BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

I will never forget the story of a 5-year-old who was getting ready to go into the school building for the first time after starting school at home during the pandemic. She asked her mom:

“Do you think my teacher knows that I like to stand up when I do math?”

I love this question for so many reasons, but mainly because it shows that even our youngest learners have preferences and can understand how they learn best. Due to the flexible nature of the home learning environment, she got to choose where to sit and how she learned best and she was hoping to have that same flexibility in the classroom.

This week I want to highlight the benefits of flexible seating along with some flexible learning spaces where educators are providing voice and choice not only in what students learn but where they learn it.

We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

The benefits of flexible seating and spaces

As a teacher, I remember the impact of creating various spaces where learners could collaborate or work independently. I got a few carpet squares and some bean bags and students were beyond excited! These flexible learning spaces provided seating options beyond traditional desks and chairs and created a fresh and flexible environment with more comfortable places to learn. 

Here are some examples from schools and classrooms with flexible seating and learning spaces.

Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to adjusting where learning can happen in a classroom. Here are some of the benefits of flexible seating and how it provides opportunities for learner agency for learners across all grade levels:

1. Improved physical health: Flexible seating allows students to move around more and change their posture, which can help prevent physical discomfort and promote good posture and health.
   
   
2. Increased engagement and motivation: Providing students with a comfortable and stimulating learning environment can help increase their engagement and motivation, leading to better learning outcomes.
   
   
3. More personalized learning: With flexible seating, students have more control over their learning environment, which can help them feel more invested in their learning and more willing to take risks.
   
   
4. Better collaboration and communication: Flexible seating arrangements can facilitate collaboration and communication among students, allowing for more effective group work and discussion.
   
   
5. Increased independence and responsibility: Allowing students to choose their seating arrangement and take responsibility for their learning environment can help them develop independence and responsibility, key skills for success in school and beyond.

Flexible learning environments provide opportunities for learner agency by giving students more control over their learning environment and helping them develop important skills and habits.

 How might you create more flexibility in your learning spaces?

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Explore resources that promote a culture that empowers learner-driven questions, research, solutions, and sharing. 

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