Flexible Seating Classroom
How do people learn best? As an educator and lifelong learner, this is a constant question I have. One thing I do know, with absolute certainty, is that all students need and deserve to be in charge of their own learning. With that said, I have created an alternative classroom layout which will center entirely around choices.
Students will be given a choice of where they want to work. They will be allowed to sit, stand or kneel in an area that is stress free and comfortable. This will allow them to be actively engaged in their learning. There are two components involved in creating a successful alternative classroom environment: the way in which I scaffold instruction and the option to choose where the learning will take place.
2. Flexible Seating
Workspace 1: Standing at white boards which aligns with students who have high energy levels and tend to learn kinetically.
Workspace 2: Table with stool or stability ball which aligns with students who prefer a more traditional workspace while benefiting from the kinetic stimulus of the stability balls.
Workspace 3: Floor seating with lap desk and cushion which aligns with students who seek more space for their body. Workspace 4: Sitting on stools at white boards which aligns with students who prefer a hybrid model.
More than anything I want to foster an environment that provides as many opportunities for growth and learning as possible. Knowing that active bodies lead to active minds, I firmly believe that this two-pronged strategy of allowing them the opportunity to sit where they want while having independent board space to practice mathematical computations will enhance their personal educational philosophies and their disposition to learning in general.