Special education students have a variety of needs within a classroom. The supplies you use, the classroom layout, and the school furniture all play a role in your students’ learning experiences. A significant portion of a special education student’s academic and social growth happens in the classroom, and having intentional, thoughtful inclusions can make a world of difference.
Today, we’ll highlight the furnishings that inspire activity in the classroom. These activity products, examples, and top classroom furniture additions are popular among today’s districts because of the increased student benefits.
The importance of classroom layouts for special needs students
Special education classrooms have a particular need to adapt to various levels of student mobility and assistance. The unique aspects of special needs classrooms help both educators and students to flow through the school day easily while facilitating safe student independence and support toward their individual goals. When you choose the furniture and products for your students, find those that support these safe and mobile objectives.
Classroom activities and their impact on learning
Classroom activities have such a significant impact on student learning, and so much can be communicated through what may seem like simple tasks. These activities can include classroom routines, recreation or leisure time, or academically focused tasks that help reiterate lesson material.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that students with disabilities spend at least 80% of their school day in a general education classroom. Inclusion and participation in regular activities allow them to learn alongside their peers.
Classroom activities can boost these peer interactions, along with lesson retention, and lead to better educational outcomes at all levels. Also, learning spaces that incorporate active learning strategies through student participation and classroom activities greatly enhance overall learning.
Classroom seating arrangements and their impact on behavioral issues
Seating arrangements have a unique impact on behavioral issues in classrooms. Modular seating allows structured movement and adaptations, especially for those with special needs. It also can mitigate behavioral issues stemming from stimulation or self-regulation difficulties. This helps support each student to be as successful as possible within a classroom while providing the flexibility students need while they grow mentally, emotionally, and physically over the school year.
Supportive classroom seating products for special education students
Supportive classroom seating products can look different in every space. Some students will need more durable and stationary positioning, and others will need seating that can adapt from desk to ground level. Consider adaptive seating like the Special Tomato MPS Seat, which is a great option for students who need a secure and supportive chair. The Special Tomato seat features casters and wheels for educators and assistants to help move these around the classroom to promote inclusivity and adapt to levels of visual or auditory simulation needs.
Ground-level seating options are a great way for neurodivergent students to regulate throughout the day, depending on energy levels and task demands. Sprogs Square Floor Cushions are an easy, efficient option for many mobile students to have a designated floor space to ground and change up their positioning. The Rock Around seat is one for those who are more sensory seeking, so they can have the proprioceptive input their bodies need to refocus after extended time in a stationary seat.
Some students need more help with positioning, which can adjust as a child grows or for different tasks. Positioning is often key to having successful meals and positive outcomes for the rest of the school day. Positioning devices like the Heathfield Adjustable Armchair come with pelvic cushions, footrests, and adjustable four-point harnesses for optimal positioning for those who have heavier physical needs.
Special needs classroom activity examples
Explore these special education-related activities to support learning for your students:
Sensory play: Activities like sensory bins, sand or water play, and tactile objects help students with sensory processing difficulties explore textures, sounds, and movements in a controlled setting.
Visual schedules: Use picture or symbol-based schedules to help students understand daily routines and transitions and support their ability to focus and stay organized.
Fine motor skill development: Activities like bead stringing, cutting with scissors, or using playdough strengthen fine motor skills while promoting hand-eye coordination.
Interactive storytelling: Incorporate props, pictures, and movement during read-aloud sessions to support students with comprehension and engagement, especially those with attention or communication challenges.
Adaptive games: Games like bingo, puzzles, or board games modified for accessibility build cognitive and social skills in a fun, inclusive environment.
Life skills practice: Activities such as cooking simple recipes, managing a budget, or personal hygiene tasks prepare students for independent living and build functional skills.
Movement and physical activities: Short yoga sessions, dance, or simple exercises help students release energy and improve focus while also developing gross motor skills.
Social skills role-playing: Engage in structured role-playing activities to teach appropriate social interactions, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Music and rhythm activities: Play instruments or participate in rhythm-based games to stimulate brain activity, aids language development, and can help regulate emotions.
Art creative expression: Art projects that allow for self-expression, such as painting, drawing, or collage-making, offer therapeutic benefits and encourage creativity.
Important classroom furniture you need for your special education classroom
Special education classroom furniture supports best when its ergonomic, adjustable, and accessible. These furniture pieces can include:
Classroom shelving: Create a supportive, organized, and accessible special education classroom with the addition of proper shelving. Providing a space where learning materials are organized and visible promotes student independence while avoiding overstimulation. Shelves provide a predictable environment where students can feel supported and ready to learn.
Feeding chairs: Some students need additional support at mealtime, and feeding chairs provide necessary assistance for providers and provide a safe place for students to eat. Most feeding chairs have a safety harness and offer proper positioning to improve posture.
