In my last post, I explained why flexible seating is absolutely amazing and why you should absolutely utilize it in your class! If you stumbled across this and want to read a bit more about the benefits of flexible seating, check out part 1 here.

As I wrote in that post, many teachers are intrigued by flexible seating but haven’t embraced it because it is overwhelming. Many teachers picture chaos, children fighting over stools, and a lack of structure creating more teacher headaches…the last thing any of us need!

I hope that I can alleviate some of those concerns. This will be my third year with flexible seating in my kindergarten classroom, and I would never ever go back! In fact, I might or might not have ordered even more flexible seating than I have room for. I love flexible seating!

I too used to be scared and hesitant to allow alternative seating choices in my room. But after seeing class after class struggle with sitting still, I wrote a grant and ordered a variety of seating choices in my classroom.

Flexible seating doesn’t have to mean absolute freedom, chaos, or a lack of structure. With just a few tips, you can successfully make flexible seating work in a calm, collected manner in your classroom.

Tip #1: Start slowly

For the first half of each year that I have used alternative seating options, I limited the seating to literacy time only. The first year I even restricted it to one space in my classroom. These restrictions worked for me because it allowed a large chunk of time for the students to enjoy it while allowing me to observe easily and feel out how they were going to do with it. I would never have felt comfortable starting the year out with flexible seating all the time if I hadn’t spent all that time gathering research on every possible way students could misuse and abuse the privileges.

By the end of both previous years, I was allowing flexible seating during all work times, but students still started every day in their desks. After I gave short lessons they could go pull out what they wanted and use it.

This year I am removing the chairs from my classroom and going all in! I will keep about 5 chairs in my room for those that lose the privilege, and other than that I am embracing it fully. My classroom is going to look like a coffeeshop and I couldn’t be more excited! I am so glad that I started slowly and gave myself the chance to make mistakes and learn from them.

Tip #2: Utilize Space Properly

This applies to both actually using flexible seating in class and storing it. For storage, try storing them in various places throughout the room that the children can easily access. My first year I made the mistake of putting everything in one corner of the classroom when not in use. This quickly created a traffic problem and unnecessary long lines. Once I spread them to different shelving units around the room transitions went much more smoothly.

When allowing students to use the seating, you need to make sure there is plenty of room. Don’t let the students block walkways, doorways, or bathroom access. You will very likely need to reorganize your classroom to create plenty of open space. (I had to convince my principal to let me trade out the wide round tables I had for smaller rectangle tables).

Tip #3: Set Clear Expectations and Consequences

As with any new system or item in your classroom, establishing clear expectations beforehand is a must. First, you will need to look at every type of seating item you are using and picture what you want its use to look like, and especially what you don’t want it to look like. (Be reasonable here…remember the goal is not for the children to sit perfectly still and quiet! If it is safe and doesn’t prevent the child or others from learning, I would permit it.)

Then model proper usage and establish guidelines on one piece of furniture or seating at a time. I only introduced one new item about every 4-5 days, making sure it was used properly before introducing something else.

Lay out consequences clearly in advance and follow through at the first deviation. Watch like a hawk at first and intervene immediately if any item is misused, providing the agreed upon consequence. In my opinion, taking that item away and having the student sit in a regular chair for the remainder of the day is a reasonable and fair consequence for any infraction. If you find yourself taking it away for longer than the rest of the day, just remember that the students who are acting up most likely need the special seating more than anyone.

Tip #4: Avoid Fights

Interests is full of great charts and rotation ideas for divvying out the special seating items. If that is what you need to do to make it work in your classroom, then go for it! But I think that it eliminates some of the purpose because you are taking away the choice aspect.

What I have done in the past is start at one spot in my classroom list and go down the list, allowing those called first to go get the item of their choice. The next day I start at a different point in the list. I typically only have to do that for a couple of weeks before the newness wears off and they are willing to share and take turns. I have a strict if-you-argue-neither-of-you-gets-it policy that eliminates most fighting over seating.

This year might function a little bit differently since I am placing the seating out at the tables for the whole day. My plan is to assign seats for the first 4 weeks or so, rotating the kids through all of the tables. Then after that, I will allow them to choose their seats, with some restrictions based on individual behavior issues/conflicts.

 

Those are my tips for making flexible seating work in your classroom! Consistency and organization are key. I hope after reading these two posts you are willing to give it a shot! Ready? Read my next post for flexible seating ideas, even if you are on a budget!

Posted on: July 28, 2018, by : admin