Flexible seating is all the rage these days, especially in elementary classrooms. Yes, I drank the juice too and I introduced flexible seating in my second grade classroom. Even though flexible seating was successful, I really wish that I would have done a few things differently before I introduced it in my classroom.
I’m starting to see something that’s a bit concerning. Teachers are so hyped up about flexible seating that they are buying up every pillow, chair, crate, and tire that they can find before ever having read about flexible seating. Not only that, teacher are not making a plan for how to implement this system in their classrooms.
This is your teacher friend here speaking from pure experience when I say to pump your brakes before you begin flexible seating in your classroom. There are a lot of things to consider, and you might not want to “buy all the things” without knowing all the things.
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What’s the Fuss over Flexible Seating?
Let’s assume that you know what flexible seating is at this point, so I’m going to spare you the long explanation. Basically, flexible seating transforms the look of traditional classroom seating. Gone are the desks and chairs in favor of pillows, bean bag chairs, stools, and pretty much anything your students can safely sit on.
If you do a quick search on Pinterest, you will see many pictures of classrooms that have been transformed. Instagram is another place to see other teachers’ flexible seating finds and DIY flexible seating projects like tire seats.
This is a picture of my second grade classroom. I implemented flexible seating during the 2016-2017 school and it worked really well for my students…luckily (more on that later). Kayla Delzer explains that research shows that flexible seating “[increases] motivation and engagement.”
Great, so all of my students will be focused on me in the classroom while they bounce around. Awesome, sign me up!
Ha, if only it were that easy.
RELATED: What Does Flexible Seating Look Like In My Classroom?
How Are Teachers Messing Flexible Seating Up?
I previously mentioned that flexible seating worked well the first year that it was implemented in my classroom. There are a few things that I did correctly, but I also did several things that could have sabotaged the whole thing. Avoid these things if you are thinking about starting flexible seating in your classroom.
1. Buying all the things: You ain’t got no money honey! You’re a teacher. Why are you spending all of your Starbucks and student loan money on stuff that might not work? The summer before I implemented flexible seating, I bought so much stuff. Five Below was my second husband and Target was my third child. I bought all of these things because someone else bought them and put them in their classroom. My thought was, “well they put these pillows in their classroom, so that must mean that it will work in my classroom too.” Instagram be influencing me.
Unless you are looping up with your students, you have no clue what kinds of children are going to walk in your room for the upcoming year. You could potentially buy a ton of flexible seating options that don’t work because your group of kids don’t or can’t vibe with it. I had a few students who were not allowed to use flexible seating because they never used it correctly. You may have students with behavioral issues that could not possibly sit on a crate seat or stability ball. Do you have a plan for those kids? This brings me to my next point…
2. Forgetting to make a plan: The summer before I implemented flexible seating, I read as many blog posts about it that I could find. I did all of this before ever purchasing a single flexible seating item. I really dislike following trends and fads in education without researching them. I tried to figure out what was best to start with. I downloaded free items from Teachers Pay Teachers to teach my students about flexible seating. I found sample letters to send to parents explaining flexible seating. Even with all of this planning, I never stopped to think about the kids who be unsuccessful with flexible seating. Not every kid is going to be able to handle bouncing in a seat all day. The truth is that some kids are going to need to stay in a desk and chair all day. I feel like the blogs and Instagram don’t tell you that part.
Besides having a plan for students who might not be able to participate in flexible seating, you need a plan for implementing it in the classroom PERIOD. If you bought “all the things” and then have to ask someone how you’re supposed to make it work in your classroom, you’re doing it all wrong. You should know how each piece of flexible seating will work within the plan of your classroom before you buy anything.
I messed up because I implemented all of my flexible seating options on the first day of school. I had pillows, lowered tables, stability balls, and traditional desks. We all know that the first day of school is crazy town. It was stressful to model and explain all of our seating options among the countless other things I had to explain the first day. I didn’t have enough traditional desks and chairs for my students to sit in, so I had to tell them about it. They couldn’t sit on the carpet all day!
What I should have done was introduce one type of seating at a time. This would give all the students a chance to practice using it. Yes, they need to practice every single piece of flexible seating that you put in your classroom! If you are a Daily 5 person you know what I mean when I say they need to build their stamina while using flexible seating as well.
