Fresno Unified offering flexible seating options for students

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students, at McCardle Elementary, sitting on bean bags, bouncing on yoga balls, and even balancing on stability mats--all while staying focused on the lesson plan.

Fresno Unified is joining a handful of school districts across the Valley implementing flexible seating options.

"They're finding kids are able to come in and work and stay on task much better," said Linda McLaughlin, McCardle Elementary Principal.

Fourth and fifth graders are still getting familiar with their learning styles. Instructors say the seating transition was smooth.

"I could see them taking ownership of their learning and they were more attentive," said Brenda McClain, fourth-grade teacher.

Fifth-grader, Lisset Camarillo chose the wobble stool.

"You can go back and forth. You can circle in it. I thought it was like cool and it's easier to focus," said Camarillo.

She found the regular seating too stiff and did not choose the yoga ball because it moved too much.

Alex Choza, on the other hand, prefers his regular desk but understands the value of the new teacher's aide.

"It helps you learn more instead of fidgeting around with your stuff so you don't have to be like bored in class," said Alex Choza, fourth grade.

Depending on learning style, modifications were made to desks as well.

"We have some students have bands at the bottom of the desk and they can hit their feet on that Velcro under the desk if they need to touch something," said McLaughlin.

McCardle Elementary hopes to bring flexible seating to the rest of their classrooms.