How To: Environmental Considerations and Physical Structure
(slide 1 – How To: Environmental Considerations and Physical Structure)
(slide 2 – Environmental Considerations and Physical Structure)
Welcome to the How To Series. The topic for this How To is environmental considerations and physical
structure. You will see examples of physical structure in the environment.
(slide 3 – Environmental Considerations Physical Structure)
The environment plays an important role in all our lives and it can affect how we behave. When we are
in environments with more structure, it’s easier to understand what to do and where to go. When we
are in environments with less structure, the confusion can quickly set in. Structure can include the way
we physically structure an environment. It can also include how we reduce distractions by using clearly
defined spaces, organization, arrangement and flow.
(slide 4 – Physical Structure)
Structuring the environment is not as simple as being neat and organized. First and foremost, it’s
important to ask: what are the needs of this person? Depending upon their individual needs, you will
need to consider their age, size of the furniture to be used, types of materials they’ll need, and what
kind of structure to implement. It’s also important to remember that using physical structure ensures
the safety of all students and helps students navigate the classroom independently. It also helps
students access materials independently. Structure also provides independent work spaces, quiet spaces
and promotes self-regulation. When structure is used correctly, it provides clear boundaries and conveys
expectations.
(slide 5 – Physical Structure Example)
Let’s look at some examples of physical structure in the classroom. In these examples, you will notice
many different ways to use physical structure.
(example page 1)
Physical structure of the environment is an important aspect to consider in facilitating the success of
students with ASD and when done the right way, facilitates learning and engagement. In the next few
examples, you will see that the physical environment has been structured to reduce distractions, reduce
sensory stimulation and also provide clearly defined areas so that student knows where to go and what
to do without having to guess.
(photo 1)
In this photo, you will notice a classroom with three different areas. In the back, you will notice a row of
computers. Off to the side, you can see a table set aside for group work and in the front are individual
student desks. Also, notice the clear, wide open spaces for safely navigating the classroom.
(photo 2)
This photo shows another angle of the same classroom. Again, the computers are in the back, but we
also see a clearly defined area of individual student desks and a quiet or sensory corner in the back. The
arrangement of the classroom facilitates learning and attention to task and allows for more than one
type of activity to take place.
(photo 3)
This photo demonstrates an efficient and effective use of structure in a general education classroom.
Notice how the tables are arranged to establish an easy to navigate flow of traffic. Also the walls and
floor are relatively clutter and distraction free.
(photo 4)
In this picture you will notice four different defined areas. The first is a group table with three chairs.
Directly across from this area is a student work area. On the far right are some student work stations. In
the back corner is a group activity area with organized work and activity bins. Also, notice the lack of
decorations on the wall: an easy way to reduce distraction and sensory stimulation.
(photo 5)
Can you tell just by looking what the expectation is for this area? Yes, you can! In this picture you will
notice a well-defined reading area. The expectation of what to do in this area is made very clear by the
organization and arrangement of the materials and is made into a more obvious separate area by the
arrangement of the furniture.
(photo 6)
This photo shows a well-organized individual student desk with four different organizational systems
including the red crate on the side, the pocketed seat cover on the back of the chair, the tub inside the
student’s desk and two card holders on the bottom of the desk.
(photo 7)
Here is another photo representing how to organize materials. On the left, you will notice a bookcase
with icons to represent where materials should go. On the right, you will notice sections for each
student and their assignments.
(slide 6 – What Did You See?)
So what did you see? Hopefully you noticed the way the environment was organized including how
structure provided clear boundaries, helped create an easily navigatable environment and provided
independent work spaces and quiet spaces.
(slide 7 – Video Example)
Let’s look at one teacher’s classroom and the way she has used physical structure. Look for the ways
structure assists the students and helps them be more independent. Remember to watch for the
student’s response to physical structure.
(video example 1 – Physical Structure in the Classroom)
Notice the organization and clearly defined areas in this classroom.
(students hanging up coats)
Teacher: Alright, use the bucket.
(student puts book away in bucket)
Notice how the student knows where to go, what to do and where to get his materials.
(student gets materials from a box on table)
Teacher: Literacy Centers. This is Literacy Centers. So you need to do folder work first.
(pointing to centers set up in boxes on table)
Notice the different work spaces for students.
(individual students working on different tasks at their work stations)
Notice how the student navigates the classroom to find a quiet space.
(teacher pointing to ball)
Teacher: Take ball to sensory. Take ball to sensory area.
(student takes ball to sensory area)
Notice how the footprints help the student transition.
Teacher: I like the way you’re on the feet.
(students line up standing on feet on the floor)
(slide 8 – Video Review)
As you can see, there are many ways to use physical structure in the classroom. In the video, you saw
that the teacher utilized many different examples of physical structure. The structure helped the
student be successful.
(slide 9 – Review)
Now that you’ve seen some examples of physical structure, you are more aware of how to use that
structure in the classroom. Remember: physical structure is the way we organize the environment and
reduce distractions by using clearly defined spaces, organization, arrangement, and flow. Physical
structure is individualized to the student’s needs and helps a student be successful in many different
ways. Physical structure ensures a student’s safety, improves classroom navigation and access to
materials and provides spaces for individual work, quiet spaces, provides clear boundaries and conveys
behavior expectations.
(slide 10 – For More Information)