Don’t be mad when little Johnny bounces through the ceiling while on the stability ball on the first day of school. You set your rules and expectations, yeah, but this is a toy to him right now. You have to let your students experience each type of flexible seating, one at a time and then analyze how it’s working. Model, re-direct, set expectations, set consequences…there’s a lot more that goes into flexible seating than throwing random crap into your classroom and calling it flexible seating. This brings me to the next thing that teachers are doing all wrong.
RELATED: 5 Real Things to Do When Flexible Seating is Failing
3. Not reflecting on your teaching style, classroom management, and behavior management: I run a pretty tight ship in my classroom. After my disastrous first year of teaching, I got a handle on my behavior management, and I’ve been good ever since. That being said, I don’t really like too much chaos in my room. Flexible seating somewhat requires you to let go of the traditional thinking that students should sit still in their desks.
In my classroom, you’ll find students laying on the floor, sitting on pillows, rocking on Hokki stools, and bouncing on stability balls. During my first year of implementing flexible seating, I had to remind myself that all of this movement was okay. I had to remind myself A LOT.
Before you decide to implement flexible seating, think about how you like your classroom to run. For some teachers, all of the movement that can take place with flexible seating might be a little bit too much. If that’s you, don’t do flexible seating.
RELATED: Flexible Seating Buying Tips
Likewise, you need to honestly assess how efficiently you run your classroom. I’m talking about classroom management and behavior management here, folks. Mrs. Russell has made a clear distinction between classroom management and behavior management. You better check yourself before you wreck yourself. Let me be frank, teacher friend…if your management sucks is not on par, flexible seating is not for you right now. If you can’t control your class now, do you think you’ll be able to control 20 bouncing kids? If you don’t have procedures for everything in your classroom, do you think you’ll be able to develop a system to make sure every child has a fair turn using your flexible seating options?
Hopefully, I’ve given you a little food for thought before you implement flexible seating. Remember, not every trend and popular idea you see on the blogs, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram is a right fit for you as a teacher or your classroom. This was not a bashing session for flexible seating. It was more of a what-not-to-do guide for those who are interested in flexible seating. So before you spend a cool buck on that discarded rocket ship seat you saw on Craigslist that would make the perfect addition to your flexible seating classroom, make sure you are crystal clear about how it will work in your classroom. Flexible seating has been so successful in my classroom that I have declared to several of my colleagues that I’ll never go back to traditional seating. Flexible seating requires some trial and error, but keep some of my suggestions in mind if you’re on the fence about starting it in your classroom.
Share this blog post with a friend who’s interested in flexible seating. In the comments, tell me your experience with flexible seating.
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This is a great article. I put off trying flexible seating last year because of the behavior of several students and I felt guilty. I’ve been reading about it this summer and I’m glad I did. I have some ideas and am working on a plan. Thanks for all the ideas.
Thank you Julie! It’s great that you have a plan. Just introduce it a little at a time if you’re worried about student behaviors. I always reminded students that flexible seating could be taken away at any time if it wasn’t used correctly. That helped for sure!
Thanks for your advice. I know that we need to slowly add one type of seating, but jumped into it whole hog. Sometimes we need refreshers.
Thanks Patti! I jumped into all the way too, but I’m definitely going to go at a slower pace this year.
WOW!! Tons of very useful information. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading!
Has anyone tried flexible seating with Kindergarten students? Which seating options were most successful? Which ones did you introduce first?
This is a great question Sarah! I have a few colleagues that started flexible seating in kindergarten. They had wobble stools mostly. It would be interesting to see how it works in that grade.
Thanks for the article! I needed it as I am moving to s new room and I am trying to figure it out. I have tried flexible seating in Kindergarten the last 2 years. I have 9 rockers that I found at Shopko. I have little tables/ writing areas that were my students favorite places to go for Writer’s Workshop.
I only have 4 wobble chairs and those were assigned to table captains. Kids managed those on their own. They were great at it because those were also their favorite. The way they were managed was as follows:
I took pictures of the students the first day of school and printed them. Placed them in rings and they were clamped to the baskets in the middle of each table.
(I did not get rid of the regular tables- we used them for handwriting, snacks and morning work and literacy centers. ) Students were taught to flip the pictures to show who was the captain that day. Captains sat on wobble chairs, at the tables. No one ever fought because they knew whose turn it was. Kids would even anticipate what day of the week they would be captains. Many times when they greeted me in the morning they let me now, “today, I’m captain!”
