Otto Storage {Flex Seating Giveaway}

There's no tired like the first day of school tired!  I had high hopes for today and wasn't let down. The kids were fantastic. We explored the alphabet through different morning tubs while unloading supplies. We giggled at First Day Jitters when we met Sarah Jane Hartwell. We collaborated on rules with David Goes to School and hung them for all to see. We generated a list of writing topics and introduced how to manage supplies independently. We combined numbers through six and explored numbers through 20 in different afternoon tubs. We successful created our first sentences in our brand new student planners after recess. See, high hopes met!  

Okay, it wasn't all bliss. I arrived early to place their name tags on the tables and realized I forgot a stack at home. I was first to place my fresh prints into lamination but later realized first is last when other lamination projects are placed on top. I forgot about my coffee and let it get cold, even in my Yetti. I cut out my laminated activities instead of eating lunch to ensure I had enough materials in for afternoon tubs. I never managed a bathroom break throughout the entire school day but I survived.

Insert exhaustion here!

I know it seems crazy but this tired teacher wanted to pop in and share a great flex seating option with additional storage that any teacher would cherish.



Let's talk about the product...

Otto Storage has a collection of stools made of a solid polypropylene material that can support a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. The stools provide a comfortable place for children and adults to sit. It's remarkable to think 7 pieces assemble so easy without hardware.


Yesterday was a profession planning day. I raced to get all materials set out and ready for today, the first day with kids. I played around with my set up and decided to use this multi-purpose stool/table at each of my team groupings. Having a place to store team materials while providing seating to push into small groups is a key factor in why I selected the solid stools. 





Today was my first opportunity to use the storage and seating during instruction. I was able to easily manage my stored materials. During transitions, I set the materials on the stool which served as tables. Once students began interacting with their literacy and math tubs, I was able to push in with the kids without displacing a child from their seat.  
I have lots of color in my room and decided to balance the colors with white stools. I encourage you to visit their website to see all the colors and designs available. I'm thrilled to be given an opportunity for one of my followers to win a pair of stools for their own classroom. Please answer the question in the Rafflecopter below and make sure you complete the entry by selecting "I Commented" in the Rafflecopter. I will be back on Saturday to announce the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


To follow up with a message I've received... 

I'm selective with my flex seating. I wanted to have alternative places to sit on a budget. The kids work, standing or sitting at desks. My independent stations, early finishers, and collaborative times are positioned around the room in different forms.  I have low tables, a hut, scoop chairs, seat crates, a rolling table with stools, rug seats, and cushions for my counters.  Find the balance that works for you and your management.  My students were eager to know more about the alternative places to work but using the options wisely and without conflict is my goal.  I'll incorporate all options by mid September.

Image Map

132 comments:

Unknown said...

Your classroom is beautiful. I would love to use the stools in my first grade classroom at a table that I'm converting to our "science" table. We could keep goggles, magnifying glasses, and other science tools in them, then the kids can sit on them while working at the table.

Jenny said...

I love these stools and have been eyeing up the lime green ones. I would use them in my small group space, and love that they could help to hold journals, books, assessment binders, etc. So fun, thanks for the giveaway!!

Loomis Learners said...

These are so fantastic! I've seen similar stools, but these are way better!! I'd love one of these at the end of each of my tables to help with storage and increase flexible seating!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an amazing first day! Love how you used the stools. This is definitely great inspiration to start flexible seating in my classroom. These stools would be the the very first addition to my very just beginning flexible seating options. Thabk you for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

These stools are amazing!!! I am a first year teacher desperately trying to add some flexible seating to my classroom. I am going to be teaching in a resource classroom, grades Kinder-5th so these stools would be a PERFECT addition!! Thanks for all you do :)

Schottie said...

These stools are the perfect combination of form and function! They look great, are sturdy enough to withstand daily classroom life, and they're storage... what else could you ask for? I love all the color options too!

jensbooktalk said...

Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. I love all your flexible seating. I am going to try to be braver with flexible seat this year. Especially for my Kinders who have the wiggles. The stools look like such fun. Thank you for offering a giveaway!

Lindsay said...

I love the look of these stools and the function they bring is even better! I would use these in a student space for flexible seating.

Unknown said...

As always you have continued to inspire me in so many ways. I love your classroom! I'm always looking into incorporating new flexible seating ideas in my classroom. These stools would be super functional and my kiddos would love them.

In Class With Miss G said...

I love these! I would use them for a combination of flexible seating and desperately needed storage. While I have some good closet space it's not the most accessible for the little kids. This would be a game changer.

julie said...

I love your first day activities and I LOVE these stools. I like that you chose white to help balance all the other colors in your room. I think I would do that too!

buzzer said...

Thanks for sharing you first day stories. I'm glad I'm not the only teacher to leave things at home and have last minute tasks. These stools look fantastic. I'll be checking them out!

scholastic_sue said...

These are awesome! I've been looking for some stools to use around my small group table and these could be them! I would love to hide some VIP supplies in them one day for a deserving student. It'd be awesome to see their reaction

Unknown said...

This would be perfect for small group! I love the white ones because they don't stick out and look like a sore thumb. You hate to spend all this money on flexible seating and then have the stools or items just stick out. I love your decor, it is so peaceful and beautiful!

Unknown said...

I have had to purchase 3 sets of 16 stools out of my own pocket because no matter how many times I say don't rock stools they continue to rock them and break them. I would love to try these with my students and absolutely love that they have storage space.

Lyn Goff said...

Your room looks great! I would use them for my sensory table (and much needed storage there).

Unknown said...

Always looking for alternate seating options and the storage is a plus. Would be great for math groups and manipulative.

Ashley said...

Such a neat idea and product! I love how they have storage and think that would be a great place for reading buddies. I would use these also for seating options or maybe a VIP spot! :)

kgale said...

These are great!! I'd use them as flexible seating and storage in my classroom library! :)

Kristy said...

I would love to use in my small group space! It would make coming to my table a little more special!

Unknown said...

I would to use these for snalll groups. It's a bonus that is acts as storage as well!

Unknown said...

I would love these in our Title 1 room! Our room is jam packed with books and resources, so something that can combine flexible seating with storage is a big bonus. Some of the teachers whose rooms I push in to bought cheap stools from area stores but they were so unsturdy, every time students would stand up, the (metal) stool would tip over and make a disruptive clattering noise. These don't look like they would have that problem!

graciegirl said...

I have never seen these before! I would love to use them one-on-one with my students. Thank you for this great offer!

Unknown said...

I would love some new seating for my small group table!

Unknown said...

These are amazing! I would love to use these in my classroom for flexible seating and storage at student station tables. We're a Title I school and our classroom budget is so small we just get by with basic supplies so winning this raffle would help my kiddos so much. Ive been searching Goodwill and yard sales for things to refurbish for flexible seating and the colors available for these are so cool! Thank you for posting this so some lucky classroom full of kids can benefit!

Unknown said...

I am switching to full flexible seating this year!! It would be an amazing addition to the item I have collected over the summmer.

Mrs. B said...

Ain't that the truth about being tired!! Sounds like you gave those babies a great first day, though. I've been eyeing Otto storage and would love one or some to use for more work spaces. I love how they can be a stool or a table and a storage unit all at the same time!

Unknown said...

So glad your first day was so successful. This year I am going all in flexible seating. These stools look amazing! I love the storage feature. I love the way flex seating gives our classroom of 28 students so much more room to move around. These stools would be a wonderful addition to our classroom.

Anonymous said...

I started using some flexible seating in the middle of last year with three "wiggle" stools. I would love to add these Otto storage stools to my classroom for students and me to use. The colors are great!

1stgradefireworks said...

