1. Six Functions of a Classroom Micah A. Baker October 4, 2015 Classroom Design Second Grade

2. Security and Shelter “This is the most fundamental function of all built environments” (Romano and Weinstein 2015, p. 27). Adequate security and shelter must be in place before the environment can meet teachers’ and student’s other needs. This function includes a safe environment, no leaky roofs, safe materials and lots of open space. As well as physical security, psychological security is needed: “Children and adults feel more secure and comfortable in environments that contain items that are soft or responsive to their touch” (Romano and Weinstein, 2015, p. 28).

3. Physical Security The door remains locked when closed to assure students safety throughout the day. A phone is present in the classroom in case of emergencies. Blinds cover the window.

4. Psychological Security Stuffed animals can be found all along the reading center, which might allow a child to feel at home. This soft rug and reading area can be used as psychological security for children, making them feel comfortable while they are at school.

5. Social Contact Planning the way students sit contributes to the amount of interaction they get with each other. There are many different ways to arrange the desks. Some arrangements promote growth between teachers and students, such as Fredric Jones’s Interior Loop. Interaction among students. Interaction between teachers and students. These desk clusters allow children to face each other and communicate, while still facing the teacher. (Romano and Weinstein, 2015, p. 29)

6. Symbolic Identification “ The information that a setting provides about the people who spend time there ” (Romano and Weinstein, 2015, p. 35). This birthday chart provides specific information about each child. This height chart also provides information about each child. This job chart really lets the students know that they are all belong to part of the “Lilly pad” and are responsible for keeping their community awesome!

7. Task Instrumentality “ This function concerns the many ways in which the environment helps us to carry out the tasks we need to accomplish ” (Romano and Weinstein, 2015, para. 37). According to Romano and Weinstein (2002), this allows the students to have access to it without weaving in and out of desks. It also allows the teacher to be able to monitor the rest of the class while carrying on with her small group readings. Instead of one computer to share, there are clusters of computers allowing more than one child to access them at a time. These titles indicate where the students will go when rotating centers around the room. This small group desk, where the children do guided reading, is located beside the white board in the corner of the room.

8. Pleasure Warm colors are trickled throughout the classroom, brightening up the space. The classroom setting is attractive and aesthetically pleasing. Colorful flower jars line the window sill, giving the classroom some decoration. According to Romano and Weinstein (2002), studies suggest that children learn best in attractive classrooms.

9. Growth A learning environment should be equipped with materials and resources that encourage intellectual growth and development. A learning-enriched environment. A fully stocked library, like this one, promotes growth and interest through student choice. Students are more likely to pick up a book they’ve never read or a genre that interests them and expand their literacy knowledge. Art supplies are present at every table providing them with easy access to adequate materials.

10. Manipulatives Provided to promote growth. These manipulatives are present for almost every subject, allowing children to grown and learn while also accessing the creative part of their brain.

11. Work Cited Romano, M. and Weinstein, C. (2002). Elementary Classroom Management: Lessons from Research and Practice. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.