Classroom Design Steele’s Six Functions
Rachel Geen3/17/2015
Special Needs Resource Classroom1st, 4th, and 5th graders
Security and Shelter
Precondition of physical and emotional safety that must be satisfied before other functions can exist. Drill information and pathogens
kit
Air conditioner for physical comfort
Hand sanitizer to prevent spread of diseases
Walkie-talkie to communicate emergencies
Social Contact
Ways of facilitating communication among students and teachers.
Rainbow-shaped table facilitates conversation
Games foster social interaction
Symbolic Identification
Representations of those in the classroom.
Student achievement chart
Personal photos
Examples of student work
Task Instrumentality
Ability of the environment to help carry out necessary activities.
Materials out and easily accessible to students
Pleasure
Classroom is attractive and fun to be in.
Stuffed animals and curtains add softness
Variety of colors and textures increase aesthetic appeal
Growth
Classroom environment promotes cognitive development and academic achievement.
Separation of closed (reading) and open (Legos) activities
Leveled books and other literacy materials create print-rich environment
Bibliography
Weinstein, C., & Romano, M. (2015). Designing the physical environment. In Elementary classroom management: Lessons from research and practice (6th ed., pp. 26-40). New York City, NY, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
All photos are from Terry Clarke’s resource room at Crestview Elementary School in Henrico, VA.
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