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I am majoring in college to be an elementary teacher. In my class this semester, we discussed how using flexible seating, such as yoga balls or beanbags, helps different students be able to focus more easily when working. #1stchat
Q1: I am in college studying special education and regular education. I have seen many different types of seating including medicine balls, bean bags, half-way blown up beach balls, chairs with a rubber band across the bottom leg, and much more! #1stchat
They are in favor of using flexible seating in the classroom. Each student learns differently, so as the teacher, we must adapt our classroom to fit their learning needs #1stchat
A1: I'm going to college to become an elementary school teacher, so I do not have a classroom or any pictures to show. From what I know of flexible seating that I would like to have are bean bags, little couches, sitting on the floor or standing and any others needed. #1stchat
I love the idea of standing desks. I have a table that I raised so kids can stand, but it is usually stacked with supplies. I need to be better about keeping it cleared.😊#1stchat
A2: I have allowed free choice for 2 years after teaching Ss how to make good choices of who to sit by and types of seating, this year I had to go back to assigned due to Ss needing more structure #1stchat
A2: I, personally, think that for elementary students there should be assigned seats. This allows the teacher to have more control over what is happening in the classroom. #1stchat
A2: Had to give a home base spot this year, but rarely are they there. We move around a lot. Choice, choice, choice! Lots of time spent at rug area too! #1stchat
A2: I do not have a classroom of my own, yet but in the class I am pre-student teaching in there is free seating but the students have name tags at their desk and they bring the name tags with them wherever they decide to sit. #1stchat
I like those bouncy chairs, they look like they are good for students who have high energy, have ADHD, or just have a difficult time sitting and focusing on class. #1stchat
A2: I, personally, think that for elementary students there should be assigned seats. This allows the teacher to have more control over what is happening in the classroom. #1stchat
A2 We have assigned "home base" seats. Ss sit there for some whole group, but they can move around during readers workshop or other independent work times. #1stchat
A2: I think that having assigned seats or not just depends on the students, if they are good working next to whoever they want then I don't see the need. If the students get too distracted next to certain people, then I think assigned seats are a good idea. #1stchat
A2: I think that having assigned seats or not just depends on the students, if they are good working next to whoever they want then I don't see the need. If the students get too distracted next to certain people, then I think assigned seats are a good idea. #1stchat
A2: For the first two weeks of school we practice. I put each S in each of the choices, keep notes on who works well where, and conference with them about what works, what they like, etc. They complete this survey too every few weeks. #1stchat
I need to try this with this year's group. I tried last year, but had to go to an assigned seat. I think my class this year can handle choosing every day. #1stchat
#1stchat I have a rotating schedule of days students can choose and have flexible seating. I also have an area of choice for them to stand and lean. # 1stchat
I think this is a really good idea, I think it is important for students to sit by who they want to, but also I think that during a lesson they shouldn't sit by people who will distract them. #1stchat
A2: For the first two weeks of school we practice. I put each S in each of the choices, keep notes on who works well where, and conference with them about what works, what they like, etc. They complete this survey too every few weeks. #1stchat
A3; I show each seating option, give the expectations of use for each one, and we all take turns trying them out. Ss have to rotate through all our options and discuss which seats they worked best in, then we talk about who we can sit by. I move as needed. #1stchat
A2 As a teacher, we still have a lot of control within flexible free choice seating. It's not free-for-all. Teaching expectations and why make a successful classroom. #1stchat
I like to teach my kiddos how to handle it if someone does bother them! Encouraging problem solving! Imp. to T how to regulate yourself by distractions around you. They just get up and move! #1stchat
A3: I think at the beginning of the year it would be a good idea to have high expectations with seating. The Ss should be are aware of the expectations. Towards the middle of the year it might be easier to have more choice in seating but still have clear expectations. #1stchat
A3 I explain WHY I have flexible seating in my room; really focus on physical & emotional (focus) needs. I share my preference for different settings & struggle I may have. #1stchat
We set high expectations that you work while in flexible seating. If you goof around, you lose it and have to sit at your homebase. They catch on! #1stchat
I had to learn how I work best as well, everyone was getting rid of the T desk so I did, it didn't work for me, had to get it back. It's good for us to share with our Ss how we work as well #1stchat
A3 We try out all the seats at the first of the year and go over the expectations for each one. For their home base, Ss write their top 3 choices on a post it and I use that to assign seats. #1stchat
