MY CLASSROOM

Click the image to enlarge a panoramic view of our flexible seating options in our classroom.

Research shows that students are able to focus and do their best work when they are comfortable. As a teacher, I believe that by providing flexible, soft, and alternative seating to my students, they will be able to move, release their energy, be happier and more comfortable while doing their work. I hope that my students come to school each day knowing they are learning in a kid-friendly environment. They need and deserve to feel at home. After all, school IS their second home! I decided to join the many teachers across the nation who are changing the way children learn at school by using Flexible Seating.

Check out what Flexible Seating looks like in my classroom, as well as what some of the students in my classroom think:

Student Reflections about Flexible Seating

Student Reflection

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Student Reflection

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Student Reflection

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Flexible Seating Photo Gallery

Click on an image in the gallery below to enlarge and read a description about the classroom environment:

Quotes and Plants Throughout our classroom are important "words of wisdom" as well as plants to keep the classroom environment feel like home. These special touches are on my teacher cart.	Teacher Station I took away my desk - and now I use a standing and moveable station. This forces me to stay organized, but also to enjoy the flexible seating WITH my students.
"Cafe Spin Table" This high top table is left available ALL day. This is a special spot for conferring or allowing students to get away and work in partnerships.	Student Offices A huge part of flexible seating is creating offices for students to house their belongings. I turned several bookshelves into storage for student offices, since there are no longer desks. (Dollar Store finds!)
Carpet for Circles In the middle of our classroom the carpet is a central meeting place. We use this often throughout the day. It is used for Restorative Practice circles, as well as an additional place to work and collaborate.	Pencil "Pouches" I turned a shoe organizer into storage for students to keep their writing tools together! Again, you need to be creative with a shared space for student belongings.
Rolling Cart The view from the back of the room at the tall Rolling Cart I built!	"Teacher Table" No - this is not a desk. This is a special place for students to work with the teacher...the students LOVE to work here. Especially when they get the rolling chair.
Alternate Heights From this angle, you can see the dimensional changes of various heights and seating choices. Students make decisions every morning about where they will work.	Entry When you enter the classroom this is your first line of sight. The hope is for it to be a friendly and inviting learning environment.
Blues and Greens Pillows, bulletin boards, and table bins keep us calm with the natural accents of blues and greens. These colors are intended to provide a calm environment.	Lighting I make use of the natural light from all the windows! I turn off most of the overhead lights, and use lamps. The bright lights are rarely used. You can hear the difference in volume when they are on.
Circle All of the seating options are built around the carpet, which we call our circle. The collaborative environment of this team is to communicate and be respectful.

*All images taken by Bridget Bennett.

*Students featured have media approval.

BRIDGET BENNETT

Passionate Teacher :: Technology Enthusiast :: Life-Long Learner

MY CLASSROOM

Student Reflections about Flexible Seating

Student Reflections about Flexible Seating

Student Reflection

Student Reflection

Student Reflection

Flexible Seating Photo Gallery

Quotes and Plants

Throughout our classroom are important "words of wisdom" as well as plants to keep the classroom environment feel like home. These special touches are on my teacher cart.

Teacher Station

I took away my desk - and now I use a standing and moveable station. This forces me to stay organized, but also to enjoy the flexible seating WITH my students.

"Cafe Spin Table"

This high top table is left available ALL day. This is a special spot for conferring or allowing students to get away and work in partnerships.

Student Offices

A huge part of flexible seating is creating offices for students to house their belongings. I turned several bookshelves into storage for student offices, since there are no longer desks. (Dollar Store finds!)

Carpet for Circles

In the middle of our classroom the carpet is a central meeting place. We use this often throughout the day. It is used for Restorative Practice circles, as well as an additional place to work and collaborate.

Pencil "Pouches"

I turned a shoe organizer into storage for students to keep their writing tools together! Again, you need to be creative with a shared space for student belongings.

Rolling Cart

The view from the back of the room at the tall Rolling Cart I built!

"Teacher Table"

No - this is not a desk. This is a special place for students to work with the teacher...the students LOVE to work here. Especially when they get the rolling chair.

Alternate Heights

From this angle, you can see the dimensional changes of various heights and seating choices. Students make decisions every morning about where they will work.

Entry

When you enter the classroom this is your first line of sight. The hope is for it to be a friendly and inviting learning environment.

Blues and Greens

Pillows, bulletin boards, and table bins keep us calm with the natural accents of blues and greens. These colors are intended to provide a calm environment.

Lighting

I make use of the natural light from all the windows! I turn off most of the overhead lights, and use lamps. The bright lights are rarely used. You can hear the difference in volume when they are on.

Circle

All of the seating options are built around the carpet, which we call our circle. The collaborative environment of this team is to communicate and be respectful.