FLEXIBLE

SEATING
BY
E R I C A C E RVA N T E S
Intended for K-2 teachers
April 22,
Erica 2019
Cervantes
 STANDARDS/ OBJECTIVES

Objective: learn benefits of Flexible seating in the classroom

ISTE Standards: 2-Leader-Educators seek opportunities for leadership

to support student empowerment and success to improve teaching and
learning.
4-Collaborator-Educators dedicate time to collaborate with both
colleagues and students to improve Practice, discover and share
resources and ideas, and solve problems

Teacher Leader Standards: Domain 3-Promoting Professional Learning

for Continuous Improvement
THOUGHTS ON FLEXIBLE SEATING?
Providing the Learning
Environment Students Need
 ● What is Flexible seating?

FLEXIBLE SEATING IS A LEARNING

ENVIRONMENT THAT PROVIDES STUDENTS
WITH DIFFERENT WORKING SPACES WITHIN
THE CLASSROOM. THIS NEW LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT INVOLVES DIFFERENT
SEATING OPTIONS SUCH AS WOBBLE
STOOLS, STABILITY BALLS, AND
FLEXIBLE TABLES

“BRAIN RESEARCH ALSO CONFIRMS THAT PHYSICAL

ACTIVITY-MOVING, STRETCHING, AND WALKING- CAN
ACTUALLY ENHANCE THE LEARNING PROCESS. THE BRAIN
LEARNS BEST AND RETAINS MOST WHEN THE ORGANISM IS
ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.” (ERIC JENSEN,
2000)
Tools Need to Change from traditional classroom setting
to a flexible classroom setting
 WHAT ARE THE
BENEFITS OF
FLEXIBLE SEATING
FOR STUDENTS?
● Student Choice
○ Empowering/engaging
● Student Needs
○ Sensory needs
○ Support learning
● Student Centered
○ Collaboration
○ Communication
○ Social learning
 HEALTH
BENEFITS
● Children need to move

● FLEXIBLE SEATING allows them

to wobble, rock, bounce, lean
or stand, which increases
oxygen flow to the brain,
blood flow and core strength.

● Burns calories, and increase

metabolism

● Keeps young minds more alert

and focused
“The overall idea of basic level
flexible seating for students was
primarily to help our kids
recognize, then try and figure what
to do with the extra energy many
possessed during class time, along
with developing more active and
alert students, as well as creating
healthy lifelong habits.”

-Jason Markusen (Principal at Legacy

Elementary in Charleston, NC)
How to Implement Flexible Seating

● Choose a time that works best to implement

flexible seating. (beginning of school year/after
winter break)

● Set up the rules with students

● Introduce flexible seating options (yoga ball,

scoop chairs, lap trays, etc.)

● Demonstrate expectations when using a flexible

seating options ( varies for each option)

● Do NOT hesitate if to take away seating option if

students are using them incorrectly or are not on
task
Flexible Seating classroom
Examples
 Pros Cons
• Classroom Management • Classroom Management
• Movement and Flow of • Clean Up
the Room • Teacher Space
• HUGE Energy Outlet and • Storage Space
HIGHER Engagement
• Open Space

Pros vs. Cons

 ● “I really like using the yoga balls because it allows me to
move around while still getting my work done.” (Harley, 6
years)

● “I like using the scoop chairs when reading a book, I feel

more comfortable.” (Ethan, 6 years)

● “Sometimes I like to sit on the yoga balls and sometimes I

like using my chair instead.” (Victoria, 6 years)

● “I like using the crate chairs because it makes me sit

better.” (Max, 6 years)

Student’s Reactions
Questions & Answers
Q: How can a teacher AFFORD all of this?
A: Remember, a Flexible Classroom is a work in progress. Start small with
just an open mind to allow students to move freely around your room. Be sure
to utilize your resources, such as colleagues, friends and family who are
getting rid of old furniture, cushions or seating that they would be willing
to donate.

Q: What about next year when they go to a new classroom that does not have
Flexible Seating?
A: Just like anything else I do in my classroom with the belief that it is
best for kids, I can NOT control what my colleagues do in their classrooms.
Therefore, I focus on what I can do THIS year in THIS classroom to help my
students. If a child finds a mode that is HOME RUN, then perhaps the parents
or child can have a conversation with the teacher to accommodate that the
following year. new needs.

Q: Would this even work in my (kindergarten, spec ed, middle school, high
school) classroom?
A: That is completely up to you! The beauty of flexible seating is that there
are not rules other than to offer students choices and flexibility in the
classroom. You do NOT have to do it the same way as me! I truly believe that
with the desire to do so, and a growth mindset, ANY teacher can make Flexible
Seating work for them- for students of ANY age, in ANY setting.
 Q&A
Q: How do parents respond to the change and how do you get them on board?
A: Most of my parents were COMPLETELY and TOTALLY on board with this at the
beginning of the year. Some were not. First, I asked them to put their trust in
me (and in the research, which I shared with them). Second, I reassured them
that I had plenty of desk and chair options if it truly became an issue for their
children.

Q: What do you do with students who simply can't handle the freedom?
A: Unfortunately, after a lot of coaching and reminders, they lose their
freedom. There are some students who, try as they may, just can't seem to choose
a good fit spot for themselves. In that case, I choose their Home Base for them.
:( If students are just having a momentary lapse in judgement, we have a "Safe
Seat" which is a separate desk and chair that they can go to recover.

Q: Do the kids take turns picking a spot? How do you keep it fair?
A: I have seen a lot of really great ideas on Pinterest and Instagram about how
people "claim" seats or they rotate through them. The very first two or three
weeks of school, we had kids rotating through the options for a day at a time so
that they had the chance to try everything. From there on out, it has worked out
pretty seamlessly. An equal number of students prefer to sit at a variety of
places that we have not had to really manage it as much as some teachers
have. If you're looking for ideas, hop on Pinterest and type in "Flexible
Seating Options" and you'll find some great ideas!
 Looking Ahead…
What do you think about Flexible Seating after
listening to the presentation?
1 2 3 4 4-Highly
Satisfied

Would you consider implementing Flexible Seating in 3

your classroom?
1 2 3 4 2

1-Highly
Did you find this presentation to be informational? Dissatisfied
1 2 3 4

Is there any other information you would like to

know about?
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What did you like about this presentation?

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