My classroom is something that I am so proud of and I could talk about for hours. In 2014, I received a grant from the Meemic foundation for a classroom makeover, and after attending MACUL I new exactly the direction I wanted to go into with my new space. That year at MACUL choice was the theme, every speaker I went to see spoke about student choice and the positive effect it had on student achievement. This lead me to flexible seating. 

​

Flexible seating gives students the choice of where to work, at MACUL it was first explained to me in the thought of a coffee house. Different types of seating, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for engaging students into their work. I got right to work on designing this space for my students. The biggest project was creating a bench that doubled as storage for my classroom library. This seats 6 student during the day where they can lay down, or relax by the window. Other seating ranges from couches, to stools, bungee chairs, and even yoga balls. A tall table allows for students to stand if they desire. My goal was to offer a space fro students to choose where they wanted to work, and by the beginning of the 2015-16 school year that goal was achieved.

​

Managing this was also a new challenge. The students all have name tags and each morning as part of taking attendance the students choose a new spot to work in. Since they pick so often they do not fight over the seats, but take enjoyment in sharing. I also had to find ways to make sure they had all the materials they need so they keep a pencil box in their mailbox with their materials, as well as in their book box, so they are always able to have what they need.

​

Since I have adopted flexible seating into my classroom, other teachers in my district have also gone on board, and beginning the 2019-20 school year all first grade classrooms in my building will have adopted flexible seating. It has been great helping teachers implement and trouble shoot with flexible seating and is something I am truly passionate about. To learn more about flexible seating please feel free to read this article. 

​