Flexible Seating
I made the decision to incorporate flexible seating in my classroom for several reasons. The first is that I always want my classroom to feel like a comfortable and welcoming space. I want students to feel at home when they come to my class. Providing comfortable and flexible seating options can help achieve this goal! The second is that I wanted to create some spaces that would recreate authentic situations in which they would use Spanish outside of the classroom - for example, in a meeting around a conference table, or in a café with friends.
The adjustment to flexible seating went very smoothly - students were very respectful of the furniture and I have received a great deal of positive feedback from them about how comfortable and stress-free the space makes them feel. The effects on classroom management have been positive as well! Students appreciate the seating options available to them and know that this is a privilege. I have found the whole atmosphere is much calmer than when I was using only traditional desks. Additionally, having the ability to choose a space that works for them makes students more responsive to learning! I have found that even ordinarily shy students are much more comfortable speaking up and using the language when the physical environment feels relaxed.
I have been astounded by the positive impact this has had on my teaching and on my students' learning. Please check out these photos of my flexible seating classroom!
The adjustment to flexible seating went very smoothly - students were very respectful of the furniture and I have received a great deal of positive feedback from them about how comfortable and stress-free the space makes them feel. The effects on classroom management have been positive as well! Students appreciate the seating options available to them and know that this is a privilege. I have found the whole atmosphere is much calmer than when I was using only traditional desks. Additionally, having the ability to choose a space that works for them makes students more responsive to learning! I have found that even ordinarily shy students are much more comfortable speaking up and using the language when the physical environment feels relaxed.
I have been astounded by the positive impact this has had on my teaching and on my students' learning. Please check out these photos of my flexible seating classroom!