Soft seating, also sometimes referred to as sensory seating, is making its way into schools. Educators are utilizing the soft, yet durable furniture to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for their students. Research shows that a positive environment is needed for students to be engaged and receptive to learning, National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments. This foam furniture does just that. It is inviting to students while being a safe seating option for them. The bright colors promote creativity and fun within the classroom. The goal of soft seating is to enhance learning by helping schools create engaging spaces for their students.
Why Switch To Soft Seating?
Although soft furniture can be utilized at all age levels, it is most beneficial to early learners. These are students in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school. At these ages, hands-on activities and learning through play are so important. Most of preschool is just that – dramatic play and discovery through play. This type of learning is crucial for a child’s development as it teaches problem-solving skills, supports social and emotional development, teaches communication skills, supports language development, and builds confidence within children, says the Institute of Education Sciences.
Types of Soft Furniture
At Today’s classroom, we offer a wide selection of soft seating furniture for all ages, including:
- Chairs- Available with armrests or without. Come in different shapes and sizes, some being more traditionally shaped while others are more creative.
- Ottomans- Choose from circle, triangle, rectangular, square, and gear-shaped ottomans. Use them as seating for students in a learning corner or as a table in a dramatic play area.
- Sofas- The perfect addition to a lobby or library space where students can enjoy some downtime. The sofas come in different sizes and shapes as well. They are large and able to hold many people at a time.
- Bean bag loungers- A must-have in your classroom reading corner. Sturdy, yet comfortable bean bag loungers that are durable and won’t bust open from students sitting on them.
- Benches- An easy way to add additional, fun seating to a classroom.
- Combo seating- Different shapes that, when put together, create an object such as a flower, beehive, or basketball. Used for seating and for table use.
Pair our soft seating furniture with other hands-on early childhood furniture from Today’s Classroom, such as soft play furniture. Choose from furniture shaped as a campfire with logs, rainbow stairs, or a caterpillar! The perfect way to spruce up your play centers with soft and safe furniture that is also functional. Also consider adding active learning tables and bins, also known as sensory tables. Add bookcases to the space next to a soft play sofa or chair for students to relax and read. Our preschool lofts go hand in hand with the foam furniture to create a fun and engaging dramatic play area for students.
Create a safe and fun learning environment that your students will never want to leave with the help of our experts at Today’s Classroom!