My Original Classroom Setup
I was never really a teacher who had traditional rows of desks. Rows, for me, felt like each student was an “island”. How can they possibly interact and learn together if they are so isolated? Although I’ve always wished I could get rid of my desks and replace them with tables, I’ve tried to find ways to make them work. My desks were usually in groups, or ever scattered around the classroom in various ways (small groups, pairs, individual desks, small U’s, etc.). I even had my janitor take off the legs of a round table so that students could sit around it on pillows on the floor. But even with the desks, I would allow my students to work where they felt the most comfortable and productive. If you walked by my classroom, rarely was my entire class sitting at their desks. I’ve had students standing, lying on the floor, sitting under a table or desk, sitting at a table, sitting on a desk and some sitting at their desks.
My New Classroom Setup
I knew I was ready for a change when the desks became more of a problem than a benefit. At the end of last year I decided to jump in feet first and completely redesign my classroom to suit my teaching style and most importantly the needs of my students. Over the course of the summer, I bought furniture at garage sales, made milk crate seats, got bean bag chairs and pillows, and even found some free couches in almost brand new condition. My redesigned flexible seating classroom now has many seating options:
- desks (yes, I still have this as an option)
- standing desk
- bean bag chairs
- floor matts
- tables and chairs
- low table and pillows
- milk crate seats
- couches
- coffee tables
The Benefits
It was new to both me and my students this year and has been such a positive adventure thus far. My students are more engaged and focused, they are able to work collaboratively and independently, they are learning the importance of finding a comfortable and positive working environments that suit their needs, they are happier, and their grades are improving. I just can’t imagine my classroom any other way.
I will continue to post and share my ideas as the school year continues. I hope that this post may help you in designing your own flexible seating classroom, or even just giving you another perspective on a non-traditional classroom environment.