Mobility & Flexibility
Overview
Multiple tables and chairs on wheels allow for setting up the classroom to support the desired learning outcomes of each activity. Having the mobility and flexibility to change the arrangement of furniture in the learning space also promotes student choice.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how various seating arrangements can be an asset for differentiating instruction. Summit Prep School uses different seating configurations for independent work, collaborative work, mini lessons, and large-group discussions. Having the choice of how and where they sit in the classroom encourages students' deeper focus and learning.
Design It into Your Product
Learn how flexible, mobile furniture, from vendors such as KI Engaged Learning, promotes student engagement. By having a variety of tables, desks, and chairs with elements of mobility, students and teachers can easily reconfigure the learning space to support different types of instruction.
Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Physical Space Strategies
When classrooms are intentionally designed to promote inclusion, belonging, and accessibility, they positively influence key learner factors, including Attention, Self-Regulation, Learner Mindset, and Sense of Belonging.
Dim or natural lighting provides a calming environment.
Having space where students can go supports Self-regulation and individual deliberate practice.
Multiple display spaces help develop oral language skills as well as Social Awareness & Relationship Skills by allowing groups to share information easily as they work.
Multiple writing surfaces promote collaboration by allowing groups to share information easily as they work.
Decreasing extra audio input provides a focused learning environment.
Math games and manipulatives for vision differences support math development for learners with visual needs.
Children's literature can be a welcoming way to help students learn math vocabulary and concepts.
Providing ways for students to adjust sound level supports individual auditory needs.
Providing ways for students to meet their individual temperature needs supports focus and Self-regulation.
Spaces that are structured, organized, and clean provide increased room for collaboration and active learning.
