How to Start Flexible Seating

Flexible Seating is a phrase that has been buzzing around the education world for quite some time now.  I LOVE seeing so many teachers getting their toes wet with this.  It has been a game-changer in my classroom over the past two years and I want to help you get started!  Here is my advice for starting flexible seating off at the beginning of the year!

• Make a plan - flexible seating does not mean you have to get rid of all of your traditional seating  - it just means that students have options of where they sit.  What do you want flexible seating to look like in your classroom?  It looks different from classroom to classroom, start with what might work in your room.
• Get rid of the idea of a seating chart - true flexible seating does not have a seating chart, no more assigned seats *only do this if you are going 100% flexible seating at all times*
• Look at what you already have - do you have good tables and desks?  If so, figure out if you can lower some (by taking off legs) or if you can raise some (extending legs or with bed risers).  Do you have a counter or shelf that could be used as a standing desk?  Do you already have clipboards or whiteboards?  Start with what you have!
• Ask for donations - you will be amazed at how generous people are!  You may get old bean bag chairs, couches, pillows, carpet squares, and more.  You can even start on Donors Choose and make a project there.  Don't try to buy it all yourself, trust me!
• Get rid of some seating and add in your new seating. You can go all out or start with just one type of seating.  I introduced Wobble Chairs in my classroom and that was it at first.  The kids could work at that special table during the day when they were doing independent or center work.  This was a great way for me to see how flexible seating could work in my classroom and a great way for me to see how the kids would do with seating options that were not so traditional.
• Introduce the seating to your students.  Model how you use that option.  Model how you don't use the option.  Have a student model the incorrect way and the correct way.  Allow that option to be available to students.  Put this in your lesson plans for the first week of school.  Teach it to your students!
• Make sure the rules are clear (whatever rules you decide).  The two rules that I highly encourage are "Teachers have the right to move you at any time"  and "Pick a spot that works best for you".
• Have fun!  Teaching is supposed to be fun - enjoy it, embrace it, and love it!  

Wondering what seating will be best for you?  Check out 18+ Flexible Seating Ideas for Your Classroom!

Let me know if you have any questions.

(contains affiliate links)

Luv Chicken Seats - Flexible Seating Option

Walking in to my classroom, you will find few children sitting in chairs and many children sitting in multiple other places - yoga balls, wobble stools, all over the floor, and more.  I LOVE flexible seating and feel like my kids really do their best when they pick the place that they can work best.

I just heard about Luv Chicken Booster Seats for kids and got one to try out in my classroom.  I have some photos & thoughts to share with you all!

I even have a PROMO CODE that will get you $15 OFF a Luv Chicken Cushion!!!!

So what is Luv Chicken?  "Luv Chicken Booster Cushions are fabulous booster seats for kids ages 2 - 7 years. The cushions are very stylish. They are created with colorful prints that are both fun and modern. Kids really love them! They are constructed of kid-safe (phthalate-free) coated cotton which makes them easy to wipe clean. They stay put with a grippy, non-slip bottom eliminating the need for clumsy buckles or ties. They also have a handle so kids can carry them anywhere - restaurants, theaters and grandma's house! They work great as floor cushions too!"

How did I like it?  I loved it.  I love anything that the kids can move with them and that they can clean up.  Here are some specific things I loved:

• You can wipe them right up!  We are often eating in our classroom and kindergarten kiddos can be very messy - these can be wiped right off.  I am also thinking that would be fabulous for craft time!  The kids are able to wipe these off - anytime the kids can clean up is a plus for me!
• The kids can carry them!  I stored my cushion in my library.  Kiddos know they can go over there and grab it if it is the option they would like to use.  It is lightweight and has an awesome handle - it makes carrying crayons and glue and books and everything else they shove in their hands SIMPLE!  A handle - so fabulous!'

• Its a comfy cushion and provides a little boost.  Our floors have been through many learners - not necessarily where I would like to sit.  Sitting on a cushion, yes please.  This is also great for my smaller kiddos who need to be a little higher to write at the table or see the board.  I love that it really does provide a boost - the kiddos don't sink down!

The good stuff - You can get $15 off with the promo code "KGREAT15".   The best place to purchase these fabulous cushions would be on Amazon.  You can't beat that deal!  Special discounts for orders of 6 or more.  Contact info@luv.chicken.com for more information!

18 Flexible Seating Ideas for your Classroom!

Have you tried flexible seating in your classroom yet?  I am sure you have something in your room that would already work as an option!  Flexible seating is all about giving your students a choice where they sit & providing them with alternative seating options that aren't those boring metal chairs!

(affiliate links included)

Here are 18 alternative seating ideas for your classroom!

1. Floor Pillows - I got these through Donors Choose - they came from LakeShore.  Here is another great option that you could cover any way you please! 
   
