Flexible seating has become a recent trend in education. As teachers try to reach the different needs of learners, flexible seating is another way to allow children to comfortably be engaged in learning. Therefore, we highlighted the 5 benefits that come along with offering flexible seating in kindergarten.
1. Physical Health
Children need to move. Flexible seating allows them to wobble, rock, bounce, lean or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow and core strength.
2. Comfort
Uncomfortable children are distracted and unproductive children. Flexible seating encourages children to find their best spot to stay calm, focused and productive.
3. Commitment to Learning
Children participated 48 per cent more in discussions in a classroom with collaborative group seating versus traditional lecture-style seating and also improved their performance on standardized tests.
4. Fun
The children are able to choose where they sit daily, but wherever they choose to sit, it helps make learning fun, which might indirectly change the children’s attitude toward kindergarten, they will become more willing to come to kindergarten and learn.
5. Community
Traditional desks can make children territorial or possessive over their space and supplies. Flexible seating encourages children to share both. And, it encourages them to take turns in different locations and with different seating options.