It’s a goal of every educational institution (we hope) to empower children and young adults to reach their full potential. In an effort to make that goal a reality, let’s begin in the classroom.
Furniture may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering how to maximize success in the classroom, but perhaps it should be. In an article titled the “Most painful days of your life,” the author discusses a study showing that inappropriate classroom furniture can cause a lifetime of chronic pain, not to mention a negative impact on learning.
The importance of classroom furniture goes beyond a child’s muscular development. Educators routinely see how the right (or wrong) furniture can also impact focus, time management, collaboration, and engagement in the classroom.
So, with that in mind, take a look at a few suggestions to ensure your classroom is equipped with the ideal furniture solutions:
Teachers are trained to educate students of varying capabilities using different techniques to get a message across. While educators understand that each student has unique mental needs, the fact that everyone also has unique physical needs sometimes gets forgotten.
We can’t simply assume that one style of chair will suit the needs of every student. Rather, the classroom will benefit from a variety of seating options. As such, suppliers offer all sorts of specialty classroom seating in addition to the standard classroom chair. From stable bouncy chairs to rocker seats and floor cushions to beanbag chairs, there’s an option available for each child in the classroom.
Walking into a progressive classroom, you may see kids reading on yoga mats, using the window as an idea board, or collaborating in a circle on floor cushions – and that’s great. Flexible, movement-based classrooms are the future. Despite this, there’ll
likely always be a need for student desks. And thankfully, student workstations now come in all shapes and sizes, with options for reconfiguration and adjustment – making both the student and teacher experiences more enriched.
While student learning ranks as top priority in the classroom, we haven’t forgotten about the investment involved. When choosing the right furniture for your school, we must also prioritize value. The quality of furniture impacts student safety (think non-toxic and sturdy) and the durability of the product.
At CDI Spaces, we are passionate about creating balanced interiors for schools across Alberta. We’re not tied down to one particular brand, meaning we can work with you to find the perfect solution for your classrooms. Contact us today if you’d like to discuss the vision and possibilities of your project with a CDI Spaces furniture consultant.
