Evidence of Steele’s Functions of Classroom Setting in Ms. McKita’s

Classroom

Rebecca GriffithMarch 16, 2015

Classroom DesignKindergarten

Steele’s 6 Functions of Classroom Settings

• Shelter and Security

• Social Contact

• Symbolic Identification

• Task Instrumentality

• Pleasure

• Growth

Definition of Shelter and Security

Physical security is provided with shelter and protection from harmful materials.

Psychological security is provided by making it feel safe and comfortable.

Evidence of Shelter and Security

This rug adds softness to a hard surface providing comfort.

There is plenty of space for students to be able to move to and from the rug.

Evidence of Shelter and Security

These comfortable chairs provide a retreat from the rest of the classroom.

Social Contact

Definition: The interactions among students and the interaction between students and teacher.

The students work in pairs when they are at the computer station. (The other two chairs were being used for another activity when photo was taken.)

Social Contact continued

Children sit at tables that provide great seating for the multiple group activities the students do during the day.

Symbolic Identification

Symbolic Identification is the information the surrounding environment provides about the people that spend time there.

Ms. McKita did not have any of the students’ individual work up, but there was evidence of work from the class as a whole.

Symbolic Identification

Below is work the class did with the teacher and to the right is their daily schedule.

Task Instrumentality

Task instrumentality is the many ways the environment helps us carry out the task we need to accomplish.

In this picture there is a pocket chart for group work and then two bins that contain games for phonics and math that are easily accessible.

Pleasure

The attractiveness of a classroom for students and teachers.

Ms. McKita’s classroom walls are very neat and organized, but there are only charts and schedules.

I would like more decorations in my classroom and students work .

Pleasure

These are a few examples of decorations I would like to add to my future classroom. Taken from Mrs. Lirette’s Learning Detectives.

GrowthThe growth setting fosters academic development and cognitive development.

Ms. McKita provides a print rich environment with books in several areas as well as phone books and other reading materials.

References

Lirette, M. (2012, March 19). Mrs. Lirette's Learning Detectives: A Day of Green & Guest Post Freebies. Retrieved March 16, 2015, from http://www.mrsliretteslearningdetectives.com/2012/03/day-of-green-guest-post-freebies.html

Weinstein, C., & Romano, M. (2015). Elementary Classroom Management: Lessons from Research and Practice (Sixth ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.