Starting Out with Flexible Seating

If you’re unsure what Flexible Seating is, it is essentially a method of classroom seating that offers students the freedom to choose where they sit and what type of seat they use. The goal of flexible seating is to create a comfortable and personalized learning environment where students can do their best work.

I have used flexible seating in my classroom for the last six years now, and though it looks slightly different in my classroom from year to year, I’m really not sure I could go back to assigned spots that are all the same. If you are a teacher interested in introducing flexible seating into your classroom, here are some tips that I have learned throughout the year to get started:

1. Plan and Prepare

Like many things, starting out with and integrating Flexible Seating takes some time to plan and prepare. You will want to begin by identifying the types of seating options that you are wanting to provide. Some options include wobble stools, yoga balls, floor cushions or mats, lap traps, etc.

Something I like to do is to create a student checklist of all my seating options. (Click here to download your own editable checklist). This will come in super handy for you as you introduce these options to your students. It’s also worth mentioning that you do not need to start the year with a whole bunch of options. Starting with one or two options is completely fine! You can always add more seating options in later in the year or as you collect more options.

You will also want to decide how you will set up your classroom. I have done it multiple ways based on the students in my class. I have used assigned student seating where their names are on an individual desk. In this option, students can swap out their chair for a seating option or work at a seating option elsewhere in the room. I have also had my classroom set up with just tables and desk with no particular seating arrangement and no name labels on desks. You might want to think about if a particular table is for a particular seating option or if any seating options can go anywhere. The choice is yours and you will find out what works best for you and your students.

I suppose I should also mention that when we begin the year, all students are seated in chairs. I use the first week or two of school getting to know my students and how this group of students works. I usually begin introducing the seats around our third week together.

2. Introduce One Option At A Time

Now that you have your seating options chosen, it’s time to introduce your students to flexible seating. You will want to explain to them that they will be getting the opportunity to select their own seating. However, we do not want to overwhelm our students with choice. One year, I began by introducing all the options at one – yoga balls, lap trays, floor table, stools, etc. Talk about overwhelming! It was challenging for some students to make a choice because there were just so many choices!

What I have found to be the best way to introduce flexible seating is to go slowly and only introduce one thing at a time! Begin by only introducing one seating option (my other options are out of student view whether I am storing them in the cupboard or in another room). Let’s say that we are introducing a wobble stool – you will show them what it looks like. You will demonstrate how to use it. You may also want to demonstrate how not to use it! I find that giving students examples of both are really helpful. Show them which table or desk they can use the wobble stool at (if you’ve decided on specific places).

I typically introduce one new option per week. That is what personally works best for me. We give it one whole week of using the new seating option and having everyone try it out before introducing the next. I find that this does not overwhelm students with choices.

3. Let Everyone Try

Remember that checklist I told you about earlier? Yes, you will need that now. After I have introduced the seat to the students, they will all get one chance to work at that seating option to test it out. I find that most students will really be able to tell what works for them and what doesn’t and by trialing each option they will be able to make an informed decision about where they can do their best work. I use my checklist to tick off the students who have used the seat to ensure everyone gets a turn. Once all students have had a turn, they become free student choice in an orderly way!

Let me explain, we start each of our lessons at our carpet. When it’s time for them to go off to complete their work, they get to select a seat and get straight to work. I call students who can go get started – which usually means they have been listening to instructions well, though I do often make sure that all students have a chance to get called in the first half of the group. They will go off and select a seating option.

4. Set Clear Expectations

It is important to set clear expectations for flexible seating. While your students will understand that they have the freedom to select their own seating, they also have the responsibility to use the seating correctly and appropriately. If they happen to be in a seat and they are not using it properly, safely, or appropriately, I will automatically select a seat for them (most often being a standard desk with a chair). No, I do not give warnings as my expectations are clear. If I need to select a seat for a students, they will be able to try again in the next class.

5. Monitor and Adjust

After you are in full on flexible seating mode and all your options have been introduced, it’s important to continue to monitor how they are working. I like to also check in with my students while they are working in a particular seat. What do you like about using this seat? Some students find that they prefer working in a chair because it has a back rest, that’s ok. Some students will find that they prefer to work at a standing table because they don’t like sitting at all, that’s ok. Some students will realize they enjoy working on their stomach laying on the floor, that’s good too! The goal is to have students doing their best possible work and ensuring they are in an environment that is conducive to that and meeting their needs as a learner.

Flexible Seating is a great way to create a more comfortable and personalized environment for your students. I hope you have found these little tips helpful as you begin your journey to flexible seating and you create an engaged and productive classroom.