CLASSROOM DESIGN Megan McNamara 2/29/16 2 nd grade

SECURITY AND SHELTER Security and shelter is the most fundamental function of Steele’s Six Functions because if this need is not met it is hard to meet other higher level needs. Physically, the classroom must keep children safe from things like weather and toxic art supplies. It should also be a safe place for children in wheelchairs, leg braces, and other mobility devices to maneuver without hassle. It is also important for children to feel psychologically safe in a classroom. This can be done by putting rugs and curtains in the room. A retreat area is also a good idea for when a student feels overwhelmed. Above is a picture of Mrs. Roberts door taken from the inside. To the right of the door is the fire drill procedure and a map telling students where to go and what to do. Also, the window can be easily covered with the pink curtain if needed.

SOCIAL CONTACT Social contact between students is important during a school day. Desk arrangement is a huge factor when it comes to how much contact students are having. Desks can be arranged in many different ways to promote more or less social contact. A few examples are; cluster, horizontal rows, and interior loop style. The cluster style desk arrangement promotes the wiliness to help others, eye contact, and discussion. Cluster style seating also makes group work and sharing of materials easier. The teacher also needs to think about how the desk arrangement affects his/her contact with students. < A round table used for guided reading groups. A rug area for small group work and whole group instruction. > < Cluster arrangement of desks.

SYMBOLIC IDENTIFICATION Symbolic identification is what makes a classroom unique. The objects and artwork displayed in the room shows who spends their time in that particular classroom. Symbolic identification can be a display of student birthdays, interests, or ideas. An all about me activity the students created and displayed inside the classroom. Information about the teacher displayed in the hallway outside of the classroom.

TASK INSTRUMENTALITY Task instrumentality is all about location of everything in the classroom so the students and teacher stay organized. A couple examples of good task instrumentality in a classroom are: Clear walkways in a classroom, as well as a enough room to line-up. Commonly used objects must be in a place where students and get to them easily. Students should have a place of their own to put their belongings. *A label maker is a teachers best friend for this one! Each student has a colored tub > with their assigned number on it. The tub contains textbooks, small dry erase boards, and clipboards. < A sectioned off part of the white board has homework assignments and “I can” statements for all of the students to clearly see. Each student has a paper similar > to this taped on their desk telling them where to go during stations time.

PLEASURE In short, pleasure is the beauty of a classroom. An appealing classroom must have warm colors and different textures. Studies have shown that when working in a “ugly” classroom, people reported headaches and fatigue. While decorating a classroom can be fun, one must be careful not over do it, which may cause students to feel overwhelmed instead of comforted. A place of retreat for students with soft, comfortable seating. Colorful curtains used to add a homier feel to the classroom.

GROWTH The growth function is all about fostering a child’s development. The development can happen cognitively, academically, and psychologically. Growth is all about whole child improvement. A classroom that supports positive growth of child has many different activities and encourages students to explore literature. My practicum teacher leads a deep breathing exercise when the students are transitioning from one task to another. This gets the students calm and focused.

CITATIONS Weinstein, C. S., & Romano, M. E. (2015). Elementary Classroom Management (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. Deep breathing - Google Search. (n.d.). Retrieved February 29, 2016, from breathing