Special education programs are becoming more common in both public and private schools. In 2015 alone, over 6.5 million students received some type of
special education help. Even more so, over 10% of all public school kids receive special education help. Special education is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of learning matters from special needs to learning disabilities, speech impediments to temperate control, audio-visual impairments to physical handicaps, and more. While
alternative classroom layouts and furniture can be extremely useful in mainstream classrooms due to the rise of
visual learners in the classroom, alternative classroom layouts and furniture can be even more beneficial to students in special education programs. Below are three reasons why special education classes need alternative school furniture.
#1 Less School-like
According to a Why Science
survey, 98% of students are bored during school. The typical classroom layout of students in rows staring at a whiteboard can make any student yawn just thinking about it. This can be even tougher for special education students who may find the learning experience to be a difficult experience. Student with learning disabilities may “shut down” the moment they see this typical classroom. However, a classroom with an alternative layout or furniture (such as
active seating) has a fun, "cool", and welcoming atmosphere.
#2 Good for Education Tools
Each year, more tools are created to assist students' learning experience. One such tool is the
fidget spinner. However, not all education tools are small like the fidget spinner. Some look bulky and out-of-place in a traditional classroom set up. Alternative classroom elements such as
Soft Seating and
Collaborative Desks can incorporate these tools while maintaining an aesthetic elegance.
#3 A Safe Space
While products like the
buddy bench have made a significant impact in the lives of special education students, special education students are still not always treated properly by other students and even mainstream teachers. Many special education children who are bullied feel they do not have an academic sanctuary. A special education classroom that has
alternative furniture can help the student feel like there is a place in school specifically for them.
Contact us as we are more than happy to help you pick out the solutions to help create a warm and relaxing learning environment!
