1. Classroom Design ft. Steele’s 6 Functions Mary Claire Hall October 2015 Classroom Design 1 st Grade

2. Security and Shelter Creating a space where students can retreat if things get too overwhelming. Giving students a feeling of safety and comfort Students are provided with a small carpet area (separate from main carpet area) with comfortable pillows and chairs where they can retreat if need be.

3. Social Contact Providing students with a classroom layout that promotes conversation and social interaction. Facilitate areas to provide differing amounts of contact. The main carpet area is where the class comes together multiple times a day for discussions. The class will often form a circle around the carpet, or sit in a large group facing the rocking chair.

4. Symbolic Identification Visual cues students can relate to Using the walls to create active participation After reading Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, the students each decorated their own Wild Thing. They then each came up with their own sentence about their Wild Thing (sentences pictured right). Students can look up and see their sentences at any time during the day, as well as read other sentences.

5. Task Instrumentality Using the environment to help us stay on task Having frequently-used materials easily available Everything has a place and a function! In the middle of each table is a shower- caddy type container, holding all materials frequently needed throughout the day. Having these materials handy shortens transition time and time that would otherwise be spent passing out materials. All students are held accountable for keeping these containers clean and organized.

6. Pleasure Creating an attractive and inviting environment VARIETY: surfaces, colors, textures, etc. The bright-colored rug creates a welcoming and cozy environment. The students spend a lot of time gathered on the rug. One wall is lined with windows, allowing for natural sunlight to fill the room, creating a warm environment.

7. Growth Providing an environment that encourages observing, exploring, and discovering. The bulletin board pictured holds the students words they have learned or are currently learning. The baseball words are their sight words. The soccer ball words are newer words added. More words will be added throughout the year, as the class learns more words.