Creating An Inspired Learning Environment

In March 2022, Gainesville ISD administration gave all GISD teachers a chance to upgrade their classrooms with flexible seating and various innovative furniture. The teachers were asked to apply and provide detailed descriptions of the requested items, prices, and example pictures. Each teacher also had to share how the furniture would impact classroom engagement and exactly how it would be implemented in their classrooms.

Applications were submitted and reviewed by a district-level committee, and 18 teachers received the exciting news that their wishes had been granted! The shopping began, and the winning classrooms were filled with new furniture as it was received during the late summer and fall semester.

A few examples of items that were requested were wobble chairs, lounge rockers, bean bag chairs, floor seats, portable work surfaces, flex space wipe and write collaboration zones (tables), squiggle tables, round floor tables, activity tables, trapezoid tables, triangle creator tables, storage benches and organizers.

The substantial monetary contribution by the district to this project has proven to be a worthwhile investment. Students and teachers are loving the additional seating options and the new learning environment in their classrooms. Third grade teacher Nancy Castorena and Kindergarten teacher Julie Woods were two of the 18 lucky teachers who received significant upgrades to their classrooms.

“We started the year with our old furniture but when we came back from Thanksgiving break, we had a whole “I am seeing a lot more participation and less behavior problems.” new room,” Woods said. “I prepared them before it came so that they would understand the rules and expectations when it finally arrived. The kids were so excited when they saw the new furniture! It has completely changed the climate of my classroom.” For Mrs. Woods, the new furniture has created a calm and engaging environment. “I am seeing a lot more participation and less behavior problems,” she said. “The students feel empowered by

having a choice,” Castorena said. “The seating choices help them physically also because they can wobble, rock, or bounce which increases oxygen flow to the brain.”

Classrooms are one of the first and most important places where kids learn how to communicate with peers and with teachers. The furniture in the classroom plays a crucial role in student learning because comfort, posture, and support all affect students' ability to concentrate and work. This is why it is so important that classrooms are comfortable, functional, engaging, and safe for every child.

“Flexible seating options help me to provide an adaptive learning environment that is structured to meet the needs of my students in a seemingly less structured environment,” Woods said.

Innovative classroom furniture provides flexibility and variety, helping to minimize learning challenges. Flexible furniture can be moved around the classroom quickly and easily according to the needs of the lesson or the activities they are planning for the class. Furniture can bring students together, or intuitively and quietly separate functions. It creates zones, provokes conversations, personalized spaces, offers choices, and helps students relax so they can think and focus. This arrangement creates a more open environment where students feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with their peers. Due to the success seen in the classrooms, Gainesville ISD is releasing the second round of applications and will outfit even more classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year.