#2ndchat Archive
#2ndchat is a Twitter hashtag that can be used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other second grade educators from around the world. Every other week we will discuss a different topic. It's a great way to help grow your PLN (Professional/Personal Learning Network) and share ideas with others.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Hello All! Welcome to ! & I are excited to talk about tonight! We’ll be using Q1: A1 format for the chat!
Please take a moment to introduce yourselves & where you teach! We’re excited you’re here!
Hi Everyone,
Charlotte from Nova Scotia, very excited to chat about flexible seating@BevLadd
Hey ! Beverly from sunny North Carolina!
Mary from VA. I teach 2nd. I am starting flexible seating this year - nervous and excited.
Hey Charlotte. Glad you could join us.
I’m Heidi from TN. This will be my 2nd year to fully implement
Hi! Molly from Iowa! Super excited to hear all about
Howard from NorCal. Full Inclusion so intrigued by flexible seating. Trying to transition but...
Meghan, 3rd T from Andover, KS. In and out, but I LOVE !
Michelle Jones 1st grade teacher in Chicago suburbs trying some flexible seating this year
Hi all- Letha from Quebec
Hey Mary! It is exciting. I implemented mid year last year and it was one of the best decisions I made.
Glad you could join us tonight!
Janie Hachen from Kansas. Hi! So pumped
Hey Letha! glad to have you here.
Me too!! Excited to share and learn with everyone!
Hi . Lisa from OH. Looking for ideas for flexible seating.
Hey Lisa! We are going to our heads together and share lots of them tonight.
Q1: What tips would you recommend for someone implementing at the beginning of the year? Share your resources.
Howard here. On my wk 1 of summer break & sick. I learned not to run full tilt for the last 2 wks of sch or you end up sick...
Welcome! Glad you’re able to stop by!
Hi Beverly! Excited to chat!
A1:I would suggest starting small and adding more seating options as the year progresses. Lots of discussion with kids.
Welcome! Excited to learn more about across the globe!
Hi Alana Stanton here from ga. Just started school on Monday! Kinder
A1: For resources and collaboration opportunities follow and .
Welcome! Looking forward to sharing more!
Yes discussion helps and gives insights to how each Ss learns. I learned loads about my Ss learning styles.
A1: Having a home seat for Ss when specials came in was a time saver.
Welcome to ! great night tonight!
A1 just started full flex seating. Class changing! I show them a new item each day including supplies. I butcher paper shelves
A1: I'm new but planning on not rolling out everything at once
Welcome to . Do you use ? Planning to?
Amy from CNY. Started flexible seating the last month of the school year, need help starting a new year with it!
A1: Listening was beneficial. I had to step back &let my Ss tell me what worked/didn't work for them.Learned tons in the process.
A1 Ss work together Ss teaching Ss
I plan on rolling everything out at once at well.
Hi Beverly, it's been a while.
Welcome to . Great topic tonight!
A1: want Ss to really look at the seating as a help and not a ball of fun. We need to talk about what works best w/guidelines
Joining a little late from MN! Fourth grade and going to try flexible seating in my room this year!
Welcome Glad to have you here tonight!
I just found this and plan to use it this year
Agreed. I found a "How I Learn" survey I am going to give out as well to get them thinking about how they learn.
A1b also sit spots has been great for mini lessons.They choose the spot. We sit in a circle. Then I call them one by one to go work
Q2: What benefits do you see as a result of ?
Hi Heidi. Hope all is well. Missed you.
Great lessons learned…hope you feel better soon!
Yes, at least at the beginning. It made the transition easier for the special teacher coming in.
A2: students are more engaged in their learning
Flex seating Ss can work together or by themselves
1st week of school with Ss. I’m tuckered out. But they are LOVING the seating choices! Happy hearts all around!
A2: More “buy in” from kids. Grew in ability to make wiser decisions & developed a more attitude of consideration of others.
Would love to see that!!!
A2; One of the biggest benefits was collaboration with their peers.
A1: All Ss have a seat at a table, I feel like they need somewhere to call their own. Some Ss might be anxious w/o it.
Great suggestion. I started about 4 years ago with adding chair balls. Last year was the go to year!
