Now each student has one storage bin (seen in the photo below), to house all their items. We realized the desk was a space to “lose” things. This, as it turns out, helped them to organize themselves. We no longer needed 5 folders, 3 spirals, and an excess of other items. The changing space also meant we had to rethink our supplies. I used some leftover bins from the dollar store (“Savers”) we used until my principal ordered 2 rolling bookshelves/cubbie holders. As we eliminated 4-6 desks at a time, sharing of available space was critical. At first, when a desk was removed from the room, two students shared one desk space to store their items.
With the removal of desks, I knew I needed storage for supplies. Q: How do you handle supplies and storage? With people all over the place, this is not noticeable. If it becomes too apparent, I simply ask them to walk or stand/move towards the back or side of the room. The constant movement kids, those with ADD or ADHD, are able to move easier and it isn’t a distraction. I learned to let go more and so did they. This takes getting used to but it only takes a short amount of time, and I realized we weren’t disturbing anyone the learning can still continue. With this arrangement, students do move around more. Things are in flux throughout the week and I find opportunities to move students, depending on the learning task. If that were true, the classroom would be a glorified traditional learning space with wonderful furniture. This took a while for students to understand they aren’t “cemented” to one spot all day. Every piece of furniture is movable in my room. Being comfortable and having every opportunity to learn are the priorities. I simply move their seat, letting them know they could be “comfortable” at the other end of the room. This translates to anyone goofing around/ not on task. I had the right to move students when their location wasn’t working for them. One of the rules was to sit/stand where you can do your best work. This helped them determine which location in the room and type of seating (or standing) worked best. I had stools already so students could either sit or stand at these.Įach student was required to try out a different option each day. I purchased 3 high tables (also from IKEA: table legs purchased separate from the table tops). The middle level seating were still the regular desks. The low seating was set up in groups of 6, 3, and 2 by themselves.Īn early version of the low and middle-level seating areas. I purchased cushions from IKEA on top of these for seating comfort. I removed the legs from 12 of my student desks. I started by setting up three “seating options” in my room: high, middle, and low. I wanted my students to be able to choose where they wanted to sit, based on their individual comfort and learning mode. My first goal was to provide choice and options for seating to maximize the ability to learn and collaborate. So I decided to change: Eliminate slowly, helping the students adjust to the concept.
#EYE CANDY 7 STUDENT DISCOUNT PLUS#
I knew 30 desks plus chairs would take up all the room in my class. This past year I was told to expect a large class (30+ students). The idea of flexible seating was worth the plunge. I enjoy trying new things and never have liked staying stagnant. I have been an educator in the same public school district for 31 years.
Everything I found, with only one exception, were strong testimonials to the benefit of this type of seating. I researched the concept of flexible or alternative seating for over a year before I took the plunge this past Fall (2016). What motivated you to set it up this way? Q: Tell me about the evolution of this classroom. This classroom takes a slightly different approach: Since shifting from traditional to flexible seating this past school year, 5th grade teacher Kelly Almer’s goal has been to continually simplify her classroom as much as possible, giving her students a clean, decluttered space to think and move freely.
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If the first few classrooms featured in our Classroom Eye Candy series have anything in common, it’s that they have all been very full-full of color and furniture, things hanging on the walls, and other small details that made them interesting and stimulating. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links if you purchase from Amazon after going through these links, Cult of Pedagogy receives a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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