In this blog post today I’m going to be talking all about how to create a calm down corner in your classroom. I am a huge advocate for having calm down areas in classrooms. And I will be touching on the benefits of using them in this blog post today.
If you want to skip the blog post and just grab all of the materials you need to set up a calm down corner, click here.
What is a Calm Down Corner?
A calm down corner is a designated area in a classroom where students can go to regulate their emotions and behavior.
The calm down corner is especially beneficial for autistic students who may experience sensory overload or difficulty with self-regulation.
How to Create a Calm Down Corner
Creating a calm down corner first of all involves choosing a quiet and comfortable space. Then, you will need to provide sensory tools such as fidget toys or noise-cancelling headphones. I also like to display visuals such as calming images or breathing exercises.
It is crucial to establish clear boundaries for the calm down corner to ensure its effectiveness, such as limiting its use to certain times or behaviors.
Here are some steps to create a calm down corner:
- Choose a designated space in the classroom where students can go to when they need to calm down. This space should be away from distractions and noise.
- Add comfortable seating such as a bean bag chair or floor cushions. This will help students feel relaxed while they calm down.
- Include sensory tools such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or textured objects. These tools can help students release tension and anxiety.
- Use visual aids such as calming images or posters with breathing exercises. These can help students focus their attention and regulate their breathing.
- Provide a timer or a visual cue to help students understand how long they should stay in the calm down corner. This can help them feel in control of their emotions and understand when it is time to return to class.
You can find all of the visuals you will need for setting up your calm down area here.
Using the Calm Down Corner
It is important to teach students how to use the calm down corner effectively. You can provide guidance on using the sensory tools and visual aids, as well as modeling appropriate behavior in the calm down corner.
By promoting emotional self-regulation, a calm down corner can help our students to feel more comfortable and successful in the classroom.
What are the Benefits of Using a Calm Down Corner?
The benefits of using a calm down corner include promoting self-awareness, teaching coping skills, and reducing disruptive behaviors in the classroom. By having a calm down corner can significantly improve the learning experience for your students.
Some of the benefits include;
- A designated space for students to self-regulate and manage their emotions.
- Helps students develop coping strategies to handle anxiety, stress, and sensory overload.
- Encourages independence and self-awareness as students learn to recognize their own emotions and needs.
- Provides a safe and comfortable space for students to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
- Offers an alternative to traditional measures by giving students a chance to calm down and reset.
- Can improve behavior and academic performance by reducing disruptions and distractions in the classroom.
- Allows students to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, promoting overall well-being.
- Fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students’ needs are considered.
- Helps students build social-emotional skills and develop empathy for others who may also need a calm down corner.
- Provides a proactive approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of students, which can have a lasting impact on their future success.
You can set up your calm down area with this download.
Free Calming Strategies Adapted Book
Another great addition to your calm down corner is this calming strategies adapted book. You can download your free copy here.
Nikki
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