Classroom Design Steele’s Six Functions Rachel Geen 3/17/2015 Special Needs Resource Classroom 1 st, 4 th, and 5 th 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 ). New York City, NY, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. All photos are from Terry Clarke’s resource room at Crestview Elementary School in Henrico, VA.