Creating a Calming Classroom Environment
The students’ favorite seems to be the Hokey Stools that offer just enough movement for those that need that extra bit of sensory.
Where do you learn the best? Sitting on a hard classroom chair or in a bean bag? For many of my special education students they learn the best when they are comfortable. This may be standing up at their desk or sitting on a pillow while at a table that has been lowered to the floor while working. All children struggle to pay attention for prolonged periods of time. For special education students with sensory issues, this can be a difficult task to simply sit still and focus on learning. Flexible seating is a concept that I have utilized in my special education classroom. My classroom may look more like a living room with comfortable chairs, a bean bag chair, pillows on the floor for seating, and various sizes of ball chairs. You may also notice blue covers that cover the fluorescent lights and the use of lamps. This softens the lighting in the classroom and also helps to create a soft light that is easier on our eyes. A successful learning environment is not only utilizing the proper educational tools, but also creating an environment that allows students the opportunity to be comfortable while learning to the best of their ability.