A2: S's more focused, relaxed and interacting as a group and increased responsibility and collaboration
That's awesome. Are you sharing pics. tonight?
Hi y'all! Sorry I'm late. Amanda from Hoover, AL.
TRUTH!! https://t.co/oEmpp3TqI6
A2: More “buy in” from kids. Grew in ability to make wiser decisions & developed a more attitude of consideration of others.
A2: Ss become more self-aware as learners; what works, what doesn't
A2 Ss can work at their own pace with the help from other Ss Ss centered
A2 I have been blown away by the family atmosphere and love of choice. They have control! I will never go back!
Hi! I'm Carol from Birmingham, AL. Sorry I'm late to the chat but I start school tomorrow! Just got home about 30 minutes ago. :)
A2: Everyone working where they're comfortable just like we do, right? Happy Ss=better workers :)
We travel to specials. All in other rooms, but did have name tags to pull out for subs!
Big thanks to and for hosting tonight!
Exactly! creates a more student centered learning environment. https://t.co/eyQJGAB95x
A2 Ss can work at their own pace with the help from other Ss Ss centered
Thanks for the head's up! Reminder! Hi !! https://t.co/MK0GfOfCx4
Hoping will pop in to share her ideas with wobble seats! Join us in 4 minutes!
Oh goodness, I have not thought about subs!
I will NEVER go back to traditional seating.
Agreed. Started day one with chairs, just added 3 ball chairs today…day 3. Booya!
Yes I used my home base seating when I had subs too. https://t.co/9XnNTiZXzK
We travel to specials. All in other rooms, but did have name tags to pull out for subs!
A1 I am planning on using reg. tables and chairs, then change one thing at a time...stability balls, wiggle seats, height of tables
Oh, that's how I roll too.
A2: Less of saying sit down in chair and more of let's get comfy and down to business. They may more attention to task.
A2: Ss own their classroom & are learning to make responsible choices.
A2: Everyone works in a space that is the best space for them! My class is much more focused with
Q3: What obstacles did you face when implementing and how did you fix/overcome them?
Might need to consider this as have to be gone for several days as hubby runs 100miles in LeanHorse race of SD. I crew
Just took the legs off a table for a sitting table! I think it'll be a hit!
A2: I have multiple options-high individual desks, low tables with pillows, and ergoergo chairs
Q?? I have 2 Kore wobble chairs but they mark the floors. ;( Does anyone have a solution?
A3: Where to put all their belongings!
Q1 every room needs multiple seating choices, and kids need to choose to sit, stand, where, how
Ss learned their opinions counted!
Standing table, floor table, Big Joes, wobble seats, exercise ball chairs, stools
A3:Finding money to buy more expensive items like bean bag chairs, scoops and wiggle seats, Home and School helped,yeah!
Attempting to 'find' you and open a column.
How can we help! What ideas are you looking for tonight?
What about a cut up yoga mat underneath?
A2: One of my concerns is the fire marshall. Wanted to make sure some choices would pass so ran by custodian 1st.
A3 sometimes it is hard to keep some of the Ss on task
A3: Do lots of yard saleing looking for possible seats and tables.
I am trying to get a donors choose project fud=nded.
Oh my gosh yes. It was a learning process for all of us. https://t.co/utKcAnvIuL
Ss learned their opinions counted!
I will try that - thanks.
I added tennis balls to the bottom of them to help with scuff marks too! They LOVE the smaller desks. Go figure!
Click on the + sign on the side in tweetdeck and put in
A3: Another obstacle, we were in new building in not allowed to change the furniture so added what I could w/o drawing attention.
Brave! They were stunned on meet the teacher day. Day 3…when do we move again today?
Brave! They were stunned on meet the teacher day. Day 3…when do we move again today?
I did send home emails listing possible seats and needs as well and parents are looking for me as well.
A3: It is costly when you decide to change it all up. I hope there isn't drama in picking same seats.
A3 I intoduced scoop chairs too soon, so these come out in week three along with crate/ball chair
I have a letter about flexible seating I can share if you need to for Ps.
Not so far, but I had to keep my desks so the flexibility comes with heights & seat choices.
