3 Simple Calming Corner Ideas for Your Classroom: Emotional Regulation Series Part 6
Share This:
Welcome to the sixth segment of the Emotional Regulation series here at One Giggle at a Time— all about why and how you can easily create a calm down space for your students. A calming corner is a special area where students can take a break, breathe, and refocus when they feel overwhelmed by big feelings. By incorporating a few simple calming corner ideas, you can confidently create a space that supports emotional regulation while fostering a positive classroom environment for everyone!
Visit the Rest of the Emotional Regulation Series
If you’re new here, take a few moments to read the rest of the Emotional Regulation series to get a full picture of how to teach and support these important skills for your favorite little learners:
- Part 1: Calming and Sensory Tools
- Part 2: Calm Down Strategies
- Part 3: Relaxation Techniques
- Part 4: Breathing Exercises
- Part 5: Mindfulness Techniques and Positive Affirmations
What is a Calming Corner?
A calming corner is a safe space in your classroom where students can go to self-regulate. It gives little ones an opportunity to reset when their emotions become overwhelming. The goal of a calming corner is to empower students with the tools they need to manage their feelings, instead of acting out or shutting down.
Students should use the calming corner when they need a short break to process their emotions and refocus before rejoining the class.
A calming corner is an important piece of a well-managed classroom with elementary students!
*This post contains some affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
3 Easy Calming Corner Ideas for Your Classroom
Now for the fun part— creating your own calming corner! Use these 3 easy ideas, and you’ll have a fully functional calm space ready to be used by your students:
1. Designate a Cozy Space
The first step in creating a calming corner is to choose a spot in your classroom. A corner is ideal, but you can also create your own “corner” or special nook between bookshelves or a wall and a filing cabinet.
To make the area inviting and comfortable, add some of these items:
- Soft lighting– like a lamp or string lights
- A small tent or canopy for privacy
- A fuzzy rug or cushioned floor mat
- A bean bag chair or a large pillow for seating
These elements help students feel safe and provide a sense of security, making it easier for them to relax and refocus!
Creating a Mobile Calming Space
If you are extra tight on space and can’t occupy a corner or nook in your classroom with a calm down area, you can make it mobile!
Use a cart on wheels or a basket to make the perfect on-the-go option for your students. They can push the cart or take the basket with them to their desk or to the classroom rug, and still have access to many of the great benefits of a calming corner, but in a way that works best for your classroom and their needs!
2. Choose the Right Materials
Next, choose tools and resources to add to your calming space that help students self-soothe and process their emotions. The materials are where the magic starts to happen!
Visuals
Include posters or cue cards with breathing exercises, coping strategies, or emotion charts.
Consider these:
Social Stories
Add a few social stories to help students understand productive ways to manage their feelings and refocus their minds.
Check out these social stories for ideas:
- Using Calm Down Strategies
- Using Words Instead of Crying
- I Need to Use Self Control When I’m at School
- Learning to Stop and Think
Calming and Sensory Items
Also include calming and sensory items like fidget items, pop-it toys, weighted stuffed animals, or sensory bottles to help students calm down.
Books
Finally, add kid-friendly books that encourage emotional regulation, like these:
My Friend Is Sad by Mo Willems
This simple, relatable book teaches children about empathy and recognizing others’ emotions.
I Am Yoga by Susan Verde
This book is a great introduction to mindfulness and using movement to find calm.
I Am So Embarrassed by Robert Munsch
This story is a fun and relatable way for kids to learn how to handle big emotions like embarrassment.
I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared: Finding the Brave You by Lisa Katzenberger
This book is all about building resilience and learning how to work through fear.
3. Clearly Explain Expectations
Once you’ve set up your calming corner, it’s important to teach students exactly how and when to use it. Establish clear guidelines to ensure the area is used appropriately.
Expectation #1: The calming corner is a quiet space for calming down, not for talking or playing.
Expectation #2: Students should use the tools in the space to help them calm and refocus.
Expectation #3: They should return to the classroom activities as soon as they feel calm and ready.
What a Calming Corner is NOT
To make expectations even more clear, it’s also helpful to explain to students what the space is NOT meant for:
- Playtime
- Avoiding classwork or classroom responsibilities
- Social spot to talk with friends
- A time-out or punishment space
Modeling how to use the calming corner and practicing with students can help them understand these expectations.
Looking for Extra Support?
If you have totally bought into the idea of creating a calming corner for your students but are feeling a little overwhelmed with the thought of getting started, check out the Calming Corner Starter Kit!
This ready-to-use kit has everything you need to confidently support emotional regulation skills in your classroom.
It includes:
- Social Skills Story: How to Use the Calm Down Corner
- Letter to Families
- Feelings poster & color page
- Calm Down Strategies poster
- 14 Calm Down strategy cards
- Self-reflection checklist
- 21 Emotion word posters
- Visual feelings chart & check-in
- Worry Jar & printable notes
A calming corner is a simple yet extremely powerful way to support emotional regulation in your classroom. By designating a cozy space, providing the right materials, and setting clear expectations, you will be well on your way to fostering a positive classroom environment that encourages self-awareness and emotional growth.
***Don’t forget to be on the look out for the final two segments of the Emotional Regulation series for even more ways to support emotional regulation skills with your elementary students!
Let me know if you have any questions about anything you see here. Don’t forget to pin this post to refer to it later!
Other posts you may enjoy:
The Importance of Using Emotional Regulation Strategies in the Classroom
Why Teaching Social-Emotional Learning Has a Huge Impact on Students Today
4 Powerful Ways to Manage Strong Emotions in the Classroom
GUIDE STUDENTS IN DEVELOPING A GROWTH MINDSET WITH THESE
Free Growth Mindset Punch Cards
The perfect way to start meaningful habits and conversations with your students!
Diane Romo
Thank you for being here! I love sharing ideas with other teachers! If you are looking to enhance your teaching and build a positive classroom community, you have come to the right place!
