Ever wanted to change the layout of your classroom to actually benefit students?
We’ve all sat in those classrooms.
Rows and columns of desks staring forward at a teacher.
Does this really benefit students?
Don’t worry, they don’t.
We know how classrooms used to look.
But classrooms of today need to look a lot different. Designed for how students learn best, with flexibility, movement and soft furnishings.
Luckily, changing the layout of your classroom is…
- Free to plan
- Easy to set up
…and can instantly impact your students’ learning.
In this guide you’re going to learn:
- Why Old School Layouts Aren’t Helping Students Learn
- The Science Behind Classroom layout design
- School Soft Seating Options To Boost Learning
- The steps for changing your classroom layout.
Why Old School Layouts Aren’t Helping Students Learn
The traditional rows-and-columns of desks really only work for one type of learning:
Sit and listen.
Teacher lectures. Students listen attentively. Everyone’s facing forward. Easy.
The problem is learning doesn’t always work that way these days.
Modern students need to move. They need to work in groups. They need to problem solve with hands-on activities.
The traditional layout isn’t cutting it.
Students need choice.
If they need to huddle around to share ideas, they’ll twist around in their chairs to do it. When it’s time for independent reading, they’re distracted by the other groups nearby.
Instead of enabling learning, the desks and seating get in the way.
It’s why smart schools are using classroom modular soft furnishings and school soft seating options. Furnishings that allow students choice in how they work, collaborate and focus.
When furniture enhances learning instead of getting in the way, everyone wins.
The Science Behind Classroom Layout Design
Teachers know their classrooms affect students. But did you know just how much it can help (or hurt) their learning?
One study from the University of Salford analyzed data from 153 classrooms in 27 schools. They found that classroom design alone accounts for 16% of the variation in academic progress.
That’s right…
The layout and furnishing of a classroom impacts learning almost as much as the teacher themself.
Researchers concluded that classroom design is broken down into seven factors:
- Light
- Heat temperature
- Air quality
- Ownership
- Flexibility
- Complexity
- Colour
And get this…
Ownership and flexibility together accounted for almost a quarter of classroom layouts affecting student learning progress.
Giving students choice in where and how they sit really does make a difference.
Research has found that between 10 to 15 percent of variance in academic outcomes can be attributed to the learning environment.
So when you give students flexible seating options that allow them to move and work how they need, it’s not a “nice to have.” You’re having a direct impact on their learning.
School Soft Seating Options To Boost Learning
Okay, but what does this furniture look like?
You’re not just tossing a couple beanbags into the corner and calling it a day.
Flexibility comes from having a variety of seating options that enable different activities throughout the day.
Here are your go-to school soft seating options to boost learning.
Wobble Stools: These stools allow students to wiggle a bit as they sit. Perfect for students who need to move while sitting down.
Floor Cushions: Every classroom should have a reading corner with floor cushions. They’re great for students to kick back and get comfy with a book.
Standing Tables: Some students learn better when they’re on their feet. Standing tables allow them the opportunity to focus.
Modular seating: Furniture that can be moved around easily to allow for groups or individual seating. This is where flexibility really comes into play.
Low tables and cushions: These can create a cafe-style environment that’s perfect for collaborating with classmates.
How Layout Changes Improve Student Behaviour
Here’s another fun fact…
Introducing flexible seating doesn’t just help students learn, it helps with behaviour.
Multiple teachers have commented that once they introduced flexible seating, behaviour problems decreased. Students feel more in control if they can pick where they sit.
Think about why that is:
When kids aren’t comfortable, they fidget. They kick the seat in front of them. They distract their classmates. They space out.
But when you allow them to choose where they sit…
- They can focus better.
- They’re more engaged.
- Behaviour issues drop.
Students aren’t disruptive because they can’t sit still. They act out because they want to.
By allowing them choices and furniture that moves with them, you limit those opportunities.
One study even showed that separating close friends can reduce disruptions by up to 70%. Moveable furniture and flexible seating options allow you to create strategic seating charts.
How To Change Your Classroom Layout Step By Step
Ready to redesign your classroom?
Here’s how to change your classroom layout in a way that won’t stress you out.
Start Small
Okay, you don’t need to throw out all your desks and start from scratch.
Grab a couple flexible seating options and see how your kids respond. A few floor cushions in a reading corner is a great place to start.
Create Zones
Students thrive when your classroom has separate areas for separate activities.
Make sure you have a spot for:
- Independent work (Whole class seating when teaching)
- Group work
- Whole class learning
- Reading or small breaks
This helps students know what to expect when they go to that area.
Set Expectations
Flexibility is great, but it doesn’t mean students can do whatever they want.
Make sure to set ground rules for:
- Choosing appropriate seats
- When students are able to switch seats
- Expected behaviour in each “zone”
- Consequences for misuse
When kids know what’s expected, classroom management runs smoothly.
Let Students Help
This goes along with giving students ownership over their space.
Allow them to help setup furniture. Encourage them to give feedback. Adjust as you see what works and what doesn’t.
When kids feel like they have a say in their environment, they’ll respect it more.
Assess and Tweak
Not everything will be successful right away.
Pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t. Make small tweaks as you go. You’re looking for continuous improvement.
Wrap Up
Changing your classroom layout is easy.
And it can have a massive impact on your students. From boosting learning to improving behaviour, classroom design has been proven to help.
Use this guide on the best classroom layout ideas for learners of today and watch how your classroom comes together.
As teachers, we know the environment we create for students matter. It’s time we start designing classrooms for them.