Q4. What types of do you have in your room? Any pictures to share?
A3:Money to buy some different types of seating & I'm starting to worry about where my parents will sit at parent meeting next week.
Good tip! I have scoop chairs so I'll have to remember that!
Would love that thanks!@BevLadd
A3: small school with limited space for storage; where to put all the old desks/chairs
A2 I only tried for a couple weeks last year...more movement and worked hard to stay where they chose, even when by good friends.
A4: Ball Chairs (5Below store & Walmart), Crate seats w/ wood tops (dad created), carpet & tall desks. https://t.co/Jfcdw8mJi2
Hey just looking & liking but wanted to share that these stools are $5 & scoop rockers . Paid 6 for $60.
No pics yet. I have high standing tables (with white boards on them), tables, carpet squares, yoga balls. https://t.co/foX3EnRlYE
Q4. What types of do you have in your room? Any pictures to share?
I plan to ask my custodian to bring in chairs so they don't have to sit on the florr. :)
I hope to add more options this year since I'm implementing from the get go.
Hey looking & liking but wanted share these stools are $5 & scoop rockers . Paid 6 for $60. https://t.co/89ajhnvIWc
Unfortunately, brought the wrong iPad home :( Will try to share in blogpost sometime soon!
A2 I found I paid more attention to when they were out of their desks. W/Flex seating, they worked hard! Less classroom mgmt.
A4: Cushions, crate seats, wiggle seats, stools, beanbag chairs, saucer chairs, standing table, yoga mats patio chairs
Hi , first day of school and running late.
I got 2 wobble chairs fromScolastic teacher store with points :)
I had Meet the Teacher today. My first day is tomorrow! How was your first day?
My crate chairs were a huge hit last year and they are so easy to make. https://t.co/cZbIjGITXW
A4: Cushions, crate seats, wiggle seats, stools, beanbag chairs, saucer chairs, standing table, yoga mats patio chairs
A4: high and low tables, bean bags, an ottoman, stools,
Do you love them? Our art teacher is considering some for her room. . I want a couple too!
We love the flexibility of tables that move, group, and adapt to student needs.
A4: Will add stability balls and scoops (if I can find them) this year.
I got tables 2 years ago and LOVE them! I would never go back to desks.
Best thing we ever did was get rid of the "teacher desk." Lots of flexibility as a result, and we don't miss them.
So, do you keep the ball in the crate?
Wow! Hope you have a WONDERFUL day! I am totally enjoying my Ss this year. Day 3 & all smiles!
My first day was sensational. I am a happy camper and excited.
Yes, my kids absolutely loved them. I currently have a project up. Fingers crossed.
Q5: How do you go about storing your seating options when they aren’t in use?
A4: I use stability (yoga) balls, wiggle seats (inflat. disks), standing tables and the floor. My students love the floor!
They have smaller yoga balls at 5 below and you can use a frisbee to keep them in place.
WOW...already on day 3??? I thought we started early!
We distribute these: accept POs/quantity discounts. Call hubby + ask for BTS discount on orders of 6+ https://t.co/v9Wg5Tkbii
I started w the same. Make into groups and lower some and make some so Ss can stand.
A4: I have scoop chairs, crate seats, bouncy chairs, rolling desk chairs, carpet squares, camping chairs, and a standing table.
I have some scoop rockers too. Definitely a kids favorite.
A4 lowered tables, whitebd table, crate seats, ball crate seats, stools, standing table, stage, patiochair, scoops, rugs &clipsbds
I got mine like 2 wks ago. 😊
Ts went back last week. Lots of great info & shares about going on!
A4- 1 standing table, 1 with yoga balls, 1 low with crate seats, 1 floor with discs, camp chairs, yoga mats
Haven’t seen any in our school yet! But I think they’re going to start popping up soon!
A4: I found some adirondack chairs, scoop chairs, wobble stools, and checking on the one in photo. https://t.co/tnpjRHwsUm
In Nova Scotia we finished school on June 29th and we return on Sept 6th
this will be my first year without a teachers desk!
That’s what I did over a 3-4 year span. More for me than Ss. It’s hard to change sometimes! But I’ll never go back!