I also had benches by my carpet area. Captains sat there too! I have more control of who goes in the spaces because I felt it reduced hurt feelings and class distractions. Not sure if that is considered flexible seating, but it worked for me.
This year I am building a bench around a column (actually, a friend is building it:)) I am also adding a low table and a reading knook. Let’s see how it goes.
Wow, it sounds like you flexible seating is working really well in your classroom!! I love the idea of taking pictures the first day. Thanks so much for sharing that!!
Such a great article! Thank you for sharing your advice!
I started flexible seating in my Kinder class last year and LOVED it! I got a grant and was able to buy some wobble stools, balls, a peanut chair (one of the favorites), different stools, wobble cushions and make some crate seats. I would definitely recommend flexible seating for Kindergarten because we get so many kiddos that come in with wiggles. My kids’ productivity definitely increased! There was one kiddo that lost the privilege to use chairs due to behavioral issues, but flexible seating definitely worked for the majority of my class.
It’s so great that you received funding for flexible seating, and it’s great to hear how it’s working in the lower grades!
Thank you for your thoughts and shared experiences. I am completely implementing flexible seating in my 2nd grade classroom this coming year 17-18. I’m super excited and my room looks beautiful! I implemented free choice seating last year with my kindergarteners and they LOVED it! I will plan on this years rules and consequences a bit more than I did last year but I’m looking forward to jumping all in this year.
Jump all in Cindy! Good luck on the upcoming year!
I have had a similar experience and learned a lot from just throwing it out there to see what sticks. I agree starting slow is the best plan. I am excited to start year 2 of seating. I also think some parents were nervous about the seating too. Even though I sent a letter I think some parents wanted to “blame” the flexible seating when their child misbehaved. I’m still working on how to best address these concerns.
I’m excited to try another year with flexible seating as well. I share the same concerns about parents. I just didn’t know what they would think about it. I probably got a few raised eyebrows, but once my students bought in to the idea, I think it convinced the parents. If a student is misbehaving while using flexible seating options, then they might need to earn the chance to use it each day…maybe they just need to take a week off and not use flexible seating. Also, like I said in the blog post, some kids just CAN’T do flexible seating. Use your teacher judgment and do what’s best for you and your students. Best of luck Melissa!
I’m going to have the kids sit in chairs (borrowed from the auditorium) for the first day. Then I will assign seats each day for a month. You are so right to warn us about the kids who can’t handle the freedom. Thanks ~and wish me luck!
Hey Julie, great plan for implementing flexible seating. You will do absolutely great!
Great read!! Good suggestions- instead of flexible seating think I’ll call it optional seating as I still like using desks.
So this might be a silly question, but I’m struggling with the idea of not having a desk for everyone. (I teach First, btw.) What about the first few days? What about test taking? Is there a ratio of desks to flexible seating that you used? Can I give every student a desk but add in other options? (Lowered table, a couple standing desks, floor space, etc?) does that still count?
Good question! I think you can do it a few different ways. In my classroom I still have desk space for each student (actually I just use tables). Depending on the type of activity, students can travel around the room with their chosen flexible seating option. The entire day is not spent away from a desk. It’s actually quite the opposite. I think that if you designated times when students need to be at a desk versus when they can be on the carpet or on the floor somewhere, then it would work. For example, you can set the expectation for your students that when they are taking tests they must be at a desk. Then, you might set another option that during group work, free reading time, or center time, they can be wherever they want to be in the classroom. I definitely think you need to be sure every students has a place or area in the classroom where they can access desk space for those times when it’s needed.
Flexible seating is a wonderful option for most students. As a substitute teacher, please consider adding your rules and expectations to your substitute plans so that your classroom can run smoothly while you are away.
Agreed! I definitely give my subs information on how to manage flexible seating when I’m away.
I’d love to hear from anyone that has implemented flex seating in middle school. I teach 8th grade history. I love the idea of flex but wonder if success is generally found at elementary since you typically have the same 20-30 students all day, versus my 120. Any thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated.
Good question! I’m not sure how well it works in middle school but I have a few suggestions. Of course, search Pinterest for ideas. Also, google search flexible seating in middle school. There may be some middle school teachers who have blogged about it. Lastly, there is a huge Facebook group for flexible seating. I know there are several middle school teachers in the group and they have experience with doing flexible seating in their classrooms.
