Classroom Design Steele’s Six Functions

Rachel Geen3/17/2015

Special Needs Resource Classroom1st, 4th, and 5th 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. 26-40). New York City, NY, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

All photos are from Terry Clarke’s resource room at Crestview Elementary School in Henrico, VA.