A4:stadium seats work well too!
We have to allow for those kids that need to wiggle; it helps them think.
Best feedback from Ts is how easy the Wobbles are to reconfigure/collaboration possibilities https://t.co/IFjUrRkgwt
is that a bathtub in your class?? Awesome!
A4: I thought about asking students to bring in yoga mats if they want.
We don't start until September so my room isn't set up yet. Pics from last year on my class account
Good Luck! I’ve hear of lots of funded projects through
I see. I forgot you had kinders.
Yes! It's the hottest seat in the classroom for the past decade!
Q6: What can you do to promote when getting rid of the desks/tables in your room is NOT an option?
My crate chairs r milk crates with a wood top with pillow fill and fabric covering the wood. Great storage inside crate.
I have some lapboards on my wish list this year.
Can you tell more about ergoergo chairs?
I wanted to make sure the fire marshall wouldn't have a prob. with it.
Yep I just accepted and changed the setting. Thanks
A6: Change height of desks using bed risers to allow for standing desks. Store chairs under desks for sitting if needed.
1 yr I filled my closet w/desks. then lined a wall with the others & put computers on them. .
allow Ss 2 decide the flex seating
Can you put carpet squares under them? might be more helpful.
How do yall store yoga balls when not in use?
here are a few areas in my room. Where the yellow chairs are, there is a long skinny table that's missing https://t.co/uJM7KbqqWI
A6: group desks and turn them inward to make tables; encourage Ss to stand at desks, stretch out on carpet
ErgoErgo chairs are cylinder shaped with some wobble.Ss can turn them on their side too and roll.First time using them this year.
I found stability balls at five below.
We have hooks for backpacks. I have cubbies on wheels for big books. They keep binders & supply box in desk as move
A6: Use what you haveL eugs, reading table, stools are typical. It's more of a mindset that kids don't need to sit in their desks!
A6: laying down is how some Ss prefer to work, just a clipboard!
Not familiar with Big Joes??? Can you share more?
The use of carpet squares seems to be the consensus solution/easiest to keep laminate spotless https://t.co/mxoRtQnUpW
Can you put carpet squares under them? might be more helpful.
This is a great idea! https://t.co/z3O4LuFBdi
A6: Change height of desks using bed risers to allow for standing desks. Store chairs under desks for sitting if needed.
Thank you. I will try that.
true! You can't go from 0 to 100 in a day. It's a process. Add things throughout if you are starting out. https://t.co/R4eGRcx78U
A6: Use what you haveL eugs, reading table, stools are typical. It's more of a mindset that kids don't need to sit in their desks!
I allow Ss to bring in chair balls if they wanted. Five & Below has them for $5. . Could do same for scoop chair?
thanks the for encouragement!! What do you do with all your teacher desk "stuff" to stay organized?
Where do you get your scoop chairs?
borrowed from wonderful article in edutopia I think. Check her resources! Amazing shares!
Q7: How do you handle state/benchmark testing with a classroom?
A6:Have the choices in room as well as tables and the S's will pick what works for them. Have to b creative with space
Walmart had them for under $5. Great for reading chairs. Not so good for sitting at desks.
Standing is all over the business world - increased blood flow, breathing, etc. Good for adults, gotta be good for kids.
any suggestions of stores? I am a teacher from Ottawa, Cda and heading to the states this week to look for some seating options
A7: When I had district testing I had Ss sit in their home spots and it worked out perfect.
A7: Had an extra room in school that could use during testing, however, admin said we could test in our room too.
IKEA!! https://t.co/azVahP53RF
any suggestions of stores? I am a teacher from Ottawa, Cda and heading to the states this week to look for some seating options
A6:When we had our desks,they were just there.No one ever sat at a desk unless I had to move them to a desk for not following rules.
Wow! Too cool! I saw a blow up couch that got on Amazon too.
Stability balls might stay put on a frisbee? I saw it on Pinterest.
A lot of my stuff came from Five Below.
This is great! Thanks for share!
Also can order from Walmart online. $48 for six.
A6: Ask around and combine resources within the building. I had a friend who wasn't using all her stools. she shared!
A7: Luckily, we don't have state testing.
