Effectively Implement a Calm Corner in your Classroom in 6 Steps

Having a calm corner in your classroom can be a game changer. A calm corner is a dedicated space in the classroom for students to manage their reactions to big emotions. This allows students to calm down and refocus IN the classroom, rather than being sent out and missing extra instruction time. It also teaches students valuable strategies to self-regulate that they can use both in and out of the classroom.

The biggest mistake teachers make when setting up a calm down corner (and one I have definitely made myself!) is setting it up without explicitly teaching students how to use it and setting clear expectations. This post will walk you through 6 steps to effectively implement your calm corner!

The 6 Steps:

Think about the location
Select meaningful resources and tools
Add a little at a time
Model and practice
Set clear expectations
Observe and adapt

Step 1: Think about the location.

The first step in implementing a calm corner in your classroom is to pick an appropriate space. Some things to consider:

Does the space have enough room for your materials and any furniture you plan to use? It’s up to you how much you want to include in the space. Some teachers choose to have furniture and large sensory items, while others set up a few posters on the wall and a basket of sensory tools. Think about what works best for you and your students.
Is it easily accessible by students? Students should be able to easily move to the space without being a major distraction to the rest of the class.
Is it somewhat removed from common learning areas? It is most effective if the space has some distance between areas where students spend the most time learning, so that it is not a distraction for other students and so that the student using it feels as though they have some privacy. However, it is also important that the area can be easily seen by the teacher to monitor students using the space.

Step 2: Select Meaningful & Appropriate Resources and Tools

There are several things to consider when selecting the resources and tools you want to include in your calm area. Remember – the purpose of the space is to help students manage reactions to big emotions. Before selecting something for the space, ask yourself, “How could this help a student to calm their mind or body?” Here are some more questions to consider:

Are the included materials easy to clean up? This helps reduce time spent in the calm corner away from instruction.
Are the included materials safe and appropriate for students to use while experiencing emotional distress? I like to avoid heavy, hard, or sharp objects.
Do the objects stimulate 2 or more of the senses? Sensory tools are a great way to help students calm down and refocus their brains and bodies.
Are the materials quiet? Keep in mind other students will still be trying to learn.
Are there clear visual reminders of strategies for students to reference?
Are all students represented by any clip art, books, posters, etc. in the calm corner? Representation matters!

Step 3: Add a Little at a Time

I learned this one the hard way! The first year that I used a calm corner I started off the year with every poster, strategy, tool, piece of furniture, etc. already set up. This was a big mistake. For starters, it was overwhelming for students. It also kept me from effectively teaching each strategy and demonstrating how to use each tool. To make the implementation of the calm corner most effective, start small. Choose 2-3 strategies to teach and 2-3 sensory items to include. As students become comfortable and experienced with those, add on a little at a time.

Step 4: Model & Practice

With each new strategy or item that you add, model exactly how to do/use it. Once you’ve modeled, give students plenty of opportunity to practice with support before allowing them to do/use it in the calm corner independently. There are so many great grounding and breathing exercises we can teach our kids, but they will need practice to do them effectively. Teach kids exactly what to do with each sensory tool, as well as what NOT to do. Make sure students understand that these materials are not toys for playing, but rather tools for refocusing and calming down.

Step 5: Set Clear Expectations

Setting clear expectations for how to use the calm corner will be vital for its success. Students thrive best with clear expectations.

Come up with clear rules/expectations for the calm corner. Display these in the area. You may even involve students in this process!
Outline any possible consequences for misuse of the calm corner. I have had situations where I had to temporarily “close” my calm corner or remove certain items until they could be used appropriately.
Communicate expectations for organization and tidiness in the calm corner. You may consider having a “Calm Corner Manager” if you use class jobs. This person could be in charge of making sure the calm corner stays tidy and is left how it was found.
Determine if you want a time limit in the calm corner. With some classes, I have had to set a specific time limit (i.e. 5-10 minutes) and use timers for all students. With others, I have had only specific students who tended to take extra time bring a timer. With other classes, I have been able to leave the time open to students and explain that any time in the calm corner is time missed learning. Learn what works best for your class. Make sure students understand that they are still responsible for any work they miss while utilizing the calm corner.
Set a limit on how many people can use the calm corner at once. I typically start with 1 at a time. Be sure to also have a “back up plan” for when a student needs to use the calm corner but it is in use. This can include having a “to go” kit with a few strategies and tools they can use at their desk.

Step 6: Observe and Adapt

Finally, to keep the calm corner running smoothly and effectively, make sure you observe what is working and is not working in your calm corner. Be open to adapting by adding things, removing things, adjusting expectations, and so on. The calm corner should never be a “set it and forget it” space. It may take some time to figure out what works best for your students, but once you do, it will be a vital part of your classroom!