Manteca Unified teachers Thursday had a bit of unusual instruction for younger students on the elementary level.

They taught them how to use their new chairs that are part of a $17 million districtwide furniture refresh for kindergarten through eighth grade.

It involves showing them how — and when — to turn their spinning chair to face the front of the classroom.

Spinning chairs are part of the “dynamic” furniture that breaks 100 years plus of basically the same approach to the concept of classroom desks and chairs.

Ms. Meranda, a pilot teacher for the furniture refresh last school year, shared that one noticeable benefit of the  furniture is that it allows students to work out feelings through movement.

“If I ask a student that is fidgeting or feeling anxious to sit (still), they’re only going to think about that, whereas if they can rock or (gently move), it helps them center themselves.” Merana noted.

The furniture also allows students to switch learning stations quickly, allowing them to interact with different classmates more frequently.

“I used to do an activity that was limited to 6 students in a group,” pointed out fifth grade teacher Mrs. Baldeon who last spring was among the educators that gave the furniture a test run in their classrooms. “ . . . with my new furniture, I was able to mix them up for any subject. It’s a great tool.”  

An internal advisory committee of teachers were involved with the furniture selection process at each grade level.

Teachers were trained on how the new furniture could be used last spring during in-service days that involved PowerPoint presentations.

The district also provided multiple training sessions on how the furniture can effectively be used for effective collaborative conversations and small grouping involving students.

In addition to the training last April, the district provided two PowerPoint slide decks over the past week to further assist teachers in helping them to learn how to employ the furniture in the most effective manner.

The district also offered tips for teachers on introducing students on how the furniture works as well as how to establish classroom rules involving the use of the furniture.
The furniture includes:

*whiteboard desk.

*collaborative seating.

*ergonomic chairs.

Each grade level received a specific set of furniture tailored just for their needs, placing student needs at the center of all decision-making.

Next summer, the district high schools will have a furnish refresh based on the same learning concepts that prompted the K-8 overhaul.

Several classrooms will pilot the high school level furniture this school year.

The district used one-time COVID funds to pay for the K-8 classroom furniture.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com