Q: Don’t students just get sleepy and tired in the more comfortable seats?
A: Actually research has shown that students are focused, pay better attention and get more done with flexible seating options!
Q: Will it help all students?
A: Nothing is right for all students, so there are probably always going to be a few students who need a traditional chair and desk or table. I keep 3-4 in my classroom for this reason.
Q: What about standardized testing?
A: My principal was fine with students using flexible seating during standardized tests. They were very focused. However; if not, you could arrange for students to use the computer lab, another teacher’s room, or have the custodian bring desks and chairs in for the test.
Q: If they don’t have a desk, where do they keep their stuff?
A: Cubbies, bins, storage containers on bookshelves, chair pockets… there are many options!! My students keep quite a few things in a central location, like their large 300 page reading books.
Q: Will students compete to get the favorite spots?
A: There probably will be some popular spots. I’d recommend that you let students pick seats the day before. I use a lottery system and draw numbers randomly and they place their magnet on the seating chart before they go home the day before.
Q: Is it expensive?
A: Not necessarily. Some things can be procured for cheap, such as the stools I ordered from IKEA and the other stools I got with my Scholastic bonus points. Some items can be found for free or cheap, like at yard sales or Craig’s List!
Q: Why not?
A: Remember, “We miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” (Wayne Gretzsky), so why not?! Take a shot!
If you want more details, grab my free EBOOK on flexible seating! It goes into more specifics and will really help you get going!
CLICK HERE or on the image below!
