#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
Welcome to #5thchat. Tonight's topic is "Flexible Seating and Its Impact on Self-Regulation and Academics."Please introduce yourself and where you are from.
Team Anderson had their annual 5th grade cookout complete with hobo dinners, chili cheese fries, bread and butter and banana boats. Great lunch! Great Kids! #RLSDPRIDE#5thchat#LearnLAP
A1: There are so many choices available that students are overwhelmed, can’t determine the best place for themselves as learners, it causes more misbehavior and off task behavior than before.#5thchat
A1- Not assigned seating. Doesn’t matter how many seating options are in your room, if the students don’t have a choice in choosing what works best for them, it’s not very flexible. #5thchat
A1: Not a quick fix. You need to understand your students and how they learn best in order to find the best flexible seating options for your students. #5thchat#OLSDBlendED
I would say yes based on my observations this year. We’ve had several Ts attempt flexible seating and for some, it was too much too fast. Possibly introduce a few at a time and continue adding on rather than all at once? Just a thought. . . #5thchat
A2: Ss are able to choose where they feel they will be most comfortable and productive. Ss also have a say in who they sit next to. It teaches Ss how to advocate for themselves and make responsible decisions for their own good. #5thChat
A2. Ss have voice and choice as to where they feel like working, near whom they'd like to work, and whether they need to move around a little bit and stretch out or stand. #5thchat
A3- From an old, traditional 27 year vet, flexible seating was a huge change for me this year! I love it! Ss can move about more easily, get the fidgits out, and put themselves in a "just-right" work zone.
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I actually have some students that prefer traditional seating choices (desks in a row). I still consider that flexible because it’s their choice of the type of space they work best in. #5thchat
Agreed! A teacher can look for growth in a student making strategic choices as well as look for patterns from students. It opens of great dialogue. #5thchat
A2 I would consider the benefits to include ability to focus, to be comfortable, to allow for choice, to understand what works and what doesn’t work for Ss, and to work with others. #5thchat
A1 flexible seating is not about looking like better homes and gardens magazine.... More than looking cute, there is a purpose for the spaces and furniture choices, the areas have expectations and are not a free for all #5thchat
A2: Benefits for flexible seating is creating a safe learning environment. Sometimes students need to set themselves from the group if they are in duress. #5thchat#edmodolove
Two of my Ss started a survey today about Flexible seating. ?- How do you feel about flexible seating. S1- "I feel comfortable on the seats and it really helps me think." S2- "I feel like it helps with your mind set and helps with work." #5thchat
A3: We need to keep in mind that it’s not my classroom, it’s our classroom. What space do the T & Ss need to collaborate, & work simultaneously without disturbing or disrupting the learning happening around the room. Ts should have an opportunity for choices as well. #5thChat
Yes! I have to continually share my struggles in self regulation and choices I need to make when I am trying to get important work or learning done. Report cards.. sigh.. #5thchat
A3 I think Ts need to have in mind their non negotiable, maybe it’s certain types of activities or certain times of day. Also Ss should have input in the design and use of furnitures well as spaces that help them be more productive #5thchat
A3 In my class, Ss move between activities, small groups, collaborative work, and independent. If they choose a place that keeps others from working, I just ask them to choose another space. #5thchat
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This is the first time I have been on a chat. Flexible seating sounds great but does it matter if we also need flexible furniture or just a comfortable place to sit
As T, my biggest need is to be able to work with flexible small groups- with so many seat options, this is easier than ever before. Giving up desks and my T desk was a great choice! #5thchat
A3. Depending on what the activity is taking place in the classroom, this kind of lays down the demands for the types of flexible seating taking place within the classroom! If Ss are moving around constantly, limited flexibility! #5thchat
A3 The entire school system needs an overhaul! With that overhaul Ss will have their needs met, Ts will see their needs being met, Ss will get out of the high chair waiting for everything to be fed to them, and become the independent creators we know they can become!#5thchat
Absolutely! Our students in the school - and our classroom can lead to a sense of “we” can collaborate and make decisions and figure this out together. #5thChat
Ss can learn how to accomplish working with distractions; Ss can learn how to manage their own behavior. Ss can collaborate with their peers and work harder. #5thChat
A4 Self-regulation grows with immediate feedback. They will get that feedback from peers or from me if they choose a place that's not helping us move forward. #5thchat
A3: The style of the lesson or task also plays a large part in the flexible seating options in order for students to be most productive. #5thChat#OLSDBlendED
A4: We have several Ts who do a phenomenal job with flexible seating: @EALewis2016@Tpet27@asdajero . They listen to what their Ss are asking for, what they like & don’t like, have conversations with them about how they’re feeling with their seating choice. #5thchat
In reply to
@theresaklambert, @EALewis2016, @Tpet27, @asdajero
A4: Students need Practice practice practice making good choices with seating and learning - sometimes my students want me to "assign" them to a new location away from their friends #partnership#5thchat#edmodolove
A4- Feedback is important. It has often been a topic at our class meetings, brought up by other students. Talking about the difference between finding the best work space and finding a seat next to a buddy is something to revist. I revisit expectations often.