I’m facing a larger classes and a very small classroom with 6th graders, so 30 desks is just not feasible unless I want the kids and I to feel like we’re in a sardine can. So I’m looking at starting them off on flexible seating right away because I don’t think I can easily “phase it in” with so little space. I also won’t have any yoga balls to bounce on from the start, so I’m not as worried about “bouncing” kids, but I am trying to figure out how to get kids table surfaces.
Totally understandable about the small space and starting flexible seating from the beginning. You most definitely have to do what is best for you and your students!
Thank you so much for your candid feedback. It was extremely helpful as I’m going to semi-implement flexible seating this year. I’m moving up to fourth grade and last year I taught third grade and half of my students from last year are in my class this year. I’m going to implement flexible seating in parts first so students can explore the various types of seating and expectations are explained clearly. I’m excited about this opportunity because I truly feel like my students will benefit and flourish. The great news is I also have a plan and a back up plan and a back up plan! Thanks for your blog! It’s so nice to be able to get feedback from other awesome teachers!
Tracey Wyche
Thanks for your kind words Tracey! I really appreciate it! At the end of the day, you have to do what works for you. Flexible seating is great when implemented correctly. You definitely have to know why you’re doing and have a plan. HOW you implement it can vary, but I think that as long as you keep the students first, set expectations, and adjust when needed…everything will work out.
I used to allow my students to sit on exercise balls and instead of purchasing a bunch I let the kids/parents get them (I gave parents the dimensions) if they wanted to and had chairs if they didn’t. If the kid broke a rule about how to sit on the ball (a certain number of times) they’d take it home and be back at a chair. If you’re at a school where parents are able and willing to contribute those balls I think it’s the best way to go.
Absolutely! I was able to get my flexible seating through Donors Choose projects.
I don’t have my own classroom, but I was watching the students in a class that used the exercise balls for a little while when their teacher had to run an errand. I was almost sick because of the motion of the kids slightly bouncing up and down, almost like being sea sick.
LOL! It doesn’t work for all teachers and all classrooms!
I watched my teammate go all in the first year she heard about flexible seating and saw how she ran things. I read endless articles and blogs about flexible seating the next summer. I decided to go for it after watching my teammate and what WAS NOT going to work with me and my style (she is ok with having 4-5 kids crammed on a couch while I am not I have learned), and doing a ton of research. Now I am hooked, but I think about everything that enters my room carefully. Planning is key!
It’s great that you did your research and implemented flexible seating in a a way that works for you! I agree 100% that planning is key!
Very well written and helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Unfortunately my district has taken teacher choice out of doing flexible seating or not and is removing all student desks over the summer. I will have some district chosen seats, but have been researching and purchasing additional options this summer. I’m all about the procedures….. I just need to get that down and I think I’ll be good. Another challenge is the size of my room. I have a 700sqft room for 26-28 first graders! I’ve been researching like crazy this summer so I hope it goes well! Thank you for your article!
You are very welcome Kris! It seems like you are on the right track. See how things go the first day/first week and make adjustments as needed. Best of luck 🙂
Wow! This was detailed, addressed concerns I have been having (the 18/19 school year will be my 20th teaching and I’ve never tried flexible seating but thought of it many times) and answered questions I didn’t even know I had! Thanks very much for sharing your experiences that will help a newbie flex seater ease into the water, one toe at a time!
Hey Cindy! You got it girl! One toe at a time 🙂
I teach second grade and I use flex seating in my classroom, but I always like to read about what others have to say. At first, I was feeling a really negative vibe from this article, but I read on. I came to the conclusion that you are absolutely right in all of the advice you give to those who have not tried it, or who want to try it and are hesitant. So the lesson here is, don’t be judgy! ha ha ha. Read all the way through. OK, so anyone who has gotten this far has read all the way to here. I’ve done this type of seating for three years now and I did it “wrong” the first time. It’s best to start very slowly and be very aware of those who don’t do well with option or change. I will say that I got rid of the bouncy balls because, after three years, they just don’t work for me. Kids were falling backwards and bouncing to the moon and, no matter what I did or how I warned, kids would continue to make the same bad choices…so…they’re gone! I also had to have it be OK w/ me and all of the movement and getting up because someone didn’t like a seat, but I’m a lot more chill in my classroom now because of this. Other teachers walk in and like the vibe coming from me but are wondering why there is so much movement. Check it out, they’re getting their work done. They’re helping each other (collaboration..buzz buzz buzz). So, I’m not going back to rows of desks, ever! It really makes them responsible for their own learning. What about the 5 who don’t get it? Won’t there always be those five no matter what you do or how great of a teacher you are? :O)
Tracy, I love your comment. Thanks for reading the blog post all the way through, and you’re right. I definitely was not trying to come off as being judgmental, I just want teachers to really understand what they are getting into as it relates to flexible seating.
