tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post7340747387439762231..comments2024-03-29T00:30:02.280-07:00Comments on Teaching to Love: Flexible SeatingShannon at Teaching to Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-48676811975300177912021-12-29T00:45:29.898-08:002021-12-29T00:45:29.898-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.firoz mahmudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01343530801426686530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-62696452648829749372018-09-03T09:05:57.193-07:002018-09-03T09:05:57.193-07:00Hi! I use yoga balls as stand alone flex seating o...Hi! I use yoga balls as stand alone flex seating options. The orange balls in black crates from above are what Simply Kinder uses. You can ask her about sizes at her page: www.simplykinder.com :) If you have any other questions, let me know. <br /><br />I hope you're having a great year!Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-73236686577348037882018-08-01T16:49:36.742-07:002018-08-01T16:49:36.742-07:00 I am starting flexible seating. I like the five b... I am starting flexible seating. I like the five below and got exercise balls. They are too big. What size did you use in the crates? ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-72095934169370327432017-07-16T15:52:55.034-07:002017-07-16T15:52:55.034-07:00Hi Halea! The yoga balls were great quality and no...Hi Halea! The yoga balls were great quality and none popped over the last 2 years. The full size yoga balls from 5 Below might be a little big for some of your second grade students. I don't think semi-deflated would work very well, but I have not tried it before. I'd start by buying 1-2 and see how the size works for the kiddos, then you can go from there if you want to purchase more. :)Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-23294986671332211372017-07-16T15:52:04.599-07:002017-07-16T15:52:04.599-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-30014465540277185192017-07-15T12:15:31.132-07:002017-07-15T12:15:31.132-07:00How did your yoga balls hold up? How many popped o...How did your yoga balls hold up? How many popped over the course of the year? I have a 2nd grade class that I'm looking to buy yoga balls for and these are a great price, but I'm wondering about the quality and size. Would they be okay not entirely inflated?Halea Kasishkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601383596220260318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-62808674630339514022017-07-13T05:56:17.857-07:002017-07-13T05:56:17.857-07:00Hey Heather,
My students are in fourth and they ...Hey Heather, <br /><br />My students are in fourth and they did great with them. They are adult size, and because of that wouldn't be my first choice for the k-1/2 students. Our 3rd grade teachers use them a lot too and it works well. :)Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-17075474769733088222017-07-13T05:53:33.341-07:002017-07-13T05:53:33.341-07:00Jimmy, I LOVE your couch potato idea and I know th...Jimmy, I LOVE your couch potato idea and I know the kids will too! Due to our school policy I am not able to go 100% flexible seating and need to keep some desks in our room. Students needed to use them during state testing. I believe it's possible to use flexible seating during testing if it's something they've done all year, I'd check with your testing coordinator. As far as logistics go, I'd want to make sure the students had a stable surface that was more than a clipboard so there's enough room for their testing booklet and answer key in one space without having to shuffle things around too much. Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-70261329772360365282017-07-12T08:36:12.188-07:002017-07-12T08:36:12.188-07:00I like this! I've always had desks as home ba...I like this! I've always had desks as home base. I think I might try the carpet as homebase with the book crates.Hasstamperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09697432596218799867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-21855366513704333142017-07-12T08:34:27.365-07:002017-07-12T08:34:27.365-07:00I've seen the yoga balls at Five Below. My co...I've seen the yoga balls at Five Below. My concern was that they are adult size and might pose a safety issue if kids can't reach the floor. Did you have this issue?Hasstamperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09697432596218799867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-24187705477382591242017-07-01T06:47:13.296-07:002017-07-01T06:47:13.296-07:00I love this idea! I have also gone partial flexib...I love this idea! I have also gone partial flexible seating. I have 6 tables where all of my students sit during whole group but during small group they go where they want using cushions and carpet squares. I also have camp chairs and game rockers. I bought a couch 2 years ago and I have a couch potato each day and they get to choose a friend as a potato chip.<br /><br />I am considering going 100% flexible seating, but what would I do about state testing??Jimmy Yateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16435524464466689790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-27409625319125779922017-05-29T14:27:51.697-07:002017-05-29T14:27:51.697-07:00Hi Amber!
