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Large or small, the lobby in your school should be comfortable and accommodating for students, parents, guests, and school staff. Read on for a detailed look into what you should add to your school’s waiting area.

 

Reception desks come in a huge selection of sizes and styles to suit any reception area. You're sure to find an option for your school from large, rounded desks for open waiting areas to smaller desks that only accommodate a school secretary. These desks also come in various styles to match the modern look or traditional charm of the rest of the space.

 

Reception seating should be comfortable and easy to clean. Go with chairs that have well-cushioned seats and are upholstered in vinyl, which is much easier to wipe down than fabric. You may also want to select seating with a gap between the back and the seat so that crumbs and debris won’t get lodged in the creases of the chair.

 

Announcement boards include whiteboards and bulletin boards that you can use to post announcements in your school lobby. While wall décor will bring a little style to the space, announcement boards are functional options that can be updated whenever new events and announcements need to be made.

 

Floor mats will keep the floors in your lobby looking their best and lasting much longer. Mats come in a huge range of sizes and colors, so you’ll have no trouble finding an option that perfectly fits your lobby. Position floor mats just outside and inside your lobby entry to maximize efficiency.

 

Coat racks provide a designated space for guests to keep jackets and purses while they wait. Not only do these make the waiting experience easier for visitors, but they also help keep your lobby cleaner and better organized.

 

Magazine and brochure racks come in freestanding and wall-mounted varieties. These allow you to display reading materials guests can enjoy while waiting. They also make an ideal spot to house commonly passed out brochures, making them easy for guidance counselors and staff to reach whenever needed.

 

Display cases allow you to show off awards and student work in your lobby. Be aware that most display cases are quite large, so you’ll want to measure your space before purchasing one.

 

Occasional tables include coffee tables, end tables, and sofa tables. Providing any combination of these different tables will allow guests in your waiting area to fill out paperwork and set down beverages more easily.

 

Crowd control is a required accessory for spacious lobbies that see a large number of people at the same time. Stanchions will provide flow within a lobby and show guests where lines begin and end at a glance.

 

Large or small, the lobby in your school should be comfortable and accommodating for students, parents, guests and school staff. Read on to get a detailed look into what you should add to your school’s waiting area.

 

Reception desks come in a huge selection of sizes and styles to suit any type of reception area. From large, rounded desks for open waiting areas to smaller desks that only accommodate one school secretary, you’re sure to find an option for your school within this selection. These desks also come in a variety of styles so that you can match the modern look or traditional charm in the rest of the space.

 

Reception seating should be comfortable and easy to clean. Go with chairs that have well-cushioned seats and are upholstered in vinyl, which is much easier to wipe down for cleaning than fabric. You may also want to select seating that has a gap between the back and the seat so that crumbs and debris won’t get lodged in the creases of the chair.

 

Announcement boards include both whiteboards and bulletin boards which can be used for, you guessed it, posting announcements in your school lobby. While wall décor will bring a little style to the space, announcement boards are functional options that can be updated whenever new events and announcements need to be made.

 

Floor mats will keep the floors in your lobby looking their best and lasting much longer. Mats come in a huge range of sizes and colors, so you’ll have no trouble finding an option that perfectly fits within your lobby. Position floor mats just outside your lobby and inside your lobby as well to maximize their efficiency.

 

Coat racks provide a designated space for guests to keep jackets and purses while they wait. Not only do these make the waiting experience easier for visitors, but they also help keep your lobby cleaner and better organized.

 

Magazine and brochure racks come in freestanding and wall-mounted varieties. These will allow you to display reading materials that guests can enjoy while they wait. They also make an ideal spot to house commonly passed out brochures so that they are easy for guidance counselors and staff to reach whenever needed.

 

Display cases allow you to show off awards and student work in your lobby. Be aware that most display cases are quite large, so you’ll want to measure your space before purchasing one.

 

Occasional tables include coffee tables, end tables, and sofa tables. Providing any combination of these different types of tables will allow guests in your waiting area to fill out paperwork and set down beverages more easily.

 

Crowd control is a required accessory for spacious lobbies that see a large number of people at the same time. Stanchions will provide flow within a lobby and show guests where lines begin and end at a glance.

How to Introduce Flexible Seating to Your Classroom

From allowing students to make their own choices to bringing more active movement into each day, there are many good reasons to add flexible seating to your classroom. Although this education trend is relatively new, myriad options are available in this category. Where do you start? Read our quick tips for how to introduce flexible seating to your students.   

Determine the Needs of Your Students 

Consider the number of students you have and their individual needs. Will you replace old furniture or simply add to it? Although some kids thrive in fully flexible classrooms, others may require a more structured setup. Many teachers prefer hybrid classrooms with both traditional desks and flexible options.  

Not only will you need to think about the learning needs of individual students, but you’ll need to consider different lesson plans as well. Do you want students to sit or stand during group exercises? Do you want them to use alternative seating options only during individual reading time? Only during group lessons? Every classroom is unique, and it’s up to you as the teacher to decide what setup will work best for your kids.  

Visualize and Measure Your Classroom 

Take a close look at your teaching style and consider where in your classroom you want your flexible seating to go. What areas of the room are underutilized? What can you rearrange to accommodate new furniture? Once you’ve determined where in your classroom you want your various alternative seating options to go, measure the space to determine what chairs and tables will be able to fit in the area when purchasing classroom furniture online.  

