This year I decided to try flexible seating. I've been looking at it for several years and debating if I should try it. When Natalie, a friend and parent at my school, approached me about being part of a group to pilot this I knew it was time to try it!
I've been working in the room for about 2 weeks. Believe it or not, teachers start back July 25th so I wanted to make sure I was done before school starts.
When I started looking for flexible seating options I saw tons of exercise balls. I know I wouldn't be able to handle all those exercise balls rolling all over the place so I looked for other ideas. I found my bean bag ottomans at Overstock. I ordered memory foam bath mats and the isokinetics cushions from Amazon. I picked up the wooden stools at Target and the little black stools were ordered from IKEA. I absolutely love the way it has turned out!
I've used lamps for several years and I love the way the room feels like home without those fluorescent lights on.
So here is a look into my room!
I purchased bed risers for this table next to my technology shelf. It is high enough that the kids will be able to work around it while sitting on the stool or standing.
This is the shelf where all my technology will go. My Chromebooks will go on the top shelf. I have file folder organizers and the computers fit nicely in the slots. I tied each cord on the organizer so they'll be easy to plug in when the computers are replaced. The second shelf has organizers for my class iPads. I'm not sure if you can tell, but on the very bottom of the shelf are my new robots! I still have to get a large power strip for them because I have 12 Sprk robots we will be using for STEM this coming year.
This is the reading corner. I picked up the rag rugs at 5 Below. I haven't been a reading teacher in several years but the kids still love reading and I want them to have a place to sit and read if they want to.
I couldn't part with my teacher desk but I did eliminate a table and pushed the desk closer to the storage cabinets. The classroom computer is on my desk because it has to be connected to my Smartboard and document camera.
I really love this table. I used it for small group instruction when I taught math and reading. This year I'm planning to let students sit around it. I left a few chairs here in case someone wants one.
These are the wire shelves behind the table above. I eventually want to get some wooden shelves to replace these wire ones. They just don't hold up very well, but I'm about spent out for now!
This is the view along the wall where you come in the classroom. I have two desks there so we can turn them to face the classroom if they are needed.
We lowered this table by removing the legs from it. I put some rag rugs down and also got Isokinetics wiggle cushions.
This is my table with legs removed so the kids can use memory foam bath mats to sit on.
My front carpet (which is well worn) is a large place where the kids will be able to work.
I put my Target stools along the back counter.
And this table wasn't lowered because I put the bean bag ottomans here.
I hope you have enjoyed my classroom tour! I'm still planning to pick up a few other things for the room so if I do I'll be sure to share them with you.
Showing posts with label flexible seating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flexible seating. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2016
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Flexible Seating- I can't wait!
I am so excited about setting up my classroom for the 2016-2017 school year. We have been out of school since the end of May. Normally we can get in to the school to start set up after July 4th. I keep waiting for that email that tells me when I'm allowed in. This is how I feel...
I have gotten rid of my desks. The last day of school my students helped me move them up around to storage. I'm replacing them with tables. I plan to put those tables low to the ground so they can sit on the floor.
I've ordered some bean bag cubes from Overstock.
I have gotten rid of my desks. The last day of school my students helped me move them up around to storage. I'm replacing them with tables. I plan to put those tables low to the ground so they can sit on the floor.
I've ordered some bean bag cubes from Overstock.
Stools from Ikea
And a friend is picking up colorful rugs to go around one table. Now I'm on the search for larger rugs for different areas in my classroom and 6 tall stools to go around the counters and tall table.
While out looking for new things to put in my classroom I ran across different letters that were on clearance at Michael's. They didn't have enough of any one type to spell anything but I had this great idea to get all different types of letters to spell science. Look at this! I'm not exactly sure where I'll put it but I'm going to find a space for it.
I've been looking into flexible seating for the last year or so but I never actually tried it. There are several of us taking the plunge together and I'm all in! I will be teaching four classes of 5th grade science next year so it may be a little difficult to start, but I don't doubt we'll all love it!
Do you use flexible seating in your classroom? I'd love to hear tips and tricks that you can share with me.
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