May The "Flex" Be With You

Flexibility - it's  a “buzz” word you tend to hear quite a bit within education circles. From flexibility in determining local school calendars to flexibility with curriculum to flexibility with everything in between.

Perhaps the most important flexibility for teachers and students is found right in our very own classrooms.

For the most part (and if not, it should be) - gone are the days of every classroom having students sitting in perfectly aligned rows facing the front-of-the-room chalkboard and teacher’s desk.

THANKFULLY, not only are our students themselves more diverse than our public education days of long ago, but so are our classroom environments.

From kindergarten to high school, the evolution of the classroom has brought with it flexibility in its setting and learning environment. 

As I have visited and talked with Alabama educators over the past few years, it’s been wonderful to get into schools across the state and learn how flexibility has positively impacted student learning, especially within the classroom set-up itself.

Have you ever heard of a Hokki or a Vidget? 

No, those are not Pokémon characters – LOL!

Just take a look below at Ms. Emily Berry’s 2nd grade classroom at Nelson Elementary School in Scottsboro, Alabama and read what she has to say about her flexible classroom including Hokkis and Vidgets…

Emily Berry, NBCT

"I've always allowed students to sit on the floor or where ever they chose, but about 4 years ago, I began to write grants to buy actual seating that would allow for more movement, which I believe is best for children. First, I got a class set of yoga balls. Then I bought Hokki stools. Since then, I have gotten Vidget chairs, couches, chairs, rugs, and classroom tables. I keep a few chairs on hand for students that need that stability and/or choose that seat. Additionally, I have beanbags, large pillows, camping chairs, and square and circular cushions for floor seating. I usually start off the year by having students choose a seat for about a week, then gradually release the choice of my final goal of having them self-select seating daily. I believe flexible seating makes the learning environment more fun and exciting. If students are excited to be at school (which is a goal of mine) and comfortable in their environment, they are more likely to learn and perform."

Susan Shoupe

And, once again...keeping it close to home, Ms. Susan Shoupe, my son's 1st grade teacher at Prattville Elementary school, just got finished with her flexible classroom set up for the 2018-2019 school year, incorporating the "Leader In Me" theme into it as well. I know that her new students will absolutely love learning in their flexible room just like my sweet son did when he had her last year. 

"Some think I am crazy to do flexible seating, but I just love watching my babies feeling relaxed, focused and happy while they learn."

I think we’d all agree that middle school years are sometimes the most difficult. Students are faced with more choices and they are transitioning from being young “children” to “tweens”. This growth and new-found independence brings with it its own set of diverse challenges, especially in a school setting. Heck, it makes me just dizzy at the thought of a teacher trying to wrangle a room full of 11 to 13-year-olds and have them remain focused on learning. 

But, as we all know - no matter the grade - our teachers are truly amazing! 

Speaking of which...any "tween" would definitely look forward to coming to school in a flexible learning environment like Ms. Jaqueline Ladewig Richardson’s middle school classroom at Foley Middle School in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Jacqueline Ladewig Richardson

Soon-to-be NBCT 😊

For the upcoming 2018-2019 school year Jacqueline has made the move on up to Curriculum Director at another middle school in Spanish Fort, Alabama. However, she was kind enough to share her thoughts as well as her 8th grade math classroom at Foley…

"Flexible seating is all about giving students options. Education has come a long way in acknowledging the diversity of our students and the ways they learn. Flexible seating is a way to give students choice in the learning environment and find success on their own terms. My favorite thing about flexible seating is that my students feel confident to take learning risks because they are in a safe, comfortable environment." 

I actually may have liked math if I could've been in Jacqueline's class - WOW! 

Take a look...

Today’s public school students are learning in such a multitude of different ways, and I really love how our secondary schools have embraced being innovative.  Giving our students variety and choice in their classrooms - especially with non-traditional seating - makes the learning environment unique and different...

JUST. LIKE. OUR. STUDENTS! 😊😎😍

One of my favorite high school classrooms is Ms. Marla Hines’ 11th/12th grade science classroom at Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia, Alabama. 

Just look at these AWESOME white board tables, and O.M.G. who wouldn’t enjoy having a “living room” in their class as they do their work?!

Marla Hines, NBCT

Here, Marla shares her insight and experience with non-traditional seating...

"Non-traditional seating allows the students to see the moment they cross the threshold that this class isn't "normal."  High school students are accustomed to a classroom that is designed for lecture or teacher-centered instruction. If the physical classroom setup isn't designed for that, it helps the students to expect something different. Sitting at tables instead of desks allows students to work together as small groups as well as a whole class. That is something they were equipped for in elementary school but tends to get lost in secondary education. Flexible seating allows the teacher to customize not on the physical space, but the learning experiences for each student. Sitting in group settings that are flexible, reminds me to make every day and every learning opportunity intentional in its design.  The students love coming to a room that allows them make choices, like standing height tables.  Students sit A LOT during the day. When they get to my room, they can choose to sit or stand at their table without having to sacrifice time away from the activity."

I hope you’ve enjoyed this very brief glimpse into a small piece of school flexibility. Of course, it doesn’t just end with seating. I know you'll agree that just like no two students are alike, neither are their learning environments. 

Photo credit: AL.com

Recently, AL.com did a story highlighting some of the AMAZING and creative classrooms we have right here in our own backyard. 

THANKS to all of our teachers for your dedication and commitment to the success of our students...the classroom is just the beginning!