Learning and focus improve when students have flexible seating options.Gone are the days when students were assigned desks aligned in neat rows facing the teacher. At Indian Hills Elementary School, students can move, wiggle and tuck into a variety of seating options. A $6,709 grant from the Helen Dennis Family Fund and the Grand Blanc Youth Initiative Program Fund supported the purchase of flexible seating for nine kindergarten through second grade classrooms at Indian Hills.
"It helps with focus and attention. Kids are happy to come to school because it's a comfortable place to be," said Jeremy Mitchell, Principal. "There is much research proving that varied, active seating options improve student comfort, attention, and overall academic success."
Children can cozy up in a swivel chair and pull down a canopy for reading comfort and privacy. Scoop rockers are fun, and so are inflatable seat cushions, active learning stools, and Poang chairs. Pilates balls, bean bags chairs and wiggle bands for desk legs compliment the classroom.
"Students are expected to hold their attention and focus for long periods of time due to the pace of curriculum," explained Mitchell. "We are already seeing the positive effects for all students."