I WOULD LOVE THESE! I am adding flexible seating choices to my classroom. ALL of my work tables will have stools ...not chairs. These would be great! They go with ANY color/theme! YES!!! Wendy 1stgradefireworks@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to use these stools for storage and to sit on when meeting with groups of students. Love your room and your set up. Thank you for inspiring me!

Theresa said...

Thank you for sharing this product. I am looking into more flexible seating options for my class. I hope to acquire various products to see what works best for the students. With this product I would use for myself and students. I love the idea of putting materials inside the stool to keep from being scattered around the room. They would make great student leader chairs.

Julie Wiersma said...

I would use these stools at my table where I meet with students. I love that you can store things in them. Thanks for sharing your first day. Your room looks amazing!

A Twinkling Teacher said...

Your classroom looks beautiful!! I'm starting flexible seating this year so the stools would be an amazing addition to my room this year! Love all the color choices they offer too! Thanks for doing s great giveaway!!

Unknown said...

I am just starting some flexible seating in my classroom, however, my room is tiny! This would be a great option to have so I could store needed materials inside.
My first day of school is tomorrow! I hope my day goes well, but I'm sure I will forget something too. 11 years later it never fails. Best wishes for a great school year~!

Heather Haugen said...

These stools would be amazing at my small group table!!

Unknown said...

These would be a great addition to our room. I would love to use them at our guided reading table.

Anonymous said...

I would love to use these stools at my small group table. What a great way to store the supplies I will use for different small groups throughout the year, but still keep them close enough to grab if I need them in a moments notice.

Tabitha Kelejian said...

These are great and I have the most perfect spot in my classroom for them. Your classroom is georgous too!

Anonymous said...

I would love to try these stools. I have used some wobble stools in the classroom and the kids love them. I would like to try these, as well!!

Brianne said...

These are great for my sped students who definitely need flexible seating! Your classroom is beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Giving students options of how they learn has benefutted the kiddos I work with. I have seen more excitement in their eyes each day to learn. These stools would give them another option to be successful! Also they would help this teacher create more storage as it is limited in my room!!

Coley said...

I would love to switch to flexible seating in my classroom. These stools would be the perfect start to make the switch.

Unknown said...

I love your idea of using these stools as teacher seating when working with groups of students so as to not displace a student from his/her seat. I also see lots of potential with these as Daily 5 station seating, an alternative to the Author's Chair or VIP seat. The storage makes it even better because I have extremely limited storage in my room and tons and tons of materials and manipulatives!

Unknown said...

I would love to use these as storage with my Kinder Kiddos!!!

Beth said...

Great idea. Love the idea Otto storage. I liked how you were incorporating them into your room. Enjoy your year

Marla Savage said...

What a cool seating option! I would use this during small group instruction. I love that it can be a table and house small group materials too! When it's not in use, I'd keep this by the whole group meeting area as a seating option for those who need back support to lean on (or just to sit on it the normal way).

Unknown said...

Love these! Esp since they double for storage. My goal is to go total flex seating in MS math in the next year or so.

Anonymous said...

What a great multipurpose item. I also like how it doesn't have parts that will eventually get broken down!

Unknown said...

I love these stools. I would use them with small groups for reading and math. They would be most helpful!!!

Otto Storage said...

Dear Chreyl, thank you so much for your lovely review of our Otto Storage Stools and for hosting a giveaway on your blog. Good luck to everyone entering the giveaway and thanks to everyone for your kind comments about our product.

Christina/Otto Storage

Unknown said...

These are a great idea!! I would love to use these in my classroom next year.

Alexandra Hocking said...

Wow! I am about to start my first day of school as a first grade teacher and this post made me tired! ☺️ But those storage stools are incredible, I have never seen them before!

Anonymous said...

I have never seen these before, they are great!

Emma said...

I would love to have these for our reading area! They are a great option for flexible seating and offer storage for pillows!

Rachel J. said...

Flexible seating- and storage for math buddies. Love these!! The white looks so good.

Emma said...

