Flexible Seating in the Classroom

Hello Reader, 

As I approach the end of my time in college and my studies in education I have learned the importance that inclusivity plays in the classroom. I read a page from the edtech book, Inclusive Learning 365, and stumbled upon page 12 strategy 12 titled, “Providing Learning Spaces with Flexible and Kinesthetic Seating Surfaces.” From first hand experience I can vogue the importance of flexible seating for learners as well as providing kinesthetic seating surfaces. In the education world we are so past the idea that every student needs to sit at a desk. I have seen students sit in bean bags, on cushions and even on yoga balls. 

As educators all we want is our students' success and this is one way to support that. It is important to know your students and their needs so that they can have the best possible outcomes even if that means allowing a student to complete a task on the floor. On page 12 it was stated that “learners who are practicing to regulate attention may find they can maintain focus longer while their body is involved in spontaneous motor movements,” (Bugaj, 2021). Some students crave constant stimulation through movement and it is important to give those students the opportunity to do so. This can be through the type of seating a child is given like a swivel or even a yoga ball to bounce in. 

As we progress as educators we have learned many different strategies and different necessities students need. Learning isn’t one size fits all and in this modern day we have recognized that. Just like there are visual and auditory learners there are learners who thrive off movement. Allowing for changes in the classroom such as specialty seating and beyond can help set students up to reach their full potential, but the students can’t get there on their own. It is up to you as an educator to make those adjustments for your students. Recognize their strengths within the classroom and implement tools such as kinesthetic flexible seating to help meet their needs, and help students thrive.