getting to pick where I learn best every day.” –Rakkan in Mrs. Palmer’s class

“It allows me to spread out to a different space in the classroom to do my work.” – Rory from Ms. Macha’s class

“It’s just cool because it helps us relax.” – Kannon and Nick from Ms. Bastian’s class

“I like that I am able to choose any seat and there are many different types of seating. We’re not only limited to the chairs.” – Virginia

My personal favorite:

“Why would anyone want to sit in a boring, hard chair all day?!” – Anika in Mrs. Palmer’s class

We are thankful to have the support and opportunity to have flexible seating in our classrooms and we encourage you to try it out for yourself! There are many different options and styles, so feel free to come take a look in our rooms. Be FLEXIBLE! J