We would live over to have these for our reading area! They are a great flexible seating option and store pillows!

Unknown said...

I would use the stool for another flexible seating choice. I've been slowly changing since I returned from maternity leave in February. I have one low table, standing desks and a tall table. I have pillows and lap desks but this would be a fun addition. I'd probably store our reading buddies in there since our class has a lot.

Mrs. Wilson said...

I would use them for flex seating while storing our extra MakerSpace materials inside!!

Unknown said...

These would be perfect to help me get started with flexible seating, and I LOVE that would also help me store classroom materials inside them. Thanks for the opportunity to win this AWESOME giveaway!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for hosting! I would love to be able to give my students more opportunities for flexible seating! My classroom is small and these would fit so nicely!

Unknown said...

These stools seem so cool and so perfect for a flexible seating classroom! Love how cute your room is! So thoughtful of you to do a giveaway!

Unknown said...

I would love to use these stools for my small group horseshoe table. I would keep other flexible seating options inside, such as pillows, rugs, clipboards, etc. Have a great school year!

Carolyn said...

I would love to use these for small group! Thank you for sharing information about these stools!

Unknown said...

I would use these chairs for guided reading storage. My students can have their supplies needed for the activity in an easily stored space. My classroom is a little small and I am running out of space. I think this would help provide more room for my students. Thank you!

Unknown said...

I would love to try these in my classroom for my guided reading center storage. My students can hold their resources in them; white boards, notebooks, and other various materials. Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Oh let me count the easy I could use these! I'd love to use them army small group table, or
Use at one of my few tables that I kept as I implemented flex
Seating last year. Kind of like la low top bistro set. I'd store some of our STEM supplies in there, or store our pillows and stability discs

Lovely Samuel said...

My classroom is the size of a postage stamp! Would love this option to store manipulatives, pillows and anything else that takes up room but sometimes needs to be outta sight!

Unknown said...

These are so functional and I would love to have them for optional, flex seating in a classroom.

aj said...

I would love these to try to start flexible seating. The storage possibilities are endless as well. :-)

Michelle Spencer said...

These are so versatile! They can be used for storage, as a seat, or as a table. I would say they are perfect for flex work areas.

Unknown said...

I have been eyeing these all summer. I would love to have these as an option for flexible seating!

LynnIvy said...

I love your room! I am trying flexible seating this year and I am excited and anxious at the same time! These stools would be great because they serve 2 purposes, while only taking up one space! I would love to store math manipulatives in them and use them as seats at my table.

mj said...

Thank you for your first day story. Glad to know Im not the only one who leaves things at home and is still passing out things the day before! I do a lot of teaching from the rug away from desks and supply boxes to keep their attention but not everyone is comfortable on the floor. These stools would be great to have around especially for the bigger kids who are growing out of the scoop seats and garden stools. I love how sturdy the look. And storage is a huge bonus! I never have enough room for extra paper and supplies, for science experiment materials and all those math base ten blocks and clocks and money ...

Liz said...

As a first year teacher, it was very reassuring to read about your first day. I look forward to accomplishing as much when I'm a little more experienced. I'm incorporating flexible seating in my classroom and would love to add the stools to the options. Thanks for sharing!

KM said...

I have seen these stools online and would love to have some for my classroom! I love the fact that they can be duel purpose - storage and seating. I would use these for when I have group work and various seating options, then I would be able to store things the students need for their group work inside the stools. I teach 5th grade, and I think these would be great to have in my class!

none said...

I would use them in my Granddaughter's playroom, this would be perfect for the playroom and she would love it.

MsC said...

I would us them to hold my other flex seating options! I already have soft seats in my room for the students to sit on the floor, but that is all I have. I would love to give my students another option that they love.

Kelly Whittier said...

I love these! I would use them as work surfaces and as seats in my classroom. Thank you for your post - I had never heard of these before!

Unknown said...

These would be great for my students to use at my small group table. Plus extra storage is always needed!

