Flexible furniture helps Volusia County students focus on learning

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Some classrooms in Florida are getting a new look after a pilot program showed educators that flexible furniture can help students better engage in the classroom.

The pilot program, which ended about two months ago, was funded by $20,000 from Volusia County Schools and $98,000 in furniture donations from eight vendors.

Stephanie Longfellow, a college prep teacher at Deltona High School, said the furniture seemed counterproductive at first.

The furniture allows students to rock back and forth, which initially she thought would take students’ attention away from teachers.

“You think it would be a distraction, but I think it actually increases their engagement,” Longfellow said. “Just the movement allows them to focus on what’s in front of them.”

The desks are also shaped differently to allow teachers to move them more easily into groups.

Currently, the furniture is at select elementary, middle and high schools in Volusia County.

Cox Media Group