Just a Chair? Or redefining school furniture?

Cedar Creek is currently redesigning its former computer lab into a flexible learning space now known as the Learning Lounge. You can read more about the transformation here. The room has been painted a very relaxing shade of blue, and we are now looking at furniture to put in the Learning Lounge. Our criteria for furniture is: 
- it has to be comfortable for kindergarteners, adults, and every size in between
- it has to be moveable
- it has to encourage flexible grouping 

As we have researched and sampled various types of furniture, we realized that our furniture choices can fit into the SAMR model. The SAMR model was developed by Dr. Ruben Puentadura to explain how teachers use technology in a classroom setting. You can read more about it here. 

The original SAMR model: 

The furniture version: 

Substitution
We could buy new chairs with seats and four legs just like the chairs we had. This would be a substitution because it's the same chair, only a different color. 

Augmentation
A chair with wheels is still a chair, it just has something added to it. The wheels make it easier to move around the room, but it is essentially still just a chair. 

Modification
The Node provides a chair with wheels and an attached desk. Students can easily come together in groups and break apart for independent work. The chair swivels so students can remain moving while sitting. The desk can move in a variety of positions and has a tablet holder at the edge. The bottom provides a storage space under the chair. 

Redefinition
The Panto Move Chair has wheels, plus it has a special seat that allows for pelvic and core movement. Although a student could move around in a regular chair, it was noisy and distracting to others. This chair lets students move silently in their chairs without disturbing others. Since movement increases brain activity and focus, this chair can actually help a student learn more effectively. 

We'll keep you posted on the progress of the Learning Lounge! Check the blog for updates!