What is alternative seating?



Alternative Seating are different types of seating equipment (e.g. seat cushions, therapy balls, bean bag chairs) that support students’ need for movement or body sensation.

Why is alternative seating important?

Flexible seating allows them to wobble, rock, bounce, lean or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow and core strength. In turn, this burns more calories and increases metabolism. It also helps keep young minds more alert and focused.

What is the best classroom seating arrangement?

Horseshoe or U-Shape





This model supports both student-to-student interaction and teacher-to-student interaction. The class interacts in a large group format, though teachers have ample opportunity to work with students one on one.

What is flexible seating in a classroom?

Flexible seating is the practice of allowing and providing many seating options for students. This means having different types of seats like yoga balls, chairs, couches, stools, etc. This also means given students the freedom to choose where they sit.

How does flexible seating work?

With flexible seating, teachers are changing around their classroom layout with different options for students to choose from when it comes to seating. A flexible classroom is not just a classroom with desk and classic classroom chairs. Instead there can be bean bags, lawn chairs, stools, cubes, and more.

Why should students pick their own seats?

Students need to take responsibility for their own education. By choosing their own seats, you encourage them to practice discipline and self-control. They will have to focus on their studies even with their friends next to them. When you create a seating chart, some students will think that you’re picking favorites.



Does flexible seating help students learn?



Flexible seating allows the students to be more self-aware of the seating types and the environment in which they learn best. A shift in mindset allows the students to know and understand that mistakes happen, and when those occur, learning is taking place. A mindset shift is beneficial for both students and teachers.

What are the 3 types of seating plans?

11 Seating Arrangements Used for Events

  1. Theatre. A Theatre style seating arrangement it the simplest, and most common, arrangement used in events. …
  2. Classroom. …
  3. Herringbone. …
  4. U Shape. …
  5. Horse Shoe. …
  6. Hollow Square. …
  7. Boardroom. …
  8. Banquet.

What are the types of classroom seating arrangement?

19 types of seating arrangements for classrooms

  • Pairs. Let’s start with one of the most used bench seating arrangements: Pairs. …
  • Grid. …
  • Presentation. …
  • Groups of Four. …
  • Corner Work. …
  • U-shape. …
  • Double U-shape. …
  • U-shape Large Classroom.