Special education classrooms are elevated when you're able to create an environment of functionality, versatility, and inclusion. Your students likely represent a wide range of profiles and have unique needs and preferences to consider. And your learning spaces can always benefit from new furniture and room designs that adapt to various learning abilities, mobility requirements, and sensory needs. Today, we'll share examples of innovative furniture solutions to improve the learning experiences for all your special education learners.
Swings to regulate input and improve attention
Our Cocoon Swing is a great example of a hanging-style swing that allows for a high amount of vestibular input while taking up a small amount of space. These swings can be made of cotton or Lycra material. Input regulation can help improve attention to inherently lower-stimulation-type tasks, like listening to teaching material. This style of swing can also be used for sensory regulation practices and act as a motivating activity or reward to include in any behavioral-based plans for students.
Other styles of swings can further provide vestibular, proprioceptive, and sensory input or regulation for your special education classroom, like these:
Loungers or alternative seating must-haves for your special education classroom
Furniture pieces like the Long Easy Lounger can be part of a sensory corner, reading nook, Zen den, or other area in a special education classroom. Positioning a supine (face up,) prone (face down,) supported prone, and others can be very helpful for students. It's also helpful for students to stay alert or down-regulate those who are feeling overstimulated by providing grounding and safe positioning assistance.
Bring all kinds of innovative seating to your special education space, including:
Positioning chairs for posture and functional goals
Positioning chairs can be used as alternative seating for students who need postural support or conditioning. Often, when needing a higher degree of positioning support, these students may have additional goals for self-care skills, such as feeding themselves a snack. A special education classroom's specialty seating system can provide opportunities for these students to experience various positions, engage more with teaching material, and interact more inclusively with classmates.
Explore a full suite of positioning chairs to complement your students' functional needs:
Special education classroom toys and games your students will love
Special education classroom toys and games serve a crucial role in providing tailored learning experiences for students with diverse needs. Incorporate toys and games into your special education classroom environment to create engaging and inclusive learning opportunities. Games can inspire participation, peer interaction, and collaboration, too.
Check out these popular special education games and toys for your students:
Sensory products and accessories for all profiles
Special education students will bring unique sensory profiles to your classroom. Meet every one of those diverse needs with a wide variety of sensory products designed to calm, stimulate, and engage.
Bubble Tube Lights and Fiber Optic Sensory Lights are popular in 2024-2025 back-to-school efforts, as are these room design additions:
Create a welcoming, regulating ambiance and encourage sensory play with rugs, pillars, and lighting options, too!
FAQs About special education classroom furniture updates and designs
What's the best special education classroom arrangement?
While best practices vary, and your classroom will need to accommodate the diverse profiles of your students, some experts suggest that station-based layouts work great. This allows students to engage in a variety of activities without compromising structure and organization.
What are some tips for outfitting a special education classroom with autistic students?
According to National Autism Resources, station-based learning with visual stimuli, along with reduced clutter and auditory stimulation is an ideal guide to follow for students with autism.
How can educators better organize their special education classrooms?
Discover creative storage and organization furniture products to make smart use of your unique classroom space. Don't be afraid to use boxes, containers, storage carts, and cubbies to keep your learning areas organized, too.
School Outfitters' special education furniture experts can help
School Outfitters is your go-to resource for room design consultations, product selection, and knowledgeable suggestions for special education classroom furniture. Our experts provide the insights and guidance you need, whether you're purchasing one wobble chair or outfitting an entire school campus. Find great pricing, innovative furniture, delivery and setup, and even warranty assistance with our Experience Positive team!
Make your special education classroom the learning space your students love and excel in next year. Get your free quote today and chat with an expert today!
