Who is Gen Alpha?
Step into any elementary and middle school classroom today, and you'll encounter a unique cohort of learners known as Generation Alpha. Born roughly between 2010 and 2024, these digital natives are not just growing up with technology, it's woven into the very fabric of their existence. Understanding their distinct characteristics is paramount to creating learning environments where they can thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally.
Read MoreTopics: Collaboration, Active Learning, Active Classroom, Technology, Experiential Learning, Learning Styles, Educators, outdoor, foam seating, Gen Alpha
Generation Alpha, the digitally natives born into a world of instant information and constant connection, presents unique opportunities and challenges for educators. As they turn 15 in 2025, their visual learning styles, entrepreneurial spirit, and comfort with technology are undeniable strengths. However, this constant digital immersion also brings downsides: shortened attention spans, digital addiction, vulnerability to cyberbullying, and a potential for a "jaded, blasé, or burned-out view of the world."
How to Engage Gen Alpha in the Classroom
When considering how to engage this unique generation, the question isn't "What do we do?" it's "Where do we go?" Jeff Mann of Western Sydney University offers an answer.
"Children are moving indoors at a vital time in their growth and development when the evidence-base suggests they would benefit from time outdoors."
For a generation so deeply entrenched in the digital realm, the solution might lie in the very opposite: the tangible, sensory-rich world of nature. Students crave rich experiences beyond their screens, they seek practical applications of course material, and they benefit from diverse and interactive learning experiences.
Weather-resistant, outdoor lounge seating such as Beanies by MooreCo - Outdoor can be shuffled and rearranged into groups, separated for quiet, alone time, or relocated entirely to create a classroom anywhere on campus grounds.
Why Outdoor Learning Resonates Deeply with Generation Alpha
Combat Digital Fatigue and Enhance Focus
Topics: Design, Active Learning, Active Classroom, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, generation z, sensory needs, Experiential Learning, outdoor, Gen Alpha
What is the Universal Design for Learning?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that guides the creation of flexible learning environments to accommodate the diverse needs of all students, no matter their ability. This framework was developed by neuropsychologist and educator, Dr. David H. Rose, and his colleagues at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) in the late 1990s.
Topics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Thrive, sensory needs, Learning Styles, Educators
Ever wonder how soft seating is made? Soft seating is an essential tool for creating dynamic, diverse learning environments where students can Thrive. Read more about our Thrive Philosophy and how it impacts our product designs.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Back-to-school, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Teacher's Favorites, New Products, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Media Centers, foam seating
It's widely known that students benefit from schools swapping out desks with more comfortable seating arrangements. Adaptive, mobile, foam soft seating is the ultimate tool for creating a flexible, inclusive, active-learning environment. This blog breaks down some of the benefits that adaptable, moveable soft seating can provide for your students.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Back-to-school, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Teacher's Favorites, New Products, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Media Centers, foam seating
It's widely known that students benefit from schools swapping out desks with more comfortable seating arrangements. But what are the experts saying?
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Back-to-school, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Teacher's Favorites, New Products, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Media Centers, foam seating
All foam soft seating is not just about comfort and playfulness, it’s about creating an environment that meets each student where they are developmentally and helps them discover their ideal position for learning. Students benefit from schools swapping out desks with more comfortable seating arrangements. Adaptive, mobile, foam soft seating is the ultimate tool for creating a flexible, inclusive, active-learning environment.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Back-to-school, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Teacher's Favorites, New Products, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Media Centers, foam seating
MooreCo's three new lines of lightweight, durable, All Foam Soft Seating encourages choice and fosters autonomy, allowing students and teachers to create personal spaces or collaborative breakout spaces. Students become agents in their learning and begin to place value on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Let MooreCo help you meet the needs of your students with flexible seating!
Topics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Back-to-school, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Teacher's Favorites, New Products, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Media Centers, foam seating
All Foam Soft Seating is the newest addition to MooreCo's inclusive, versatile, adaptable line of products. Presented in three collections, all foam soft seating is not just about comfort and playfulness, it’s about creating an environment that meets each student where they are developmentally and helps them discover their ideal position for learning.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Back-to-school, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Teacher's Favorites, New Products, Well-being, Thrive, mental health, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Media Centers, foam seating
MooreCo has a finger on the pulse of current trends in learning, working, and personal growth to address developmental needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) head on. Our compassionate approach to design fosters holistic personal development, inspires users to nurture every facet of themselves, and leads users on a path to Thrive.
Read MoreTopics: Human Development, Active Classroom, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Thrive, sensory needs, Special Education, Learning Styles, Educators