Create a Calm Corner in Your Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide
This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may make a commission. This is at no additional cost to you.
Creating a calm corner in your classroom can be a game-changer for both students and teachers. In my 9 years of teaching, I wish I would have learned about this concept sooner. This provides a designated space where students can go to manage their emotions, reflect, and reset. Sometimes students come into our classroom, and they are not sure how to regulate their emotions. This is where we can step in and try to help them learn to cope and manage. Here’s how you can set up a calm corner:
Firstly, why a Calm Corner?
A calm corner helps students develop self-regulation skills and provides a safe space to decompress. It’s beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, contributing to a more positive classroom environment. AND the ultimate goals is for students to have a positive classroom environment, right??
Here is your Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Calm Corner:
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
Select a quiet, low-traffic area in your classroom. This spot should be easily accessible but not in the direct line of sight of the entire class to ensure students are able to get privacy during their time of calmness.
2. COMFORTABLE SEATING
Provide comfortable seating options for students to relax. This will allow students a better chance to clear their minds. Consider a bean bag chair or a floor cushion.
• Bean Bag Chair: Big Joe Classic Bean Bag Chair
• Floor Cushion: Meditation Floor Pillows
3. CALMING DECOR
Decorate the space with calming colors and visuals. Posters, soft lighting, and nature-themed decor can create a serene atmosphere. A serene atmosphere can reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and enhance mood.
• Calm Down Posters: Feelings Poster Set
• Soft Lighting: Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp
• Nature Wall Art: HAUS AND HUES Botanical Prints
Include sensory tools and toys to help students manage their emotions through tactile engagement. Tactile engagement can lower stress levels by providing a physical outlet for tension and anxiety.
• Fidget Toys: Special Supplies Fidget Toy Set
• Stress Balls: Motivational Stress Balls
5. BREATHING AND MINDFULNESS TOOLS
Provide tools that guide students through breathing exercises and mindfulness practices. Breathing exercises can calm the nervous system and enhance cognitive functions like concentration.
• Breathing Cards: Mindful Breathing Exercise Cards
• Mindfulness Jar: Teacher Created Resources Mindfulness Jar
6. BOOKS AND JOURNALS
Offer a selection of books and journals that focus on emotions, mindfulness, and coping strategies. This gives them a chance to calm down and focus on what is presented inside of these books.
• Mindfulness Books: Mindfulness Books
• Emotion Journals: The Big Life Journal for Kids
7. NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES
Noise-canceling headphones can help students block out distracting noises and focus on calming down.
• Headphones: Noise Reduction Kids Headphones
8. TIMER
A timer helps students manage the time they spend in the calm corner and can be used to practice timed breathing exercises.
• Visual Timer: Visual Timer
9. GUIDELINES AND INSTRUCTIONS
After everything has been put together, clearly display guidelines and instructions for how to use the calm corner. This helps students understand the purpose of the space and how to use it effectively.
• Include some kind of Instruction Card
10. ENCOURAGE USE
Remind students regularly about the calm corner and encourage its use as needed. Model how to use the corner and express that it is a safe space where they can go to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and focus.
A calm corner can significantly enhance your classroom environment by providing students with a dedicated space to manage their emotions and refocus. By carefully selecting the right location, decor, and tools, you can create a supportive and calming environment that benefits all students.
Creating a calm corner is an investment in your students’ well-being and your classroom’s overall harmony. Happy teaching!
