Here’s one example of a classroom configured to facilitate student choice and voice.

The main thing you want to do is set up work zones. For example:

A whole-group meeting space near the whiteboard

A small-group intervention area by a teacher desk

Individual desks for testing

Tables where groups/individuals can collaborate

Comfortable work areas with couch/pillows/mats

A cupboard with bins or other storage system for student belongings

Remove unnecessary furniture.

De-clutter old textbooks, obsolete technology, outdated and irrelevant decorations.

Classrooms should be workshops where students gain and create knowledge,

not warehouses where teachers store old materials.

Minimize the static teacher space -

for example, change the "teacher desk" area to a "teacher station"

that combines a minimal permanent desk space with the small-group table.

Seek student input and help with acquiring and using new resources.

Students can advise the teacher about their preferences for furniture and other classroom resources.

Students can ask family members or friends to donate needed items: couches, tables, stationary bikes, chairs, and books.

Students can contribute to grant-writing efforts by creating written and visual persuasive documents.

And students can help establish procedures for using and sharing work and seating spaces, or moving furniture.

Teachers can plan to upgrade furniture over a period of time, (several months or one to two years).

Increase the variety of seating: chairs, stools, beanbags, mats, couch, balance balls, core discs, stationary bikes, and ellipticals.

Replace traditional desks with rectangular, round, and standing-height desks.

Get furniture pieces that are moveable, or make remaining ones moveable: add caster wheels to bookcases, tables, and chairs.

Principles to keep in mind -

Students will initially be disoriented by new furniture, especially active learning options, for the first few days or a week.

Have more than one seating option for each student. This provides increased choice and prevents conflict.

Students should be able to explain how their chosen workspace helps them accomplish their current task.

Teacher always reserves the right to move students in order to help them learn.

This is one example of how your classrom layout may take shape.