As educators, you put a lot of thought into our teaching methods. That’s because you want to reach students in the ways they learn best to help them succeed. As a result, you spend significant time and funds on lesson plans, test preparation, and classroom supplies. However, school furniture is one aspect of today’s classrooms that is sometimes overlooked.
The education field has grown dynamically with innovation and change. There’s always a new guideline to follow and new information to learn. Yet, while education improves and advances, many of today’s classrooms have been furnished the same way for decades. That’s a gap worth closing, especially where student outcomes are concerned. And as your expert furniture partner, we’ll share examples of classroom furniture options you can consider improving student learning.
Calming and relaxation spaces improve student learning experiences
Students learn better and enjoy school more when they are comfortable, calm, and relaxed. That’s why many school districts include calming and relaxation spaces as part of their room design. These calming spaces are easy to create with the right classroom furniture. As Edutopia suggests, these calming corners are beneficial for students as part of their “station rotations,” too. Consider these additions to your classroom:
Bubble tube lights. Whether you choose a single portable bubble tube or an entire sensory cocoon, your students will love having bubble tube lights in your classroom. The color-changing features and movement of the bubbles provide a calming sensory experience that helps students relax and re-center. Additionally, some bubble tubes, like the sensory cocoon, also offer tactile stimulation. These aspects make bubble tubes perfect for bringing soothing aesthetics to your classroom with the power to elevate the learning experience.
Calming rugs. Calming rugs bring a serene tactile feeling to your relaxation space or reading area. Plus, they’re available in a variety of designs, so you can choose the one that best fits your room. Nature-based images like clouds, pebbles, grass, and fireflies help your students feel at ease while they learn. Additionally, our calming rugs are antimicrobial, skid-resistant, and meet Class One fire safety requirements, so they’re perfect for classroom use.
Classroom bean bag chairs and floor cushions. Students learn best when they are comfortable. That’s why bean bag chairs and floor cushions are a great addition to your classroom furniture. Use them during reading time and make them available during regular learning activities to inspire relaxation.
The right classroom furniture meets mobility needs
Children often have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time. They become uncomfortable and have trouble concentrating after spending too much time in one stationary position. And for those students with sensory profiles, these long stretches of sitting time can be detrimental to their learning altogether. Fortunately, there is classroom furniture available that brings mobility to these long days in a chair. Try these innovative furniture designs in your classroom:
Furniture with wheels. Furniture with wheels helps your students stay comfortable and mobile throughout the day. Try mobile school chairs, mobile tables, and mobile stools to provide your students with the movement they need. These classroom furniture options also allow you to have flexibility in your classroom design, since they are easily maneuvered into new positions.
Fidget stools. Fidget stools allow students to quietly rock, wiggle, twist, and swivel without disrupting class. The stools also activate core muscle groups, and that helps your students focus and avoid fatigue as they learn. Sit-to-stand stools, adjustable-height active stools, and stools with pivot seats are all excellent choices.
Wobble stools. Wobble stools encourage students to rock and wobble during class. The simple act of wobbling allows them the mobility stimuli they seek. Wobble stools can dispel energy allowing students to improve their focus. Sturdy rocker bases prevent the stools from slipping, and you’ll appreciate the easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery. Plus, their height makes them perfect to pair with standing desks to give students the option to sit or stand while they work.
Encourage collaboration with the right room design
Students crave rooms designed for active learning and collaboration. These room designs foster socialization and encourage class participation, which is particularly helpful for students who have had prior performance challenges. As EducateMe points out, additional benefits of collaborative learning include improved discussions and better brainstorming among peers. Encourage collaboration among your students with classroom furniture like:
Collaborative desks. Collaborative desks encourage students to talk to one another and help ensure all students participate in group discussions and projects. For instance, the Hex Collaborative Desk is made up of six individual desks, which can be easily arranged into groups. Collaborative whiteboard desks encourage brainstorming. Alternatively, mobile collaborative desks allow you to form a variety of shapes and group sizes in your classroom.
Flexible seating. Flexible seating allows students to move freely around the classroom and form groups for collaborative learning. There are a wide variety of flexible seating solutions, making it possible to bring flexibility to any learning space. Try a vinyl soft seating set that forms the shape of a leaf, modular cubes with tabletops, or wedge seats to add fun and flexibility to your classroom.
Whiteboard room dividers. Whiteboard room dividers help you establish separate areas in your classroom while doubling as a useful work surface for collaboration. For example, this portable whiteboard partition has a whiteboard surface on one side and tack-able fabric on the other, offering 30% sound absorption. Plus, it’s portable, making it easy to divide or open your room for collaborative work.
School Outfitters Can Help Create Positive Learning Experiences for Your Students
The right classroom furniture impacts student learning by fostering engagement, meeting sensory needs, and creating calming spaces. At School Outfitters, we have a large selection of innovative classroom furnishings to meet all of these improvements! Get a FREE quote on whatever furniture your classroom needs to make it an improved space for learning.