As far as the few kiddos that don’t do well with flexible seating…traditional desk and chair is the way to go. Don’t give up on them. Keep giving them a chance to participate in flexible seating, but be clear and direct in your expectations.
Great thoughts- Thank you! Embarking on the journey this fall!
Thanks Pamela!
I feel you pain. I decided all of my students needed yoga balls in first grade from day 1. Yea…not everyone does or can handle it. And it’s tough teaching them all at the same time how to correctly use it. Lesson learned…the hard way!
Yes, it is tough to teach them how to use flexible seating all at once. You definitely need a game plan!
My main reason for not going to flexible seating has little to do with reasons you gave. My hesitation has more to do with students having their space. I teach 5th and I find my students like to put stuff on their desks. I use sharpies for them to write their names. They love “decorating” the name. I already allow different seating with desks and they can go all over the room to work. They can stand if needed. I even have balance boards for standing students. What I enjoyed about the replies is that a couple posts stating that there are various types or degrees of flexible seating. My reflection on this all has put me at ease that I’m doing what I am comfortable. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your perspective Kim! I can definitely understand that your students need their space!
Thank you so much for this wonderful read. I teach Spanish in middle school and I started flexible seating a couple of months back. I am checking what works and what doesn’t. So far is working well and kids are able to handle. Do you mind sharing the contract you gave to students and was sent home? Or other documents that helped you get started? My email is:
Rocio.martinez@pisd.edu
Thank you very much
So glad that flexible seating is working well. I can’t quite remember who actually created the contracts but I did find them via a search on Teachers Pay Teachers. I’m pretty sure it was a freebie!
Thank you so much for the information. I teach first and second graders. I also share my room with a Sunday School class on Sunday mornings. I am using stools for my Reading groups this year. I can stack and put away so the church children will not use them. Thank you for encouraging us to think before we buy. After all, we try to teach our students to think. Have a great year. Lydia
You’re very welcome!
What a wonderful article on flexible seating choices. I have wanted to try it for several years now but I have one major problem… Letting go of the use of chair pockets for students to store binders, pencil bag, sticker book and doodle books (I teach Kinder). All of the these (with the exception of possibly the pencil bag) are all things that my students need quick access to. The binder is sectioned with Home and School Communication, poetry and High Frequency Sentence Practice that we use whole group daily, their Reading At Home Record Sheet and a Parent Section with student data. Sticker books hold stickers that students randomly get in the classroom or specials classes and the doodle book is a “go to” place if there is an emergency. Having all of these things in the child’s reach saves so much time. My question is what suggestions does anyone have on how to let go of the chair pocket and still not lose time getting items that we use as a group at the tables? I guess I’m mainly speaking storage -wise.
I love the flexible seating ideas but how do I mesh the traditional and the new together effectively/ Help!
I totally understand the storage concern. I have been blessed to have cubbies in my classroom so that is where students store their items. Another suggestion would be to use those plastic 3-drawer/4-drawer units or even the milk crates. I’ve seen some teachers make cubbies out of those crates too. In my classroom I also have a caddy for things like scissors, glue, crayons, but these things are for classroom use. Students who want to use their own items utilize a pencil box.
My child has low muscle tone and GI issues. Her school has gone completely to flexible seating and it has really caused her problems, It is tiring and painful for her to sit on alternative seating. And that’s what it should be– alternative to the traditional desk, not mandatory. We had to have it written in her 504 that she would be provided with traditional seating.
I definitely think that if a child does not want to use or can’t, the school should not force them to!
Great read. One question do you have any info on the chair in your pin picture? I want that chair in my den!
Hey! I wish I had the info but the image is just a stock photo actually!
Thanks for the advise. I am so glad I ran across this post! I am considering a deskless classroom this next year for my high school classes in hopes that it will eliminate the sneaky cell phone cheats and the sleepy heads. I was thinking about adding a few flexible choices, but you convinced me to wait. I’m still going deskless, but I will use regular chairs.
Awesome! I hope it all works out!