Designing Inclusive Library & Learning Spaces for Every Kid

It’s at our core as educators to facilitate a love of learning for kids. Our school libraries and classroom learning spaces are places where this love can truly grow. But are these spaces truly accessible and welcoming for all students, including our neurodivergent learners and those who benefit from additional supports?

The good news is, with a few thoughtful adjustments and creative additions, we can transform our learning environments into havens that benefit every single kid. And, it doesn’t have to cost an exorbitant amount of money!

Why Flexible Seating Matters

Think about it: how many adults would choose to sit rigidly in the same chair for hours on end while trying to focus? Probably not many! I remember attending a required training in my former school district where this was an unspoken expectation, and I created my own flexible “seat” by standing off to the side!

So why would we expect this of our youngest learners? For neurodivergent children, such as those with ADHD or autism, traditional seating can be a significant barrier to engagement and concentration. The need to move, to self-regulate sensory input, or to simply find a comfortable position is not a distraction; it's a necessity for effective learning.

I recently moved to a small city in Northeast Ohio that feels very inclusive, both in the community as a whole and in the neighborhood schools. At Horace Mann Elementary, recent additions to the school library have “made the library a more accessible, engaging, and inclusive space.” According to the school newsletter that I received in the mail, “All Horace Mann students are enjoying the new reading space. The sensory furniture isn’t just supporting the students with disabilities - it has made the library more engaging, comfortable, and inviting for all.”

Amazing and inclusive, right?!

If you’re new to the idea of flexible seating and inclusive possibilities…

What are Some Options?

• Wiggle cushions: These allow for discreet movement and can help channel excess energy and improve focus.

• Soft seats and plush chairs: These can reduce sensory overload and provide a sense of security.

• Covered seats or individual pods: Great for students who need to minimize visual distractions and create a personal zone for deep concentration.

• Bean bag chairs: A fave from my childhood, bean bags help kids shift and settle into positions that best suit their bodies and learning styles.

  
  

When a child can choose a seating option that helps them regulate their body and mind, they are better equipped to absorb information, participate in discussions, and enjoy their time in the library.

Next week, we’ll share the awesome benefits of an inclusive library for ALL kids! And some quick tips on how to create your inclusive library space on a budget.

The bonus? The tips and ideas you use in a school-wide library lend nicely to classroom spaces, too. That’s one step closer to inclusion that meets the needs of every kid.