Implementing a calm-down corner in the classroom can change the entire dynamic of your room. Just like adults, your students are going to feel all the emotions. Except, they are still learning how to cope with these big feelings. As teachers, our job is to help them navigate through these moments and give them the needed tools to learn new social-emotional skills.
Creating a calm-down corner (sometimes referred to as a peace corner) in my classroom was truly game-changing in the world of emotions and behaviors. This blog post outlines everything you know about using a calm down corner, its benefits, and some helpful tools to include.
What is a Calm Down Corner
In short, a Calm-Down Corner or Peace Corner is a designated area within the classroom where students can go to regulate their emotions and take a break when they are feeling overwhelmed or upset. It is a safe and supportive space, separate from the main learning environment, where students can regain their composure and prepare to rejoin their classmates in a calm and focused state.
This “corner” is typically equipped with various tools and resources to help students calm down, reflect on their feelings, and develop self-regulation skills. These tools can range from sensory items to emotional awareness resources and should be tailored to the specific needs of your students.
Benefits of using a Calming Corner in the Classroom
Just as students are learning new academic skills, they are also growing in their social-emotional skills. Having a calm-down corner provides students a concrete opportunity to learn and practice emotional regulation skills.
When a calm-down corner is used effectively, it can also improve your overall classroom environment which will then lead to improved learning for all students.
To me, having a calm-down corner is a win-win for all students (and you!) It’s a great tier-1 behavior intervention to implement every year!
How to Create a Calm-Down Corner in the Classroom
Here are some easy steps to implementing a calming corner in your classroom! As always, be sure to adjust to make sure it fits the needs of your class!
Step 1: Decide on its location
No, it doesn’t have to be a “corner”.
Your calm-down space should be away from the rest of the class, but still in clear view of you at all times.
I like to position the “corner” right next to my desk. This isn’t an area that is frequented by student traffic, yet it’s still easy to get to. This also allows me to pull up my desk chair next to the student (when they are ready) to have a brief check-out talk.
Step 2: Set Calm-Down Corner Expectations
When first implementing a calm-down corner in your classroom, it is so important to set clear expectations. Without doing so, students will likely try to use the calm-down corner as an avoidance area or as a toy.
Here are some expectations that I use when introducing my calm-down corner in the classroom!
- Voluntary Participation: Students should be encouraged, but not forced, to use the Calm Down Corner. It should NOT be used as a consequence or punishment.
- Respect and Privacy: Make it clear that what happens in the Calm Down Corner stays in the Calm Down Corner. Students should not talk about who is utilizing it nor should go to the corner when another student is there.
- Time Limits: Set a reasonable time limit for how long a student can spend in the corner. This ensures that it remains a resource for self-regulation rather than an escape from responsibilities. I like to have different options of sand timers (1-10 minutes) for students to choose from. It gives them another sense of responsibility and they make the choice of how long they need to regulate.
- Reentry Expectations: Discuss how students should reintegrate into the classroom after using the Calm Down Corner. This may include a brief check-in with the teacher or a written reflection.
After setting the expectations, model the expected behavior several times.
Step 3: Include Helpful Tools in the Calm Down Corner
The tools you choose to include in your calm down corner will depend on your grade level and specific class needs. The tools can range from timers to fidgets to reflection forms. Below are some of my favorite calming corner ideas & tools to include in the space.
- Social-emotional books
- Quiet fidgets (ones that aren’t the latest fad)
- Reflection forms
- Notebook & pencils
- Emotion cards
- Breathing exercises
- Stress balls
- Other calm-down printables
Do you have a calm-down corner in your classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts! What calming corner tools do you include? Have you seen the benefits?
If not, are you hoping to implement a peace corner in your class?
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