That’s a great idea too! I wonder if that shelf liner from dollar tree would work?
I got one of my tables from another Ts. We traded! Win- Win for everyone.
A7: Have access to enough private spaces in the room that we can still use flexible seating as usual.
using the flexible seating options?
Totally true! Safety first is a must.
Use large plastic planter saucers to keep them in place.
Also lower tables to allow Ss to sit on the floor with cushions.
Thanks I have been searching Walmart here but no luck yet. Amazon is out of them right now
Extra room set up in rows of desks & chairs for multipurpose extra room. Could take laptops for testing there if wanted.
You are always welcome to !
I just asked my custodian to lower one of my round tables. :)
I put carpet in front of room (btwn desks & board). Bean bags & lap desks will sit there. Hopefully they choose 'no' desk option.
Q8: How do you encourage students to mix up their seating choices instead of just sitting in one spot?
Tried that, but tables weren’t low enough or pillows weren’t high enough. Ss didn’t enjoy as much as crates
Here's the most design worthy reading corner I've ever seen w crate seats (author visit in CO) https://t.co/ItTmjOwLCD
I bought my own set of allen wrenches to I wouldn't have to bother mine.
That is what I am wondering - if the table will still be too tall. We will see.
I started off with one but it was a favorite so added another.
A8: Some Ss asked 2 stay in one spot. Moving was distressful 4 them. I let them for the week or till they decided they could move.
We took extender legs out, but still too high for pillows. Maybe I need bigger pillows?
My custodian is wonderful. I am bugging him even though Ts don't start until next Wed.
I think the MAIN thing about is having an open mind + willingness to open up to possibilities
A7 also how do we handle parent night!!! Have not figured this out
I had some Ss who needed to know they had their own place. So we made one. Worked out for everyone.
Carpet in front of room (btwn desks & board) is opt. Bean bags & lap desks sit there. Hope they choose it. https://t.co/zdSqSlu64c
Also imp. to remember that flexible seating is more than just adding some stability balls. It's a different mindset.
BINGO!! Exactly!! https://t.co/hg6NMM24PZ
Also imp. to remember that flexible seating is more than just adding some stability balls. It's a different mindset.
I am planning on using them too!
A8: That naturally happens when someone swoops in & takes the seat kids would normally take, but you can always make suggestions.
We've used foam core boards to create spaces like offices. The kids love it; it gives them a sense of ownership of their turf.
A8: We talk about the benefits of learning and working with different S's in the class and it seems to work with most.
A8 Lots of conversation. Reminders about letting everyone try spots. Pay attn to what works at diff. parts of the day
A8: Problem solve with the Ss- what should we do when everyone wants to sit here? How can we fix this?
Have custodian bring in chairs. I think I owe my custodians big time - maybe a container of cookies??
Ss said it was too high or that sitting on knees wasn’t comfortable. searching for pillows.
A8: my rule when choosing seats is if you use it incorrectly, you lose your privilege for that choice seating.
Ts have to give up some control and have a strong classroom community.
A lot of times they will create the solutions. And often is better than what I was thinking.
That’s what’s so great about They can find a spot that works & then be the best they can be from there!
yes agreed! It's creating a whole new learning community.
Q9: What procedures do you have in place to prevent arguments about who gets to sit where?
I've seen some epic fails. Stability balls? Yes, but each student has an assigned day. Totally NOT the point.
Sometimes choice is a privilege. They quickly learn they prefer to make the choice than I :)
A7: We don't have state testing, but the home spot and maybe privacy folders???
It is humbling to read letters from junior high Ss w WobbleSeats express their appreciation for FINALLY being able to move.
A9: planning on dismissing a few kids at a time from the carpet. Changing the order all the time
Yep used both last year and it worked for our testing as well.
A9: I bring out the crown. Literally. “If there is strife in the kingdom, the queen is NOT happy. You WANT the queen to be happy!”
Saw 1/2 off plastic Adirondaks at Luckys grocery store. It was late & I didn't want to bother. Might be wrong posture to write.
Some areas in our classroom including the cafe, & living room. Students request; we rotate to accommodate.