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Absolutely! In our classroom we have what the students call “caves”. It is a first choice for many as it is a snug place. However it is not conducive for collaborative math. It is a fabulous place to read though. #5thChat
A4. A ss having flexible seating options learn self regulation by who they can sit by and pay attention to subject taught, talking, goofing around, etc is controlled and their functioned and engaged in learning! #5thchat
Wonderful! If the teacher makes all of the decisions then flexible seating is “done” to the students. It is still then the “teacher’s classroom” and students will felt this. #5thChat
In reply to
@CristinaDajero, @EALewis2016, @Tpet27, @asdajero
A4) They are learning about what works best for them and how to better monitor themselves. Sometimes it involves some discussion but Ss do eventually realize how to find a seat that works for them. #5thchat
A-5: Ss will have to understand that means they sit where they want and no one can come along and say "that's my seat!" Structure through procedures has to be provided for them to fully grasp that it is first come first served. #5thChat
Yes! When a student feels valued and feels their voice will be honoured, fabulous things can be https://t.co/JXhIB0SSAu powerful for a student to feel they have a say in their environment! #5thChat
In reply to
@yenneam, @CristinaDajero, @EALewis2016, @Tpet27, @asdajero
A5- My Ss sit in clans. Each Monday, we randomly draw clan names to choose seating. Clans have a home base "table," but individuals can always move to other areas to move. #5thchat
A5: I don't assign seats, but I relocate Ss on occasion - When Ss say "they have my seat" I remind them I can start assigning seats if they want - otherwise first one to class gets their choice :) #5thchat#edmodolove
A5 Nobody owns the premium seats - everyone gets a turn! For some, knowing they have a home base is helpful, but there is always the expectation that they will need to move to other spaces at some point during the day. #5thchat
A5. If a Ss has their belongings at a seat and was sitting there working, and gets up to ask a question and returns, the Ss can still have the same seat. If a Ss was there yesterday, and didn't get there fast enough today, they will have to move to another spot! #5thchat
Agreed. We often have seating conferences in the midst of learning and students have a chance to self reflect on their seating choice and if it is working for them to learn. If I make all the decisions how will they ever learn. #5thChat
A5: Seats belong to everyone & I’ve seen Ts establish guidelines where at the beginning everyone tries out every seat. Then they reflect on what they like & don’t like. Then, consider taking turns & that Ss can’t monopolize a choice. Also, Ss can be moved at any time. #5thchat
The beautiful thing about flexible seating is there is no ONE way to go about it. As long as there is a purpose, student input, negotiation and self reflection built in- it can work. #5thChat
❤️ Mrs. Alva!! Be good to your custodian. Have Ss take responsibility - vac, move furniture, put up chairs. Everything is a negotiation - 💐 help 🤣 #5thchat
A6. At the end of the day what would be easiest for cleanup of the room? Do we need to move chairs, beanbags, etc. for areas to be vacuumed or cleaned? #5thchat
A6 - Heading to a new school next year, and I've asked for a variety of tables, desk heights, and to get rid of the teacher desk. So far I haven't hit any roadblocks! Open communication and requests, not demands. #5thchat
A6: Depending on the material of some furniture- who will maintain the cleanliness? When a bunch of large furniture is added, it may make it more difficult to clean the area. How much furniture can be added while stay maintain safety for everyone in the room. #5thchat
Q7-Many want to set up flexible seating in their classroom,but do not have the budget.What are some ways around this that can help?Post pics from your classroom or from a wish list. #5thchat
A7 - Looking at Goodwill! Looking at thrift shops and yard sales. I have no budget for it, but I'll look and look. Asking stores for carpet samples, it's time to get creative. #5thChat
A7: Search Pinterest for budget friendly ideas, also reach out to your PLN and ask for suggestions. If a T in your building is trying flexible seating, go pay a visit while Ss are in the room so you can see it in action. #5thchat
The balance balls are a huge hit! (5 and Below). Crate seating was easy to make and have lasted for two years so far. Students love the pillow I got from 5 and Below (actually dog beds, but they don't know that!) #5thchat
Yes! Find somebody or a few who are trying it out and feel it is successful. Most of our furniture cane from parents and community who donated once they found out it was to benefit the students. Students also write letters explaining our philosophy. #5thChat
A7 - start simple. Garage sales, friends, look around the school storage room... I can’t do go fund me with my school, but reach out for help wherever you can #5thchat
A7: Providing a place for students to stand while they learn is a great option - I stand in my college classes sometime so why can't
Ss #5thchat#edmodolove
Thanks to everyone who participated in this evening's #5thchat! Thanks especially to @theresaklambert for moderating!
Please join us next week as @mrnasife & @CMS_HeatherR moderates. TOPIC: "Post and Reply - Online Communication" (Re: Online discussion and interaction).
Thank you for participating in #5thchat tonight. Keep sharing your thoughts, pictures and ideas so we can continue to learn off each other. Good night !
