This post follows my original blog post, Flexible Seating in a Middle School History Classroom, where I share how I started with flexible seating and explain my process. Here, I'll share how I've adjusted my classroom management to better support my flexible seating learning environment specifically in a middle school classroom.
When I first implemented flexible seating last year, it was such a huge shift for me that the control freak in me still needed a seating chart. I had students start in traditional seats and desks for direct instruction and when it was independent work or small group work, I allowed students to move into flexible seating options. This worked well while I was building my flexible seating furniture and options throughout my first year of flexible seating (2017-18).
When I had a seating chart last year, it was very easy to take attendance. With open seating, that was a challenge from the start. This year, I assign Chromebooks to students by roster number. I spent every day of the first week of school really enforcing that students are diligent with taking the correct Chromebook and returning them that it is now how I take attendance. I simply check which Chromebooks are left in my cart after students are seated to know who is missing.
Ultimately, I am still figuring out flexible seating in my classroom. Was it worth all this work? Definitely. It will also only get better as I continue to work on designing and redesigning the learning space. Below is an excerpt from a letter a student wrote to me at the beginning of the year.
Classroom Management
Seating Charts v. Open Seating
When I first implemented flexible seating last year, it was such a huge shift for me that the control freak in me still needed a seating chart. I had students start in traditional seats and desks for direct instruction and when it was independent work or small group work, I allowed students to move into flexible seating options. This worked well while I was building my flexible seating furniture and options throughout my first year of flexible seating (2017-18).
This year, I acquired more unique seating options that not all seats were at a desk. I did not feel comfortable forcing students to start at a seating option that they did not like and it felt counterintuitive to the flexible seating philosophy. I started my year allowing students to choose their own seating option that worked for them. We spent a day at the beginning of the year discussing my expectations of students using the various seating options and making good choices. I am now a month into the school year and I have had very few minor issues. I've noticed that some students definitely preferred a particular seat or place in the classroom. Other students hopped around and have sat at all the different seating options. So far, so good!
Attendance
When I had a seating chart last year, it was very easy to take attendance. With open seating, that was a challenge from the start. This year, I assign Chromebooks to students by roster number. I spent every day of the first week of school really enforcing that students are diligent with taking the correct Chromebook and returning them that it is now how I take attendance. I simply check which Chromebooks are left in my cart after students are seated to know who is missing.
Note: Seating charts have traditionally helped me quickly learn students' names. Not having a seating chart this year has made learning student names more challenging, but the trade-off of allowing student choice of flexible seating option outweighs this minor inconvenience.
Maintenance
One thing I bought for myself at the start of the year was a good ol' Dustbuster. I realized that dirt, dust, lint, and sometimes crumbs were hard to shake off of the fabric-covered furniture. Maintaining a clean learning environment is a must, so I tried everything to clean my chairs and futon to no avail. My new Dustbuster with an upholstery attachment is my new best friend. I give my fabric-covered furniture a good vacuuming each week and they look almost new again.
I also keep a hex key (Allen wrench) that came with most of the furniture I had to build myself in my desk. Every so often I inspect my standing desks and chairs to see if any of the screws were coming loose. They rarely do, but I have found a few that needed tightening.
As for the exercise ball chairs, middle schoolers love inflating exercise balls! When some of my exercise balls look like they need to be inflated, I just make an announcement in my classes and students jump at the opportunity to help me re-inflate them.
Something that I am worried about is a long-term solution to replacing furniture that break. I already had one exercise ball go flat due to a hole. The one specifically made for the chair was $22 on Amazon! I ended up buying that myself, but can see if I had to replace multiple pieces of furniture, how expensive that can get. I need to eventually come up with a system or consider replacing pieces every year or every other year perhaps with DonorsChoose.org.
Ultimately, I am still figuring out flexible seating in my classroom. Was it worth all this work? Definitely. It will also only get better as I continue to work on designing and redesigning the learning space. Below is an excerpt from a letter a student wrote to me at the beginning of the year.
While I am designing my classroom to enhance learning, being able to create a fun, inviting, and comfortable space also brings joy to my classroom. This made every dollar and all of that time spent worth it.
good job.
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