Laura Walker October 06, 2015 Classroom Design 3 rd Grade

Steele’s Six Functions of the Classroom Setting  Security and Shelter  Social Contact  Symbolic Identification  Task Instrumentality  Pleasure  Growth

Security and Shelter  Physical security makes sure the needs of children with special needs are meet. For example, a child using crutches can move about the space freely  Physical security also means potentially harmful items are out of reach  Physiological security is making sure the child has an environment they feel safe in In the above picture, security is shown by the use of a rug and comfortable chairs, it is a nice quiet place for a student to sit

Social Contact  This function is the interaction between students as well as between teachers  Desks in rows tends to suggest working alone while clusters suggest group work  The teacher should make a conscious effort to make contact with all students and not just the ones in the front of the room or closest to their desk In Mrs. Hemphill’s class, the desks are arraigned in rows but in such a way that they can work independently or with a partner depending on their instructions. The student on the computer in the front is using the teacher’s workspace. This set up also allows the students to quietly talk with each other during their designated brain breaks.

Symbolic Identification  Symbolic Identification, “refers to the information that a setting provides about the people who spend time there.” (Weinstein & Romano 2015)  This may be a map of countries representing the cultures in your classroom  This may also be the “theme” of the year (Walking the Red Carpet of Success) In Mrs. Hemphill’s class, each student completed a personalized puzzle piece. Each piece then fit together with others. This symbolized that while all students are different, they all can work together.

Task Instrumentality  What tools are needed to complete the task at hand  This can refer to the set up of desk/tables, supplies, white boards, and so on.  It is also important to set up the supplies in a way that is accessible but safe. It needs to promote safety and security as well. Mrs. Hemphill’s classroom has a whiteboard as well as a smart board. There are also computers and headphones for doing research, and listening to reading. All areas as well as storage are clearly marked so the student knows what each are for

Pleasure  This function asks is the room pleasing to the eye?  The teacher needs to find the balance between too over stimulating and too barren. On one wall of the classroom, there is a giant map with various countries labeled. On another wall, there is an author celebration.

Growth  Your classroom should foster growth  It should be a place of inquisition and not just filling out worksheet after worksheet.  Centers are one way to facilitate growth In the classroom library, there are many genres and levels of books. The students are invited to change out the books in their personal library once a week. This encourages the students to try out different books.

References Steele, F. I. (1973). Physical settings and organizational development. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. Weinstein, C., & Romano, M. (n.d.). Elementary classroom management: Lessons from research and practice (Sixth ed.).