So we are going back into the building and the CDC recommends that we keep the kids 6 feet apart. Ya you heard that right, keep 5 year olds six feet apart. How the heck do we do that?! Might seem pretty overwhelming and unattainable, even with a reduced class rotation. But it is totally doable!
I use flexible seating in my classroom. What is flexible seating? Flexible seating can vary from class to class but overall it is non traditional seating options which allow for student choice and teaches them to find what learning space works best for them. And best of all, flexible seating is research based. (thats a whole other blog). The flexible seating benefits are insane! The one benefit to flexible seating I am going to talk about now though is that with flexible seating you will be able to utilize MORE of your classroom and help to create that “social distance” while still creating a classroom community filled with learners.
Ok, so If you have been using a traditional layout for your classroom this is going to seem radical, but a flexible seating layout doesn’t have to seem chaotic when done right. A flexible seating layout will have you using chairs and traditional desks while also utilizing things like TV trays, clip boards, wiggle seats, and yoga balls.
I have been using flexible seating in my classroom now for four years. It started out of necessity as I was co-teaching and we had 40 plus kindergarteners in one room. It quickly became obvious that flexible seating was IT. It was the thing I had been missing to create a productive community of independent kindergartners. Yes, thats right 5 year olds that would work independently, assess and adjust their own learning! I was in heaven.
Ok back to how you can use a flexible seating layout in your classroom to create six feet of social distance without it seeming cold and alien in you and your classroom. First you need to decide how deep you want to go. Do you want to fully embrace flexible seating options and grab some yoga ball chairs? Or does that thought of kindergarteners bouncing at their desks while you're teaching make you break out in a sweat?
Well, one thing is for sure, our “traditional” desks aren’t going to be an option this year. Here are some ways I have used flexible seating in my classroom effectively these last 4 years.
- Clip Boards - This may seem super simple, and it is. Some students just cannot keep themselves at a desk and end up laying on the floor. You know what I’m talking about right? Well, give that student a clip board and LET THEM work from the floor. You will be amazed at how productive they will be in their preferred space.
- Kids activity or TV Trays - Ok I bought these kids activity trays off Amazon but I know they have them at Micheals and Walmart as well. These are the perfect mini desk and can be used in any part of the classroom! This is one of the options that is always in demand.
- Portable Lap Desk - These are the more expensive version of the activity try and might be a better fit for the upper elementary sized kids. I’ll be honest I haven’t used these yet (they didn’t fit into my teacher budget) but they are waiting patiently in my Amazon cart for next year.
- Yoga Ball Chairs - These are what make some of the more seasoned teachers, you know the teachers who have been doing this for years, the most nervous, but they shouldn't! These yoga balls allow for those kids who just can’t seem to stop moving to work with a little bounce. Happily bouncing while getting their reading done. Now these are the flexible seating option that needs the MOST training and practice. Hey I have had to put the yoga balls in ‘time out’ when they weren't being used properly so I get it. However they are worth the effort.
- Exercise Disks - Those flat inflatable disks that kill you in the gym? Yup those. They act as a pillow or cushion (since we won’t be allowed to have those in the rooms next year) I have my student’s use these at our low desks or at the kid activity trays.
- Standing Table - Yea thats right its just a table I had adjusted to its tallest option (thanks to my amazing custodian) You would be surprised how many kids just don't want to sit down.
- Small Single Student Desks - I also usually have 2 - 3 solo desks for kids that just need some of their own space. I get those little LACK desk from IKEA (usually about $7) There is always a student who discovers that they need to be alone in order to get their work done.
Ok now how do you implement a flexible seating layout in your classroom? Slowly. It takes time for kids to learn our new seating options, especially if they have never been given an option before. I introduce all the options that are available in my class, as well as the rules for those options. We review the rules A LOT in the beginning of the year. I also make every student try all of the options before giving them the choice. That way they re familiar with each option. Now in a normal year I would let the students choose their seat every morning as a part of our morning routine. Now that student spaces are going to have to be cleaned after each student? I am thinking they will choose their option for a couple days or even a week.
Now you have the flexible seating tools you can get rid of , or push to the side, those huge tables that take up 75% of your room. Now without those you are able to create a classroom where students can learn and still use social distancing. I will be using those velcro carpet dots to help students understand their zone, or 6 ft bubble space. This will provide a visual cue for the younger students who may have the most trouble keeping to their own zone.
