Resources

It's the height of cold and flu season, and that means trouble for students. At school, belongings are constantly being shared. Kids aren't washing their hands. Germs are being shared and spread, and that spells trouble for everyone. To help prevent the spread of germs and keep kids from getting sick this winter, teachers should consider the following action steps.

 

Encourage Germ Prevention in School Restrooms

One of the best breeding grounds for germs is in bathrooms, and young children aren't always the best at avoiding situations that can easily get them sick. The solution? Teachers of younger kids should go over the rules of bathroom germ prevention on a regular basis, especially during the winter months when the spread of illness is more prevalent. First, provide hooks in the bathroom where backpacks and jackets can be hung up rather than being brought into stalls. Teach students to use the hooks, and teach them to thoroughly wash their hands each and every time they use the restroom.

 

Avoid Tools Touched by the Entire Class

From community pencil sharpeners to shared art supplies, try to avoid classroom activities that involve the whole class touching the same items during peak cold and flu season. Although this may be unavoidable, cutting down on the number of times students need to touch one another will decrease the chances that germs have to spread from one child to the next. In addition to cutting down on these activities, be sure to teach students germ etiquette, including the idea that they should avoid touching one another and sharing classroom materials whenever possible during this time of year.

 

Provide Hand Sanitizer

Be sure to provide hand sanitizer in your classroom and encourage students to use it periodically, though not too often. A hand sanitizer station can be placed at the front of the class if you'd like to monitor how often your students are using it, or you may choose to leave a couple of bottles around the classroom for students to use discretely without interrupting class.

 

Have Students Help Clean

Students will learn the value of cleaning up after themselves and preventing the spread of germs if you ask them to wipe down their desks once a day. While this is most important to do during cold and flu season, it doesn't hurt to have them do it every day throughout the school year just to keep the classroom clean.

 

What do you do to fight germs in your school? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Choices, Challenges, and Growth Using Flexible Seating

Flexible seating is a growing concept in classrooms across the country. Teachers have had massive successes--and setbacks--in implementing this growing trend. Just as each student is different, each teacher's experience is equally unique.

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

 Ships Today!

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

 Ships Today!

 

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.

 

Education

0 Comments

Leave a Comment

Your comment has been sent.

Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.