Beyond Desks and Chairs

Alternative Seating in 21st Century Classrooms

BEYOND DESKS AND CHAIRS

ore than just an educational trend, flexible seating in the 21st century classroom has become an important tool for both teachers and students. The benefits of alternative seating enhances the learning experience for the student and allows teachers to meet the needs of all their students. With a grant through the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, the district is able to provide students with more alternative seating options in the classroom. M BY NICOLE STRACEK

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On top of the list of benefits that alternative seating provides students is choice. When students are given a choice, they become empowered and can be more open to learning in an environment they feel comfortable in. Heather Bender, second grade teacher at Baxter Elementary School, uses a wide variety of alternative seating in her classroom such as Hoki chairs (wobble stools), rocker chairs, soft seating, cubes and cylinders. She also incorporates different sizes of tables that are low and standing height. Heather emphasizes that, “Giving students a choice certainly can be a positive experience. It gives them a chance to make a choice that’s best for them; self advocacy empowers them to be an independent learner and teaches them to persevere through social roadblocks that may come up.” Lisa Miller, first grade teacher at Nisswa Elementary, says the benefits of incorporating flexible seating within her classroom provides her students with not only a choice in seating options, but a chance to do their best in an environment that assists with learning. “Flexible seating gives students an opportunity to utilize their learning environment to its fullest and in turn helps them to do their best learning. This choice helps stu- “We differentiate and modify our curriculum to accommodate students’ needs, why wouldn’t we differentiate their learning environment as well?” Heather Bender, second grade teacher at Baxter Elementary School

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dents feel empowered and to have some control over their learning environment. Flexible seating also brings comfort to some students, since they can pick the seating that helps them stay calm, focused and

“Learning and students are very different than years ago.” Lisa Miller, first grade teacher at Nisswa Elementary

productive,” shared Lisa. In addition to providing students with a choice, their physical health is also benefiting from alternative seating in the classroom. When movement and sensory needs are being met, the increase in physical activity can foster higher academic performance and improved behavior. “It is no secret that kids need to move. Students who can’t move have a harder time staying focused. When students are moving it gets the blood flowing, which brings more oxygen to the brain which leads to an increase in their learning abilities. Flexible seating allows students to bounce, lean, wobble, twist, pedal, kick, roll, stand, kneel and sit to best fit their needs. Flexible seating also gives some students with sensory input needs (common in students with ADHD, ADD and ASD) the type of stimulation to help them stay focused,” says Lisa Miller. However, not every student will need alternative seating options but having the option for those who do can have a huge impact on learning. “Not all students need a choice. Many will function just fine with a

“As for teachers, flexible seating is a win/win for us and the students. It is another tool to help students be more and more successful within their learning environment and to stay focused.” - Miller

desk and chair. But I’ve found flexible seating doesn’t bother the kids who don’t have a preference. They are adaptable and enjoy the choice,” shared Nathan Macejkovic, fourth grade teacher at Baxter Elementary. The traditional model of “one size fits all” for seating options in the 21st century is becoming a less sought-after classroom environment. Most notably for younger students who are notorious for needing extra stimulation and movement through the day. Nathan also notes the benefits of alternative seating gives his students a place to focus that embraces movement. “The ability to actively move to keep attention focused or relieve anxiety helps their achievement. I’ve also found the ability to move a great classroom management tool. It has given students the permission and freedom to move away from a distracting student and has therefore lessened distractions and interpersonal conflict between students.” Flexible seating within a classroom also helps bring emotional health into focus. “Not every student fits the mold to thrive in a standard chair at a table with other peers. Students have different social/emotional needs, medical diagnoses and academic roadblocks. Giving them the environmental tools to be successful can often be the first step in supporting their academic needs,” noted Heather Bender.

Beyond the emotional and physical aspects of alternative seating is building community and collaboration. Traditional desks can often lead to students becoming territorial about their space and supplies. This can hinder the value behind community and collaboration within the classroom. “Flexible seating encourages students to share supplies, ideas, problem solving and take turns. Students are set up to more easily work in small groups and pair up verses being in rows and desks all day long. This format helps set kids up for the real-world environment,” shared Lisa Miller. The result of alternative seating choices in the classroom continues to be on the rise making students more active, engaged and excited about learning while teachers have additional tools to help students be successful.

“Not all students need a choice. Many will function just fine with a desk and chair. But I’ve found flexible seating doesn’t bother the kids who don’t have a preference.” Nathan Macejkovic, fourth grade teacher at Baxter Elementary.

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