Agree! With any best practice, Ts need to know WHY they are doing what they do! https://t.co/SKwjZiiymO
Also imp. to remember that flexible seating is more than just adding some stability balls. It's a different mindset.
Great idea. I’ll check it out. I was using the dorm ones from Walmart too smushy.
A9: Switched up the order for allowing Ss to pick.
stability balls support specific needs; flexible seating is a mindset for learning critical to success ofclass
A9: But seriously, we do LOT of building community - discuss how to handle movement & who has seat 1st. works!
A9 ...shared giving everyone equal opportunity to try
Agreed. Let them choose where they think will be the best for them to learn that day!
Right. It's not about having a cute classroom.
We’re trying “Swag Stickers” Brag tags on stickers. Love shares! Such a motivator for Ss.
I am starting brag tags this year for the first time. Ouch my budget!
Had to use the randomizer in Class Dojo. No repeats in a wk until everyone got a chance. Then added papasans in another area.
A9: This is a tough one....it should be what works best for them but also has to be fair??
I found some free ones for . Did you get the link earlier i tweeted out for them?
Q10: What skills do u think students have acquired that might be a result of having implemented vs when u didn’t?
A9: Lots of community building and flexible seating rules! I tell them that I have the right to move anyone at anytime!
is now trending in USA, ranking 41
Hey everyone if you want an anazing educator to follow please follow His flexible seating is amazing. Very useful
A10: Choice, Desire, and Pride in what they are doing in the classroom.
Whoops! Didn’t think of that. Those crates could be pretty interesting for some Ps!
A10: Ability to make better choices increased a LOT throughout the year for most! Also able to work in many different situations!
A10: It allows Ss to become problem solvers and collaborators from day 1.
A10: Better decision makers, more cooperation and collaboration. Advocates for their own learning needs
agreed. Some Ss need stability balls all day everyday, other Ss want a chance. It gets tough sometimes
Knowing that Ss are able to collaborate due to the flexibility is such a HUGE bonus. Prepare for LIFE https://t.co/WAKUhBtbsQ
Q10: What skills do u think students have acquired that might be a result of having implemented vs when u didn’t?
Pieces & parts 3-4 years. Have been to conference in Louisiana for last 2 summers. Learned a ton more!
A10: communication and collaboration skills!
A9: Have Ss brainstorm what might happen if they argue over spots, how to solve disagreements.
A9: impt question!Some teachers use charts beautifully to manage this. What has worked for my class is open conversation
Love this idea. Let them choose the consequence. https://t.co/MFcE4NlPWZ
A9: Have Ss brainstorm what might happen if they argue over spots, how to solve disagreements.
My Ss LOVED lap desks. Go figure. I only have 2. They sit on carpet, use lap desk, & are happy to learn!
A8: Talk about the benefits and guidelines for the seating as well as problems that can happen. Let them pick and see needs.
That's what has worked in my classroom as well.
Also, bonus points because it takes almost zero time to get your room ready for back to school.
A10 my goal right now we are a family, how to use supplies, how to get them, where to sit, and to make it fun
It was amazing! Learning from those that created is priceless. Starting to use scoreboard more this year!
A10: We have used the "community" aspect in my room for two years now. I love it!
Maybe borrow from another Ts in another grade level. we don’t all have Ps night same day.
Q11: What resources do you recommend for ?
Here's one of my favorite 'author chairs' of all times. S of the day: honorary spot in the room https://t.co/dTX4kcwW9n
if you go on it was all about flexible seating. Great chat. Start slow and model and know mistakes will happen
We will send out an archive of the chat soon!
A11: Follow & for resources to help you get started. Visit for WobbleSeats!
A11: Edutopia articles and Pinterest has tons Thanks everyone for the great chat, lots to go back and read and think about.
Thanks for all the ideas! Lots to think about!
Agreed. It’s letting go of some of the control & letting Ss take the reins on their learning!
A9: I like the idea of building family and collaboration as well as empathy for each other's needs. Model and Morning meetings.
Thanks. Will check them out!
Sit where they are most comfortable as long as they are on task
A8: also let Ss choose based on even numbers first one day, odd numbers next, multiple of 4, etc.
