The Best Flexible Seating Options for Elementary Classrooms
Creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment is essential for elementary teachers. One way to achieve this is through flexible seating options that support the diverse needs of your students.
Flexible seating is all about giving kiddos choices. It lets them pick where they want to sit and work and what seating is the most comfortable for them.
This can be particularly helpful for those students who are extra fidgety and need to get their wiggles out (although I’d argue that most, if not all, young students are naturally fidgety, which is 100% normal)! This leads me to my next point…
Kinder kiddos are movers! They learn by moving and exploring the world around them. So expecting our students to sit for long periods at a time really isn’t developmentally appropriate and it can even decrease their engagement and enjoyment of school.
In this blog post, I’ll share a range of flexible seating options on a budget (with links!) that every elementary teacher should know about to help increase engagement, decrease disruptive student behaviors, and encourage active learning.
The Best Flexible Seating Options for Elementary Classrooms
1. Anti-Slip Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet
These Anti-Slip Chair Bands provide a brilliant solution for students with restless feet. They easily attach to chair legs, offering a discreet way for kids to release energy through gentle foot movements, enhancing focus.
2. Round Floor Cushions for Classroom
These Round Floor Cushions are designed to promote comfort during learning. This set of six flexible seating cushions encourages a relaxed and engaging classroom environment.
3. Adjustable Recliner Stadium Seat
The Adjustable Recliner Stadium Seat is versatile and perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. It’s ideal for outdoor lessons and special events, (or even just in your classroom library!) providing flexible seating options on the go.
4. Yoga Ball Chair with Legs
This yoga ball chair with legs offers a stable wobble option for kinder kiddos. These chairs help students stay engaged while improving core balance and posture. Plus, the legs give the ball a bit more stability, eliminating the issue of kiddos falling off!
5. Inflatable Donut Ball Chairs
These Inflatable Donut Balls offer a fun and unique seating option for students. This set includes six inflatable donut seats with a convenient pump, making them easy to incorporate into your classroom.
6. Inflated Wobble Cushion
The Inflated Wobble Cushion is a sensory-friendly option that promotes active sitting. These come in multiple colors and help students improve their core balance and concentration. These are a MUST for students with ADD/ADHD, it helps them stay seated in their chair while still being able to wiggle around and get their sensory needs met.
7. Flexible Seating Stacking Stools
The Stacking Stools offer flexibility in seating arrangements. These stackable stools are simple and easy to clean up (hence, stacking!) and are a simple, but powerful addition to a flexible seating setting.
8. Balance Ball Chair
Say goodbye to worrying about students falling off yoga balls! The Balance Ball Chair is a great way for students to get the bounce without the fall, making it well worth the investment!
9. Flexible Seating Scoop Rocker
The Scoop Rocker is a lightweight and portable seating option that’s great for reading or completing class work.
10. Classic Bean Bag Chair
Who doesn’t love a comfy bean bag? The Classic Bean Bag Chair is a versatile and comfortable choice for flexible seating. It’s durable and has vibrant colors which makes it a fun addition to any classroom.
11. Flexible Seating Wobble Stool
Designed to engage young minds and accommodate wiggles, these 14″ stools are perfect for kiddos who love to move! Say hello to a fun and flexible way of sitting!
12. Kids Play Couch
The granddaddy of them all! The play couch (aka “nugget”) is perfect for creating a collaborative and flexible seating arrangement. This convertible foam furniture is great for classrooms and offers tons of interactive ways to create cozy nooks and creative seating!
Final Thoughts on Flexible Seating
Incorporating flexible seating options into your elementary classroom can enhance student engagement, comfort, and overall learning experience. Explore these 12 choices (all found on Amazon, yay!) to find the best fit for your teaching style and students’ needs.
