I am Lesley Righetti, one of the first grade teachers here at Jefferson International Academy and I am so excited to tell you about a new adventure in my classroom! After much thought and even more research I was able to provide the findings that support the benefits of incorporate flexible seating into a classroom. I have always had a variety of seating options for my students in the past, but this idea of flexible seating is very different then what I have implemented before. I am now able to provide my students the option of sitting on wobble stools, exercise balls, scoop chairs, papasan chairs, a bench, or at tall stools. They may also choose to work on the floor using clipboards.
Flexible seating is a choice given to students to identify a chair or another seating option to work in the classroom where they feel they can do their best work. The more choices students have the more they will feel invested and responsible for their learning. When I give my students choices I see greater engagement, more excitement, and a higher desire to learn. There have also been short term health benefits identified to various seating options such as: burning more calories each day, higher metabolism, better oxygen flow to the brain, improved core strength, and appropriate posture. The largest student-choice benefit behind flexible seating is that it helps students become more self-aware of what types of seating and environment helps them learn best. And, of course they are empowered by the opportunity to have choices.
