How to Create a Calm Down Corner in Your Classroom

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when your students are struggling to manage their emotions in the classroom? Imagine having a designated space where they can go to calm down and refocus. That’s where the revolutionary concept of a calm down corner comes into play. A calm down corner can be a safe haven for students to regulate their emotions effectively.

A quiet and calming corner in the classroom can be a helpful tool for teachers to promote a more positive learning environment. As many teachers know, having a rapidly spinning emotional wheel in the classroom can make it difficult for students to stay focused and motivated.

In this post, we will explore the benefits of implementing a Calm Down Corner, how to design and set it up for success, strategies for utilising it effectively, and ultimately, how it can transform your teaching approach. Many of our students struggle with mental health issues. If they are not feeling safe or calm, they are not able to learn. It’s a waste of both your and their time to even try to teach students something like division if they are not well enough to learn.

Having a calm down corner in the classroom is a fantastic way for teachers to create a positive learning environment and help students better manage their emotions. It’s an important part of the learning process and provides students with a much needed emotional outlet.

With the help of a calm down corner, teachers can create a space for students to take a few moments to centre themselves before returning to the classroom. Join us on this journey towards creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

WHAT IS A CALM-DOWN CORNER?

At its core, a calm down corner is a designated area within the classroom that provides a relaxing atmosphere and provides tools to help students manage their emotions. This could be things like squishy balls to squeeze, blankets to help with warmth and sensory issues, and even a few calming toys. The goal is to give students a space to relax and think, to slow down and reflect on their feelings.

It is important for students to be able to understand how their emotions affect their behaviour and their ability to learn and feel safe. A calm down corner can help reinforce the idea that emotions are valid and normal and that it’s okay to take a break when feeling overwhelmed.

It’s also a great place for teachers to offer emotional feedback and guidance in a non-judgemental way. By having a safe, calm place for students to wind down and have a dialogue with their teacher, they can more effectively process their emotions and come up with healthy ways to express them. A calm down corner allows teachers to show that the classroom is a safe space for students to communicate their feelings and learn how to cope with them in healthy ways.

BENEFITS OF A CALM DOWN CORNER

One of the key benefits of incorporating a calm down corner in your classroom is the positive impact it can have on students’ emotional well-being and self-regulation skills. By providing a designated space for students to take a break and address their feelings, you are fostering a supportive environment where they can learn how to manage their emotions effectively.

This, in turn, can lead to improved focus, reduced stress, and better overall behaviour in the classroom. Through the establishment of a calm down corner, you are not only creating a safe space for students to relax and refocus, but also empowering them with the tools they need to develop essential emotional intelligence skills. This support system can contribute to a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone involved.

DESIGNING YOUR CALM DOWN CORNER

When designing your calm down corner, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of your students. Make sure the space is inviting and comfortable, with items like soft pillows, cosy blankets, and calming decor. Incorporate sensory items such as stress balls, fidget toys, or soft lighting to engage different senses and help students relax.

Consider adding a whiteboard, chalkboard, or colouring pages where students can write or draw their feelings, as well as a selection of books or mindfulness activities for them to choose from. At the start of each year, one of the first art assignments I do is Zentangles, I then ensure some examples of zentangles and some blank paper are available in the calm down corner for students to use as necessary.

Remember to keep the space organised and clutter-free to create a sense of peace and tranquillity. There’s nothing worse than being surrounded by clutter when trying to calm your mind!

By thoughtfully designing your Calm Down Corner, you can create a safe and nurturing space for students to manage their emotions effectively and foster a positive learning environment for all. This thoughtful design will set the stage for implementing strategies for success in your calm down corner.

UTILISING THE CALM DOWN CORNER EFFECTIVELY

To ensure success in your Calm Down Corner, consider implementing strategies that cater to the needs of your students and promote a sense of calm and relaxation in the space. First, ensure all your students are aware of the tools in the calm down corner and how to use them. They do not need to use everything, but they should be able to try everything at least once to see if it is something that is useful for them.

As mentioned above, some items to include in your calm down corner could be a variety of sensory items such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or calming jars to help students regulate their emotions. Additionally, consider incorporating soft lighting, comfortable seating, and calming colours to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Encourage your students to use the calm down corner proactively by teaching them coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques. Also ensure they know that it is a tool for every single student in the class who may need it, not just some students. This ensures there are no stigmas attached to using the corner.

By equipping your calm down corner with the right tools and teaching students how to use them, you can create a safe and supportive environment for emotional regulation and self-reflection. Ultimately, the goal is to empower students to take ownership of their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms that will serve them both inside and outside the classroom.

Overall, incorporating a calm down corner into your classroom has the power to transform the learning environment, allowing students to better manage their emotions and focus on their studies. By providing a safe space for emotional regulation, you are setting your students up for success and creating a more supportive classroom community.

Our students have many things going on in their personal lives and are not always in the right mindset to attend to academics, ensuring they have a safe place to help them regulate is important in creating an inclusive and safe learning environment.

Take the first step towards implementing this positive change today and watch as your students thrive both academically and emotionally. As the saying goes, “A calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence.”

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