Flexible seating is a current trend in education. The purpose of flexible seating is to create various opportunities for students to work in an environment where they will be most successful and productive. From sitting on the floor, to a yoga ball, or simply standing by a desk, students are allowed to choose how they want to work!
Here are six benefits of flexible seating in elementary school.
Health
Research found that even if children exercise in the morning or evening, but sit the rest of the day, are at risk for significant and unhealthy blood vessel changes and heart problems. In fact, one in three children in the United States are overweight and that number is on the rise. There are numerous physical consequences, as well as a higher risk for depression, anxiety and poor social skills in overweight children. These statistics captured the attention of the Mayo Clinic, prompting research to create an alternative school environment that will allow increased physical activity for children. After more than 10 years of program research, researchers concluded classrooms without traditional seating not only gets students moving, but also improves teacher-student interaction.
Choice
If order to prepare students for the real world, they need to be placed in a responsive, dynamic environment that reflects life outside of a traditional classroom. In the real world, adults are responsible for making their own decisions. In a nontraditional classroom, there are no seating charts with flexible seating — students are allowed to responsibly choose where they work each day. This preps them for the future choices they will make as adults.
Community
Traditional desks can create feelings of unhealthy possession over their space and supplies. Flexible seating encourages children to share their space and supplies with others. Roig Academy 5th Grader, Carlos said,“Flexible seating allowed me to interact with different students and make new friends.” Further, it encourages them to collaborate with one another and take turns in different locations with different seating options.
Movement
Research suggests physical activity, in the form of moving, stretching, and walking, can enhance the learning process. Now, it is no secret children need to move — when they are unable to, they can become distracted and potentially disruptive. Flexible seating allows students to sit, stand, kick, fidget, twist, bounce, roll, kneel, and lean to complement how they learn best. One teacher, who implemented flexible seating says, “There was less movement for movement’s sake — fewer trips to the bathroom or water fountain. Students shifted their bodies and changed positions when they needed to in order to stay focused. And students were able to move themselves away from other students who might be distracting or bothering them. This led to much less bickering and fewer distractions from class work.”
Engagement
“Flexible seating allows my students to be the best learner they can be,” Roig Academy teacher, Jackie Cardentey says, “It allows them to find a spot in the room most conductive to their needs and allow them to be successful in their learning while eliminating distractions.” Another teacher found that distracting behaviors have been almost eliminated, while engagement and student participation are at an all time high.
Sensory Input
Many flexible seating options stimulate students’ sense of touch. This can help students focus and process information. Sensory input is especially helpful for students with ADD, and ADHD. Further, one teacher found that flexible seating provides clear boundaries for students who struggle with self-regulation during whole group instruction.
Overall, positive effects on health, movement, student engagement, sensory input, choice, and community are only a few benefits of implementing flexible seating in elementary school.
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