The Future of Classroom Furniture

Enhancing Learning Environments

To modernize learning spaces, Manteca Unified School District has embarked on a transformative journey by introducing new, dynamic furniture across all grade levels.

Providing learning environments that support children and their diverse learning needs is essential. The California Department of Education confirms classrooms that support active learning increase student engagement compared to traditional row-by-row classroom seating. 

This initiative is about more than just replacing old furniture; it’s about fostering an environment where collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking can flourish.

This is why in 2022, our Board of Education committed one-time funds to install innovative furniture District-wide, supporting ongoing modernization efforts and modern instructional practices.

“This initiative is about more than just replacing old furniture; it’s about fostering an environment where collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking can flourish,” shares Jenni Andrews, Executive Director of Elementary Education.
This investment in the classroom is not only functional but adaptable to the evolving needs of modern education. 

Elementary Minds in Motion

Healthy movement, color, visual aids, and interactive furniture facilitate student growth while helping children feel active and alert – even when seated. Young learners also have a lot of energy and an innate need for body movement. 

During the summer of 2023, elementary schools received sets of furniture tailored to each grade level’s specific needs. Several teachers were actively involved in selecting and piloting this furniture in their classrooms the previous year, ensuring that the choices worked for both their students and their instructional methods.

Flexible seating options in TK-2nd grade classrooms allow young students to shift positions while continuing to learn, addressing their need for movement, and helping to maintain their focus. Flexible seating options such as wobble stools, cushions, and rocking chairs enable children to move while learning, promoting better engagement and academic performance.

For older elementary students, classrooms were designed to create shared learning spaces that foster collaboration. This setup encourages students to work in teams, engage in discussions, and solve problems together.

Additionally, the interactive nature of the new furniture, such as whiteboard desks and mobile workstations, encourages hands-on learning and creativity. Students can write down ideas, draw graphs, and work on projects directly on their desks, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Furniture for College & Career Readiness

In almost every profession, from remote jobs to in-office positions, employees need to work together, communicate effectively, and solve problems as a team. By practicing these skills in high school, students learn how to share responsibilities, listen to diverse perspectives, and develop solutions together. 

Starting this fall, high school classrooms with standard seating will have a refreshed look and one of four new layouts designed so students can easily collaborate with their peers. 

During the 2023-24 school year, 20 high school teachers volunteered to test new classroom furniture as early adopters. “Their feedback was instrumental in deciding which furniture pieces should be purchased. Based on their input and student surveys, four classroom layouts were designed, each tailored to promote peer collaboration and active learning,” shares Clara Schmiedt, Executive Director of Secondary Education.

Their feedback was instrumental in deciding which furniture pieces should be purchased. Based on their input and student surveys, four classroom layouts were designed, each tailored to promote peer collaboration and active learning.

Flexible furniture also supports differentiated instruction as teachers can easily rearrange their classroom to facilitate various learning activities and lessons. See page 10 to learn more about lesson design and differentiated instruction in MUSD.

High school furniture will be distributed in a phased rollout, beginning with standard classrooms, followed by specialized classrooms such as science labs, art studios, and career technical education spaces in the second phase.

The Impact

The introduction of flexible furniture is part of a broader effort to create learning environments that reflect the needs of 21st-century education. By integrating furniture that supports active learning, Manteca Unified is helping students develop the skills they need for future success. These enhancements create spaces where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are excited to see the positive impacts of these changes and to continue supporting our students and teachers in their educational journeys.