Introduce the Options to Your Students and their Parents 

Whether you go with exercise balls, wobble stools, couches, swivel chairs, or another active seating option, you’ll need a game plan to introduce them to students and their parents. Your kids will be very excited when they first see these seating options in your classroom, so it’s important to set boundaries and model them right from the start. The first week or two may be challenging, but remain firm and consistent, and your students will reap the benefits soon enough. 

Although introducing flexible seating to your students is important, explaining your choices to their parents is just as crucial. Because most parents did not have flexible seating when they were in school, they are likely to be unfamiliar with the benefits of alternative seating. It’s important for you as the teacher to educate parents so they understand why flexible seating will help their children learn.  

Make Plans for Substitute Teachers 

One of the biggest concerns teachers with flexible seating classrooms have is introducing the rules to substitutes. If you have a hybrid classroom with traditional desks and alternative seating options, you may find it easier to keep students in their traditional chairs during sub days. But if you only have flexible seating in your room, it’s best to write out instructions for your substitute that are as detailed as possible to avoid any confusion or students taking advantage.  

Remember that this is a major shift in your classroom setup, and there will likely be a steep transition period as you and your students get used to a new way of doing things. By preparing yourself for this transition and establishing clear expectations, you’ll set yourself and your students up for success from the very start.  

Stools, Rockers, Soft Seats, and More

Drift Large - 22.25"W x 19.25"D x 17"H

Available in 12 Options

Drift Large - 22.25"W x 19.25"D x 17"H

$269.00

Amped Chair

Available in 12 Options

Amped Chair

$689.00

Lesson Swivel Tablet Chair

Available in 3 Options

Lesson Swivel Tablet Chair

$329.00 $449.00

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Two Legged Chair with Carpet Casters

Available in 6 Options

Two Legged Chair with Carpet Casters

$239.00

Double Ended Rocking Stool

Available in 8 Options

Double Ended Rocking Stool

$199.00

Tall Motion Stool - 18"-23"H

Available in 8 Options

Tall Motion Stool - 18"-23"H

$199.00

Shown in a room scene

Available in 8 Options

Gather Two Half Circle Shape Set

$2,749.00

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The "What, When, and How" of Flexible Seating

We've all heard of flexible seating. It's a growing trend in schools across the country—especially those that embrace innovation and creative change. Endless pictures on social media show how teachers can configure their classrooms to make learning both exciting and effective. Literature, blogs, and think pieces explore the flexible movement, but what, at its core, is it all about?

Many people have questions, and, having used flexible seating in my elementary school classrooms for several years, I have answers. They all boil down to this: by giving students choices to enhance their comfort, they can do better work and feel better.

What Is Flexible Seating?

Flexible seating is, essentially, a way to diversify seating options in the classroom while allowing students to choose what will help them do their best work. Different kids have different needs—some fidget, some prefer something squishy, and some prefer a gentle rocking motion. Provide several options, and let the students decide what works best for them.

When Do Kids Use Flexible Seating?

In my classroom, we divide time between gathered learning and independent work. Kids flock to a carpet at the front of the room during lessons and group discussions to learn together. My students are young, so I am with them for their core subjects. No matter the topic, we learn together as a group before moving to in-class work time.

When we finish a lesson, students disperse and choose a workstation. Depending on the assignment, the difficulty, or even the day, kids can choose the appropriate place to suit their mood. Each seating style may have its perks and problems for each student. However, one kid's last choice may be another's favorite.

What Types of Alternative Seats Are Available? 

My journey with flexible seating began with yoga balls. I saw photos of imaginative classrooms in bright colors with yoga balls stationed at various workspaces. At the start of every year, I typically have about 12 of them. Since they're bouncy, round, and fun, I start by teaching kids how to properly sit on them. I tell them, "I shouldn't be able to hear your yoga ball" if they move too much.

Some kids prefer other active seating options, such as floor rockers or inexpensive scoop rockers. Others prefer softer options, such as cushions or modular shapes that can be stacked and moved to fit their needs. They can even sit at the teacher's desk. Different teachers employ different techniques and select suites of seats that are age-appropriate, size appropriate, and suit the demographics of their classrooms.

What About Traditional Desks and Chairs?

Some students prefer traditional seating to aid in their concentration. While nobody has a dedicated desk that's exclusively "theirs," there are several desks to work from as they desire. In my classroom, kids keep their personal supplies in one particular desk and use that as a touchdown point throughout the day. That all changes during flexible time—any desk is up for grabs, and everybody has equal access to any workspace. 

How Do You Ensure Fairness During Flexible Worktime?

Yoga balls sound like the most fun, don't they? While some students don't prefer them, many do—especially when they're first introduced. We take an egalitarian approach if the interest outweighs the opportunities. Students can sign up for their use, and we cycle through them as needed. Of course, the appeal of yoga balls may wear off over time, and kids will usually find their perfect fit. Some will stick with yoga balls; others will move on.

There's always added interest when I bring in any new piece of furniture, no matter what it may be. I take a similar approach and ensure that everybody can take their turn and, as always, interest evens off after a while.

Does Flexible Seating Affect Students’ Behavior?

Absolutely. Over time, I have noticed behavioral issues decrease, especially as the students learn to collaborate and share. If kids feel comfortable, they're far more likely to open up and become willing to learn. Kids who struggle with sitting still tend to benefit from subtle movements that can meet their needs without derailing their concentration. Overall, flexible seating leads to happier students, and happier students are better learners.

Choice is notoriously absent in K–12 education, yet it is necessary in the real world. Flexible seating isn't just done; it's taught. And by its nature, we're also teaching children how to make decisions that work best for them. They take control of their best interests—a lesson that can't come from a textbook.

 

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