BusyMommy said...

These would be great at my small group table but I could see them in my library or as seats for students to sit where ever and do work.

April Pickett said...

I have a few choices of seating available, but I am always looking for more. I do not have any Otto stools, so these would be another great option for my students to use!

Unknown said...

I love the stools and storage. I would use them at my guided reading table for seating and storing reading buddies and other materials that students use. I also love the idea of putting them near the students for me to use as I work with groups of students at their tables. I always enjoy your blog posts and ideas. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win.

Unknown said...

I would love to have a few of these seats and could see my students moving them to add additional seating at one of my tables or to have a quiet space to read, off by themselves. They are so much more fun than a regular chair!

Unknown said...

I would love to use these stools as an option for seating in addition to chairs, cushions, or wobble stools.

Unknown said...

Love these!

Rhiannon Vincent said...

I am a 4th Grade teacher and I am just getting into the flexible seating for my classroom. I love the idea of putting the stool within the group of desks. So fun!!! I have tried some pillows and I tried to make some crate stools this summer. I feel the Otto stools would make a fantabulous addition to my classroom. Thank you for the amazing ideas. I found this through Instagram,so awesome!!!

Unknown said...

I have been trying to get support for my classroom for flexible seating. I would use the stools with desk groups to provide students with a flexible alternative for seating. This would help me get my dream of a flexible classroom. I love how you have chosen to use them in your classroom!

ekodonne said...

My classroom could be featured on an hgtv show similar to tiny houses. Just called tiny classroom. We have tables so storage is at a premium. Those would hold so many of our reading buddies I'm considering tossing due to space. They would be amazing to add to our flex seating in our tiny space! They definitely pull double and triple duty.

ekodonne said...

Oh, did I mention that I Teach first Grade ALL BOYS! Help us wiggle while we work! Seriously...lol...we just need to move!!!!!

Unknown said...

I would love to win this! Thanks!

lprosser said...

These look terrific! I love all the colors and the storage component! I haven't started using flexible seating yet, but I'm intrigued!

Christina said...

These are awesome! I introduced flexible seating to my self contained classroom last year. I'm excited to add new options. This would be great to add to my class! Thank you!

Pearson Superstars said...

Awesome! I'm trying to incorporate flexible seating in my classroom as well! Love the black stool!

jen said...

I would use the stools around my meeting area. Some kids just like to sit around the carpet, closer to the action :)

Kate said...

These look awesome! I would love to have my kiddos use these for flexible seating and I think I'd like to sit on it myself! ;)

klcsecond said...

Love your classroom set up! I would love to have these stools in my classroom. The way I run flexible sitting is having a variety of options for seats around tables or on the floor so I would ask kiddos for advice on where they would like them placed. As far as the storage, yay! Who doesn't need more storage:)

pc said...

Love these! I have a brand new classroom with bare minimum furniture. The possibilities are endless!

ddelucia said...

I would love to have the stools in my classroom. I am beginning the journey into more flexible seating and could use these as an alternative to a regular chair. The storage inside is definately an added bonus!

Steph O said...

We are focusing on flexible seating this year. Our middle school has stools like this that I love! I would use them either at a table with tstools or at my writing center.

cspencer0711 said...

I would love to use these in small group stations!

Claudia F. said...

I would use them as an option for flexible seating. I am interested in starting using different options. This will help with giving different options.

A. Reed said...

These look amazing. I've never seen them before. I'd use them in my pre k classroom at the art table. We could keep extra "bulky" supplies like yarn, tissue paper, felt, etc in them!

Unknown said...

Great idea storage and seating! I am working on using alternative seating and these would be a great addition. Have a great school year!

Kyrstyn said...

I love the soothing colors of your classroom. I am just starting flexible seating so I may use the stool as a reward or choice. I would like to increase my flexible seating options and this will be a great way to start. It may also be part of my reading or math centers.

Elisha Beasley said...

