BREA, Calif. – Forget everything you know about assigned seats and desks; seating charts have no place in this Olinda Elementary classroom.

“It’s very cool how it’s a different shape instead of a real chair,” says Olinda fourth grader Brooklyn.

Need some pep in your step? Hop on the stability ball.

How about a little extra cushion? You can try out a plush butterfly chair.

“It feels like I’m at home, and I like to read on the couch,” says Olinda fourth grader Julianne.

Fourth grade teacher Stacy Gutkowski implemented a unique seating arrangement this year. The arrangement is that there really isn’t one. Her class is learning in a flexible seating model.

“I was looking for a change because I’ve been teaching 17 years, and instead of changing grade levels I wanted to do something that would inspire the kids and me so we went with flexible seating. And it’s inspiring all of us,” says Gutkowski.

Mrs. G, as her kids call her, spent $1,100 of her own money and worked without pay for over a month setting up in July to make the 10 stations a reality. She says so far the lack of traditional desks have received rave reviews.

“When I implemented it at first obviously I was nervous and a little anxious to see what the outcome would be. It has been amazing, and I really think the kids are more engaged,” says Mrs. G.

There might be evidence to back-up her unconventional design. According to a 2017 study at Iowa State that observed a 36-student classroom, a flexible seating model promoted a “feeling of community and engagement.”

In California, where class size is always being discussed, this method could very well be a way of the future - helping teachers creatively use their space to generate more participation.

So whether you lay back or do the old criss-cross-applesauce, you really can’t go wrong.

“I’m really bored and tired of just desks every single year,” says Brooklyn.

Take a seat - or don’t.

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