How students perceive the environment is essential to their feelings of belonging, acceptance, and value. The environmental design affects their behaviors and it is important to research the function (reason) for the behaviors in order to understand what the students are communicating and to make the necessary adjustments.
Utilizing environmental barriers to organize an area for a specific purpose.
Utilizing a physical barrier to decrease distractions
This is what the student sees in the large room
Sectioning
Large open environments typically tell students to run freely
Dividing the Room
Calm Area
Active Movement Area
Sensory Supported Area
Organized
Materials are set out with a purpose prior to the students' arrival
Visuals
All visuals should have a direct purpose or function.
Added visuals increase visual distractions.
Colorful
Supports in navigation and use of the environment.
Promotes student engagement