A3: TO add to what I do at the beginning of the year with them, it is a constant change. We have been in assigned seats for the last two weeks b/c my kids need to review our beginning of the year training. Flexibility is key. Don't be afraid to revamp - CONSTANTLY! #1stchat
A3 I agree with setting expectations, however, self-awareness has to come before my expectations. We talk about work quality & different types of focusing. #1stchat
A3: Important to remember that this is not a gimmick. If it is not working, reflect on how you can help the Ss self-regulate & help them understand we do this to help with focus. #1stchat
so important to remember, do what is best for your current SS!! It's our job to give them what they need to be successful.. I've had to change a few times this year already #1stchat
A3: TO add to what I do at the beginning of the year with them, it is a constant change. We have been in assigned seats for the last two weeks b/c my kids need to review our beginning of the year training. Flexibility is key. Don't be afraid to revamp - CONSTANTLY! #1stchat
Agree. Those who cannot focus on traditional seating might not be successful in flexible seating either. Key is to know how to self-regulate. Provide with seating that support their needs. #1stchat
A3: Important to remember that this is not a gimmick. If it is not working, reflect on how you can help the Ss self-regulate & help them understand we do this to help with focus. #1stchat
A4: Ss collab/learning how to work with MANY different Ss, not just those at their tables, independence, happiness from choices and not being stuck at desk all day #1stchat
A4: Oh boy... When it is working, man does it work! I have less fidgeting with tool boxes. Crazy! But the negative is that germs are spread widely. Here a Question: Q4A (LOL): How do u disinfect & how often? #1stchat
A4 Most of the change is me! I no longer feel like control is my priority! Not sure why that was imp. to me. I relax now when Ss are wiggling or not sitting up straight, etc. #1stchat
A4: I've noticed that I"m more intentional with spaces, making sure Ss understand what works for them, how to make good choices, offering those choices, and a fun environment #1stchat
A4: I am always amazed by the maturity with which some Ss can chose their spaces. I LOVE the independence & responsibility that I see as well! I LOVED Flex seating in my 1st grade room!! #1stchat
A4 Most of the change is me! I no longer feel like control is my priority! Not sure why that was imp. to me. I relax now when Ss are wiggling or not sitting up straight, etc. #1stchat
Yes yes yes! I find that they are much more self-aware of their learning style thanks to the learning reflection that happens with #flexibleseating#1stchat
good question, I"m not really sure, I don't have an answer, but I do agree with my supplies last so much longer and they don't get lost like they did when they each had their own stuff. I love commuity supplies #1stchat
A4: Oh boy... When it is working, man does it work! I have less fidgeting with tool boxes. Crazy! But the negative is that germs are spread widely. Here a Question: Q4A (LOL): How do u disinfect & how often? #1stchat
Seating options are a lot like teaching. Each year ss have different needs. This year I don't focus on too much on movement like I did last year. #1stchat
I love community supplies! Really encourages sharing, and no fights over whose crayon is whose? #1stchat Lots of handwashing and the germs are everywhere anyway!
A5: I've written a couple donor's choose grants, and I watch garage sales closely. also things I don't want from home anymore #1stchat It's not about the stuff as much as choice and learning to understand yourself and how to learn #1stchat
A5: rug squares donated by carpet store, crates with plywood from Lowe's that they can cut for you, lap trays from Hobby Lobby $5ish, gamer chairs from Amazon $45 for 6. #1stchat
A5: I did a @DonorsChoose & then an Amazon Wish List. I recommend starting w/ putting tables up (standing) & tables down (floor seating)-FREE. Then buy a couple yoga mats and cut them in half or in thirds. Raid clearance at Target for shag bathroom mats (smallest size). #1stchat
A5: I think it is not about the furniture but your philosophyof teaching. Do you like Ss to make choices, move around, need lots of acadmic sharing? Those are the ideas to start with. #1stchat
A5- Agreed that it's not just about "the furniture" I bring things from home we no longer use, DonorsChoose, Sweet deals at beg of school year (clipboards, lap desks), Start small and acquire as needed. Don't switch overnight #1stchat
#1stchat A5 my scoop rockers were under $5 at Walmart, I got pillows at Big Lots for $10 and my adorable couch was bought with bonus point at Scholastic
A5: just take at look at how you can move around what you have currently, and how it can be set up to offer more choices, think about what each space is for, be intentional #1stchat
A5: just take at look at how you can move around what you have currently, and how it can be set up to offer more choices, think about what each space is for, be intentional #1stchat
A6: It took me a while to figure out how to give them choices since I have several types. They change every Monday and keep their choice for a week. Not enough room space is hard too. #1stchat
A6: I discovered, I needed by T desk, and yoga balls don't work for me. They make a noise that I just can't stand, but the ball chairs are awesome. #1stchat I love when Ss learn what works best for them,
A6 I had to replace several popped yoga balls and wobble cushions after last year. Not sure I can afford that every year. Hoping this year we will have fewer losses. #1stchat
A6: Germs... Germs are shared WAYYYYY more than before. Don't get me wrong, they are spread around the room anyway, but it just seems like the sickness is reaching more Ss. #1stchat
