After observing other classrooms, I think the best seating solution is groups of 3-5 where the desks can all face the main white board where you do your work. This group arrangement allows for easy access to asking peers questions and small group work or discussion times.

One way I was able to implement flexible seating arrangements successfully, as a former substitute teacher, was by setting a designated time for it. For instance, the students may have assigned seats during test-taking, or specific tasks, but I would allow for flexible seating during reading time. During reading time, students knew the room had to be silent, and as long as that rule was abided by, they could sit wherever they wanted to in the classroom (on the floor, on a bean bag, at an empty desk, etc.). This also made the flexible seating more of an excitement, as it was a privilege.

I would recommend doing groups of 4 for a more collaborative based classroom and see how the students are interacting with each other. This way, students are always learning from each other, they will challenge each other, and they will be more attentive to what is going on in the classroom.

I think starting flexible seating as a reward could help the students know it isn't something to abuse could help keep students focused during lessons while also having flexible seating arrangements to test it out before fully converting your room.

Yes, there are a lot of ways you can go about this. What I like to do is allot test-taking to assigned seats in single-file desk arrangements. Other than that, there are multiple groups of desks that all face the center of the classroom why I am providing lectures so that everyone can stay tuned and so that when contributing to classroom interaction, it is fun and including for all students. If we do class debates or group assignments, I’ll either just leave the desks or I’ll group all of the desks together.

I think it can work but you have to be able to manage loosely which students are around each other.

Make a flexible seating rotation chart where all students get to use all flexible seating throughout the month. This way it is equal and fair for all students.

It honestly depends on the activities for the class, but typically groups of 3-4 students with the teacher moving throughout the room while teaching, so all students have a good view of the lesson and the teacher. Also, flexible seating options can be used for centers, or when students are working independently. They can also be used as rewards for good behavior.

I personally think arranging groups of 4 or 5 all facing the white board is best and flexible as you are able to move students around for projects and assignments as well as move tables if needed.

I think that a great way to implement flexible seating is to let students chose where they want to sit around the room for activities such as "silent reading time". I also think that flexible seating could be used during "final assessments" after a lesson, that way students can be comfortable sitting where they want around the room, and the teacher can walk around monitoring.