I teach whole group on the carpet and ...Hi Amber! <br /><br />I teach whole group on the carpet and that is our "home base." I also have their book bins lined up along the front wall under my SMART board and they know to grab a book and read while they wait. It does take practice, but once they get it, it works so well! My whole group lessons are considered mini lessons and are only about 15 minutes long at a time. When students move to work independently or in pairs for practice (depending the activity) they will then find a flexible seating spot around the room. In my room they can choose a different spot for each activity if they want (it doesn't bother me). I totally get the "chaos" feeling - that's exactly how I felt when I started. A good way to dip your toes in is try it for one subject each day for a week while you're introducing it and slowly add another subject. My students love having the opportunity to feel in control and choose but they know that choice is only theirs as long as they're being respectful and following our class expectations. :) I hope this is helpful! Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-53907617983206810302017-05-21T07:14:00.407-07:002017-05-21T07:14:00.407-07:00Not sure if my other reply went through! Thank you...Not sure if my other reply went through! Thank you for your reply back! Do you teach whole group on the carpet or on sit spots and then they go to their flex seat that they choose? I have seen those charts as well, but I'm like you I would print forget to change them haha :) I have read in other blogs as well to let them choose all day different spots. For example maybe in the morning some kid might want to stand and in the after they may want to sit. For some reason I see chaos. Haha I know it will take a lot of practice and setting good expectations so they know what they can and can't do. Right now everyday they come into the room they sit in their desk it is kind of like their "home" in the classroom if you will. So I'm thinking when they report back to the room after special or in the morning or after a restroom break while they are waiting for everyone else where do they go? To the carpet? I'm so excited to try it out and I think the kids will love it! Thank you for sharing where you go all of your flexible seating ideas!:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06891941186577385049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-77154422534413118972017-05-21T05:54:53.118-07:002017-05-21T05:54:53.118-07:00Hi Amber!
What worked for me was to initially as...Hi Amber! <br /><br />What worked for me was to initially assign the spaces for each activity, with flexibility for students to use the space differently. During that time I would explain why I choose the seat for that activity (ie: using a yoga ball at a table for typing was a good idea, but using a yoga ball and holding the laptop on your lap wasn't...etc.). This way there wasn't fighting during the roll out. <br /><br />Once we established routines students make choices themselves. Most of the time they are able to quickly pick a spot and get started. I've taught them to rock-paper-scissors for a space when two people want the same thing. With practice they've become very effective at managing the spaces themselves. <br /><br />You can also search on TpT "flexible seating" and there are many clip charts and other signs you can buy to print and have students "claim" spaces. I haven't used these yet as we move so often in our room I don't think I'd keep up with a chart. It could be helpful when just starting out as a visual reminder for students and where they're supposed to be. I hope this helps! Please let me know how it works for you and if you have any other questions! :) Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-59799801951035144952017-05-18T09:58:56.090-07:002017-05-18T09:58:56.090-07:00Thank you for sharing!! I really want to implement...Thank you for sharing!! I really want to implement this next year! How do the kids choose their spots is it just the first one to get gets to use it? Do they get to go to a different spot during the day whenever they want? When they come back to the room after special or from a restroom break do they go back to their desk?<br /><br />Thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02776519505908529580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-17614335387504220482017-03-10T06:14:25.481-08:002017-03-10T06:14:25.481-08:00No worries. Thing have been going pretty great. ...No worries. Thing have been going pretty great. I was able to get a kitchen booth off Buy and Sell (L bench, 3 roller chairs and table) for free! Seats 5 comfortably. Also a bar height table and 4 stools. To make room I removed 12 desks from my classroom, but now have seating for at least 32, that takes up less space! The kids love it. We are still learning how to use it properly, but my grade 6 class really seems to get it. The 8s will need more training. ;) Still hoping to find a coffee table height table to complete things. (or one I can cut down).Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03708550311242303348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-85575770083636880082017-03-10T05:56:34.502-08:002017-03-10T05:56:34.502-08:00I have 6 right now with about 15 clipboards and it...I have 6 right now with about 15 clipboards and it works great. I'm hoping to get 2-3 more lap desks this spring. :) Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-19752241107354023542017-03-10T05:26:26.230-08:002017-03-10T05:26:26.230-08:00I'm so sorry I didn't see this earlier! Wh...I'm so sorry I didn't see this earlier! What you're gathering sounds great. How has it been going for you? I have 26 stand alone desks, 3 tables that measure 4' x 2' (these are varying heights: 1 is low to the ground, 1 is regular height with yoga balls as chairs, and 1 is our computer table). They then use the stools, pillows, lap desks, etc. around the room where there is space. :) Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-18950077764167519652017-03-09T19:03:49.874-08:002017-03-09T19:03:49.874-08:00How many of the lap trays from Hobby Lobby did you...How many of the lap trays from Hobby Lobby did you purchase? Great idea, BTW (as with all your ideas)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16622196860719636850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-69733775728306097582017-03-09T19:02:48.247-08:002017-03-09T19:02:48.247-08:00Dis you keep a desk for all your students or just ...Dis you keep a desk for all your students or just a few?<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16622196860719636850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-12436755744105084332017-02-25T19:47:37.247-08:002017-02-25T19:47:37.247-08:00Ok - so just to be sure I understand - Do you have...Ok - so just to be sure I understand - Do you have 26 stand alone desks plus alternative seating, or desk space for 26 (desks and tables)? I have been gathering seating options over the last day or 2 (stability ball, crates and cushions, seating at emptied shelving space (room for legs) in front of windows, small table with lowered seating. I have 27 grade 8s in my homeroom, 28 grade 8s that I teach SS to, and a SS class of 30 grade 6s. My classroom isn't large, but I think I can make it work! Thanks for the inspiration!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03708550311242303348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-14553910565522700052017-02-25T19:38:20.095-08:002017-02-25T19:38:20.095-08:00Hi Kris!
Since I have to keep my students' d...Hi Kris! <br /><br />Since I have to keep my students' desks in our room (I have 26 students this year) it takes some creativity for usage and storage. <br /><br />I try to get smaller/mobile items that students can move around the room. I also had the custodian lower our 3'x 6' table (that used to be where I housed papers/centers) to about a foot high so the students can use that as a "desk" option to work at - it's great for collaborative projects. I've found that pillows, carpet squares, lap desks, yoga balls (you can store these on top of chairs that are upside down on top of the desk - the legs hold them perfectly!), stools, clipboards, wobble stools, yoga mats (I cut some in half), and scoop chairs don't take up a lot of storage space yet give students choice of what to use and where to use it around the room. Let me know if you have any questions - I'd love to help you brainstorm what could work for you and your classroom!Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-51801026496599863182017-02-25T06:59:45.473-08:002017-02-25T06:59:45.473-08:00How do you have room in your class for regular des...How do you have room in your class for regular desks AND flexible seating options. I barely have room for desks!!!<br />How many students?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03708550311242303348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-80898845115404497592017-01-04T19:26:30.384-08:002017-01-04T19:26:30.384-08:00Thank you so much for sharing! I loved hearing abo...Thank you so much for sharing! I loved hearing about your experience. That's great to know what options your students have tried. Isn't it neat watching how learning style needs can play into flexible seating! I've found most students find their most effective seating options after a couple of days/activities. I wholeheartedly agree that trying part of a day or rolling it on in certain subjects is an excellent way to get your feet wet. It's also an effective method for introducing the concept and expectations to students. Thanks for the comment Aussie Teacher! Shannon at Teaching to Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00054468409871789356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4957443942038215211.post-29401533204207279862017-01-04T16:07:51.736-08:002017-01-04T16:07:51.736-08:00I used flexible seating for the first time this ye...I used flexible seating for the first time this year, but also still retained desks for whole class instruction. Also when students chose seating, some preferred to use desks. I also am mindful of casual teachers (subs) who might find total flexible seating rather challenging. My classroom doesn't seem as big as the American ones I often see on the Internet ( I'm Australian) so this is what I've used:<br />Clipboards - essential<br />Coffee tables - light ones from IKEA are great<br />Cushions, cushions and more cushions...for around the coffee tables or just on the floor.<br />Bean bags<br />Large floor cushion from a lounge ( I inherited this..amazing!)<br /><br />Students quickly learnt to work away from disruptive friends if working alone but also so great for small groups. It became quite obvious which seating matched which child's learning style..interesting to observe.<br /><br />So I would recommend giving it a go, maybe for part of a day or for certain subjects!Aussie Teacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00710177492635253988noreply@blogger.com