   
2.  Bath Mats
3. Carpet Squares*
   
4. Futon*
5. Yoga Balls
6. Loveseats or couches*
7. Wobble Chairs - I got these through Donors Choose as well!
   
8. Crate Seats - Super easy to make - I brought one to Lowe's and they cut the wood the exact size for me! How kind of them!  Get a pack of six here!
   
   
9. Body Pillows*
10. Scoop Rockers - I got mine from OverStock but I heard you can find them at Walmart if you are lucky!
    
11. Benches - I bought bookshelves from walmart & put them horizontal to make a bench!
    
12. Clipboards
13. Yoga mats
14. Lap Desks - I found mine at Hobby Lobby (you can call and request specific colors when ordering online)
    
15. Standing Tables*
16. Floor Tables*
17. Sit Spots 
    
18. Lounge Pillows* 
    

[BONUS] 19.  Luv Chicken Seats - these cushions are super light weight, making it easy for kids to carry them from place to place.  They are covered in a material that can be wiped off - perfect for all the germs, glitter, and glue that goes around the classroom!  Purchase yours on Amazon today!

*These ideas can be done FOR FREE!  Carpet Squares - ask a local interior designer or carpet store if they have any extras you can have.  I had a good friend give me her prints that were no longer in stock.  Futon, Loveseats, Couches, Pillows - Ask your parents!  You will be surprised how many people need to get rid of furniture and would love to donate to your classroom!  Standing Tables/Floor Tables - Just adjust the legs on the tables/desk you already have in your classroom - no need to purchase the fancy "standing" desks, you already have them!

What other ideas do you have?  How do you use flexible seating in your classroom?

Flexible Seating in Kindergarten - Floor Pillows!

I recently completed a project on Donors Choose and received funding for 4 giant floor pillows.  I had our amazing custodian remove the legs off of one of my tables & the table quickly turned in to a cute and short table for the little busy bodies in my classroom.

The giant floor pillows arrived, and let me emphasize the word GIANT, and they have been placed at the low table.  The kids are in LOVE, as am I!  They kids pick where they sit.  They have a handful of options (carpet squares, wobble chairs, scoop rockers, regular chairs, floor pillows, clipboards, etc.).  The floor pillows have constantly been occupied (sometimes even by the teacher!).

The kids love working on the floor.  At least 75% off my class is on the floor during writing time, it is where a lot of them do their best work.

But why pillows?  Think about it.  Where do you work best?  For most of us, it is not sitting on a cold metal chair.  It is likely somewhere that we consider comfortable - our bed, the couch, Starbucks, etc.  Kids are the same way!

Here is a quick peek at how I use Lakeshore's Giant Comfy Pillows as an alternative seat in my kindergarten classroom!

I know Lakeshore's Pillows are quite pricey, but in my opinion, well worth the price.  I have had them for 2 years and they are still super fluffy.  Other pillows, that tend to be cheaper, don't last as long, but are great to try out and see if it is something would work in your classroom! Here are some other options that are not as expensive! (affiliate links).

Bean Bag Type Chair Pillow

Square Pillow

Lounger Round Pillow

Body Pillow - I used these for 2 years in my classroom!  I had to buy covers for them.  They didn't stay as fluffy as I would have liked, but it didn't bother the kiddos.  It is time to replace them now though!

Flexible Seating in Kindergarten!

I didn't graduate too long ago and I already feel like I am behind the times.  I am constantly amazed at how fast the education world is changing.  It is constant - but that is what I love about it!

I had been reading and pinning and swooning over flexible seating for a while and this year I decided to take the plunge (more like dip my toes in the water....the plunge is coming soon!).

I started off by deciding what type of seating I wanted to try out the most.  Would it be bean bags? Wobble Chairs? Standing Desk? Yoga Balls?

For my kiddos, I thought wobble chairs would be the best!  I set up a project on Donor's Choose & wahlah! It was funded.

Four wobble chairs entered my kindergarten classroom...
(that kind of sounds like the start of a bad joke...)

I kept reminding myself, I am just dipping my toes, dipping, dipping, dipping.  I put the wobble chairs at one of my extra tables.  Tip 1: Start with just one option.  All the kids still had their assigned seats but they were allowed to work on wobble chairs during Daily 5 or other independent work time if they felt they needed to sit somewhere different than their regular chair.  

No surprise, the chairs were always getting used.

Test run = success.

I am ready for the plunge!  I created a new Donors Choose project & it was funded.  I have new seating coming in this week (along with some seating I ordered on my own) and flexible seating is about to take off in our kindergarten classroom (fingers crossed)!

Looking for flexible seating ideas for your own classroom?  Follow my pinterest board - Flexible Seating is Grrreat!

More to come as I work through this new process!