Welcome to Ms. Bells Classroom! Classroom Design By: Ashley
Dunnaway February 14, 2015 First Grade Classroom Trevvett
Elementary School
Slide 2
Steeles Six Functions of the Classroom Setting 1. Security and
Shelter 2. Social Contact 3. Symbolic Identification 4. Task
Instrumentality 5. Pleasure 6. Growth
Slide 3
1. Security and Shelter This function of the classroom setting
ensures that the physical environment of the classroom is safe and
non-hazardous. Examples: Keeping the classroom temperature at a
comfortable setting Placing toxic chemicals out of the childrens
reach The classroom should also provide protection from Bad weather
Loud noises Odors
Slide 4
Security and Shelter Example As a precaution, Ms. Bell always
locks her door when leaving the classroom. By locking the door, Ms.
Bell is able to secure the students and her belongings when the
classroom is not being occupied. Also, there are blinds on the door
that must be closed during safety procedure drills too.
Slide 5
This function can be described as how the classroom can be
arranged to facilitate social interaction and to accommodate for
different types of lessons. Types of desk arrangements: Interior
Loops Clusters Horseshoe 2. Social Contact
Slide 6
Social Contact Example In Ms. Bells classroom, the desks are
arranged in clusters. By seating the students in tables of six, she
encourages cooperation and group tasks. When the students need to
work individually, such as on a test, the students are provided
with folders to give them privacy.
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3. Symbolic Identification Symbolic Identification is a way of
showcasing who occupies the classroom by adding a personal touch on
the classrooms space. It gives insight into the background and
interests of the students. Symbolic Identification can also be used
to show what students have been learning recently. Examples:
Hanging students art work or classwork around the classroom
Displaying the birthday or heights of the students on a chart
Photographs of the students on a job chart
Slide 8
Symbolic Identification Example The picture on the left is a
wall in the classroom that has artwork created by the students
hanging on it. In the second picture, the students recent classwork
is displayed above a bulletin board outside their classroom.
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4. Task Instrumentality Task Instrumentality are the guidelines
that are followed in order to accomplish a task. Examples: Making
sure frequently used items are available to students Organized
shelves and storage space for items/belongings Having enough space
to line up at the door Seating arrangement so that students can see
the board Separate areas for different activities
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Task Instrumentality Example When the students arrive in the
morning, they hang their jackets and backpacks on the hooks. This
section of the classroom provides the students with enough storage
space to store their belonging since they do not have desks. Also
by hanging their belongings on the hooks, the students are unable
to block the pathways. This gives the students plenty of room for
the students to walk around when necessary.
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5. Pleasure This function is based on the attractiveness of the
classroom. It is important that the classroom is decorated in
moderation because too much variation can lead to student anxiety.
Examples: The use of bright and cool colors Open, spacious areas
and small, cozy corners Hard and soft surfaces Smooth and rough
surfaces
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Pleasure Example Ms. Bells classroom is decorated in
moderation. It is filled with bright and cool colored posters. My
favorite part of the classroom is the share chair. The share chair
is decorated with cool stickers and the students are allowed to sit
in the chair when they are sharing something with class. For
example, one student shared about how he made a diorama using a
shoebox.
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6. Growth Growth is the last function and it includes the ways
the classroom setting promotes learning, development, or academic
achievement. Examples: Increasing a students self-confidence
Student learning to cooperate Student learning to tie ones
shoe
Slide 14
Growth Example In Ms. Bells classroom a set of students are
given a certain job for the week. These jobs rotate every week
between students so that all of the students have a chance to hold
each job throughout the school year. The classroom jobs teach
students how to be responsible and gives them an opportunity to
gain leadership skills. It also teaches them patience since they
have to wait a week before a set of students can rotate jobs.