Tilt top tables: Tilt top tables are a great addition to any special education classroom because of their versatility. They can support students of varying needs with a flexible option that can easily be adjusted as needed. These tables can help with postural support and overall comfort, which encourages students to stay more engaged in their lessons and learning materials.
Rocking or vestibular chairs: Students with sensory processing disorders sometimes need a calming space to self-regulate when they’re feeling anxious or overstimulated. Rocking and vestibular chairs allow students to calm themselves and get the sensory support they need. Additionally, these chairs encourage the development of motor skills by improving balance and coordination.
Positioning devices: Positioning devices are available in a wide range of adaptive options with the goal of providing students with physical disabilities assistance in being comfortable. When their physical needs are supported, they are more likely to be engaged in learning and participate in classroom activities with their peers.
Postural support devices: Similar to positioning devices, postural support is crucial to students who need additional physical stability in their day-to-day lives. Students who feel physically comfortable are more productive and focused in the classroom. Postural support is important for the safety and comfort of those students who need it.
Changing tables: For students who need extra assistance from a provider for their personal care, a safe and hygienic changing table is a must. Adjustable changing tables with side rails and easy-to-clean surfaces are a great addition to any special education classroom with students who have specialized medical requirements.
Important considerations to keep in mind with activity products and furnishings for special education classrooms
There is a lot to consider when choosing the best products to accommodate your special education students, and not every classroom needs the same items to be successful. What works for one classroom might not work for another depending on available space, inclusion efforts, the needs of each student, and more.
Some key points to consider before you determine which products and furnishings are best for your space include:
Understand the needs of each student: Each student in a learning environment has unique needs, whether in a dedicated special education classroom or a general education setting that includes special education students. Consider individual preferences and adaptive requirements when evaluating activity products to promote student success effectively.
Connect with the families: Educators can gain valuable insights when they start conversations with students' families about which products best support the student’s needs. Parents and families provide a clear understanding of the student’s unique challenges, preferences, and strengths, helping educators identify adaptive or inclusive tools that align with their daily routines. By working together, educators and families select products that create consistency between home and school, ensuring the student receives the support they need to thrive.
Accommodate special education needs: Identify your students' needs and determine what your classroom can provide, and which products best support their learning. Students with sensory sensitivities, physical disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, or behavioral challenges require specific tools to succeed. Focus on your classroom’s capabilities to select the most effective products for an inclusive and supportive learning space.
Safety features: One of the most important aspects of teaching and providing for students is to ensure their safety. This starts with what you have in your classroom. Prioritize items that have safety features that are appropriate for all your students.
Adaptable products: Modern classroom furniture from School Outfitters is adaptable and adjustable, ensuring every student can be accommodated no matter what their abilities might be. Furniture that can change heights, angles, and positions is great for inclusive spaces to ensure every student has a comfortable place to learn.
Consult with other providers: Special needs students usually have multiple professionals working with them to make sure they are in a learning environment that encourages and supports them in learning. Collaborate with their therapists and other special education teachers to try and choose products that will be the most advantageous for them.
Key safety features to look for with special education products and furniture
Special education students have unique needs for their learning environments, and one of the most important goals is to keep them safe and secure every day.
When you explore products and classroom furniture, some safety features to prioritize include:
Stable and durable construction: Classroom furniture should be sturdy to prevent tipping and collapsing. It should withstand the everyday wear and tear of a busy classroom. Furniture and products made with high-quality materials will last longer and be a safer option for your students.
Rounded edges: Prevent the risk of injury that furniture with sharp edges can bring and opt for rounded edges for the safety of students who may have limited motor skills and mobility limitations.
Easy to clean: Furniture that wipes down easily or products that can be washed are ideal to prevent germs from spreading, especially for students who may have a compromised immune system.
Secure locking mechanisms: A lot of classroom furnishings are flexible and can adapt, which is a great perk for any learning environment. While these products enhance your space, it’s important to ensure these adjustable pieces are equipped with locking mechanisms. This can include tilt top tables, standing desks, adjustable chairs, and furniture with castors. Locking features will prevent movement during use.
Non-slip surfaces: Another way to prevent accidents and injuries is to incorporate non-slip surfaces into your special education spaces. This can include actual non-slip products such as mats and rugs or non-slip treatments added to products such as chair legs and mobility aids.
Inspire learning in your special education classroom with furnishings from School Outfitters
Special education classrooms are unique, inclusive, and incredibly inspiring spaces. Each has their own unique needs based on their students, and no two are alike. School Outfitters is proud to offer a wide variety of adaptive seating options, sensory and activity products, and more!
Connect with our furniture experts, explore free room designs, or get your free quote. We offer fast quotes and knowledgeable staff who can work within your school’s budget to find a design solution that will engage, inspire, and foster growth for your special education students.