I know a teacher friend who NEEDS this!!! We are a donation only christian school with small funds!

Megan said...

Thank you for showcasing a tried and true product! I've been moving toward flexible seating and would love to have more.

Stephanie J said...

Oh, how I am always in need of extra storage in my room. I have some flexible seating, but this is the first I've heard of these stools. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I've seen these stools mentioned a few times lately. They'd be a great addition to my flexible seating classroom. I'm not sure what I'd store inside, but I'm sure I could easily find something!!

Cindy Lusk said...

These are amazing!!! I am excited to start adding flexible seating in my preschool classroom

Unknown said...

Wow are these cool. I would would use it for my mini lesson corner. I love that I can have all my needed materials in one space. Of course I'd let the kids use it during work time too.

Unknown said...

I have seen these online and they would be amazing and functional!!! It looks like you can store so much in each one!!!

Unknown said...

I would love these for my classroom. I want more seating options so that I can do flexible seating. These look great! I have 40 3rd graders who would greatly appreciate these stools in the classroom. They would work great for several areas in the classroom and would look and feel more comfortable than the crate seats I was going to make.

Miss S said...

These would be great in my fifth grade classroom. My kids could use them, and I could store reading supplies in them!

Unknown said...

My middle and high school students would love the pops of color and flexible seating options provided by these stools. I would hide new books, creative writing prompts, and clipboards inside.

Erin Vaughn said...

I love these stools! They would be wonderful for my small group table! I also love how you can store stuff inside them!! Thank you so much for the chance to win! erinvaughn@carterk12.net

Unknown said...

Love these! I would use them in many different areas of my room. They would be great at a computer center, kindle center or even at my guided working table.

Anonymous said...

These are so cool! I would use them for seating at an alternate table. My students this year are really into stools.

carolyn k said...

Love these ~ these would work great as you said to join kids without stealing their chair! Thanks for opportunity!

Anonymous said...

These stools would make great VIP seating, or sharing stools!

Anonymous said...

These stools would make great VIP seating, or sharing stools!

Unknown said...

These stools are amazing!! I am just venturing into flexible seating.

Rose247 said...

These look awesome! I have never heard of them before, but it looks like a great space saver. I've recently been moved into a classroom about 1/3 the size of my previous one and would love to use these as space savers and seating options for my middle schoolers. :)

Unknown said...

Wow I love the look of your room and these awesome stools. What a great option for flexible seating. I am going deskless next year and these stools would be great!

Unknown said...

First, your room looks amazing! This is the first time I have seen these stools and they are great. To have extra seating and storage, wow! My kiddos would love to use them as seating at the computer or as a VIP seat. I think I would keep it at the document camera and allow the students showing their thinking on the doc camera the chance to sit on the "special" stool. The options are endless!

Unknown said...

I've never seen these! Love the storage idea and the height! Sitting on Pre-K chairs is killing my knees!!!
I would move it to each table during small group! ��

ChrislynD said...

I am heading into my 2nd full year using flexible seating in my classroom. I tore my desks out over Xmas break a year ago (couldn't wait for the year to end haha) and haven't looked back. Every year I am looking to add new and unique options to my classroom to better serve my students. I would love to use this pair to compliment my always changing and growing classroom. With so little furniture and being a minimalist the storage doesn't hurt either! These would be a dream ��

D said...

I love the idea of fitting those stools in narrow spaces.. I am always looking for better seating options for my computers area as it is right by my closet doors which I need to access frequently. The storage stools would double as a great place to store spare pencils and clipboards so my students have access to them while at that space.

Anonymous said...

I love these! I would use them at small group tables and for star student special seating.

Marcia said...

I need some flexible seating that can also be used for storage. These stools would be perfect. Their design and colors would be work well with my plans.

1st grade Julie said...

Love your classroom! I would love to use these stools at my guided reading table! The kiddos would love them and I would have more storage��

Anonymous said...

I would love them for pillows and blankets!!