A classroom more like home

At Minooka Community High School in Minnesota, all desks have been removed in Nicole Bolek’s classroom. The U.S. history and government teacher asked her students to bring in more comfortable chairs including beanbag and video game chairs.

In an effort to promote creativity and engage her students, Bolek took a chance that others may question. Inspired by the way Google decorated its offices, she believes in teaching outside the box. “I’m not the one that needs to learn,” she explains. “The kids are the ones that need to learn.” She observed that classroom discussions are richer since the change.

Feedback from some of her students is positive. Payton Laczynski likes the atmosphere – “It’s comfy,” she said. Senior Matt Andrews added that “It’s a nicer environment. It’s not so strict.” Bolek also has two tables and chairs in the classroom for those who prefer standard seating.

What do you think of this idea? Would you pay closer attention if you were more comfortable in class? Or would it backfire and you’d find yourself dozing off if you were in a beanbag chair? Do you have any teachers who are a bit more creative in their teaching methods? Do you like it? Why or why not?