Let’s explore a few important benefits of getting collaborative classroom furniture for better learning.
It’s summer break, and we still have months left until the start of the school year, when students return. If you’re considering rearranging your classroom to improve your students’ concentration and focus, now is the time. Let’s explore a few important benefits of getting collaborative classroom furniture for better learning.
Increased Attention in the Classroom
Most students get distracted and may lose focus about 10 to 15 minutes into a project or lesson. But the reality is, most of us have a difficult time giving our full attention to anything for very long. The most we can give with concentrated effort is around 45 minutes to an hour (which is why TV shows are typically this length). At that point, we need to move on to something else completely.
Active learning environments, where students can change positions, move to another area of the room, or switch projects, promote better attention. If sitting is making a child feel slightly tired, he or she can stand, instantly boosting their focus and interest again.
Create a Space for Change and Curiosity
Humans are naturally attracted to change. We enjoy changes in focus and new things easily capture our attention. For students in a traditional classroom, a change may come in the form of another class of students loudly (and joyfully) playing on the grass right outside the classroom window.
Flexible and collaborative classroom furniture makes space for change and curiosity. Moreover, teachers can build lessons with this mechanism in mind, allowing students to pursue their interests, take breaks when necessary, and see whether a change in environment helps increase their focus.
Flexible classrooms still use traditional furnishings, just in new ways! These include:
- Tables: Consider getting tall tables for standing while working and smaller tables for students who prefer working alone in a quiet corner.
- Desks: As part of your collaborative classroom furniture, consider getting round tables for seating 4 to 6 students.
- Chairs: It would be helpful to have soft chairs for more comfortable lounging while reading or for group work.
Physical Activity Matters
As mentioned above, many children learn best when their whole body is involved. Physical activity helps the brain stay more attentive. Therefore, allowing children to stand while working, including physical movement into a lesson, or encouraging children to take a break to stretch or do jumping jacks – all help bring life and alertness back into the classroom.
Overall, space truly affects work performance, and the way that a classroom is set up can make a significant difference in how students learn. Most children don’t perform well in environments where they have to sit all day quietly. Flexible classroom furniture enables tailored learning for each child, ensuring they receive the best education.
Choose Edwards & Hill for Your Office Furniture and Design Needs
Are you ready to redesign your office to maximize productivity and creative thinking? Edwards & Hill can help you design and install the perfect designs for your business. Edwards & Hill is a leading office, education, medical, and hospitality furniture provider with high-quality design and installation services for any style or scale. We have our headquarters in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and another convenient office location in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are ready to get your office design started, contact us online or give us a call at 301-317-4250. For the St. Louis office, please call 314-797-5077. For more furniture design tips, follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.