We Build Our Calm Corner

Together, the children calmly set up the classroom calm corner and practice how to go in, settle down and come back to the group. It works as a cool-down, helps name feelings and gives everyone, especially autistic children, a tool they can use later.

How to play

1. Sitting down, the teacher shows the calm corner picture: "It's a place for when I feel nervous, angry or tired" (1 min).
2. Carry cushions and blankets to the corner slowly, one at a time or in pairs, as if carrying something we might wake up (2 min).
3. Set out the calm box: calm-down bottle, stuffed animal and sand timer; everything has its own spot (1 min).
4. In groups of three or four, go in, hug the stuffed animal or watch the glitter fall in the bottle, and take deep breaths (2 min).
5. Come out, show with our face how we feel now, and hang the calm corner picture on the wall (2 min).

Rules

• The calm corner is for calming down, not a punishment.
• I walk in and talk quietly.
• If a friend is inside, I leave them in peace.
• When I'm calm, I go back to playing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism: this is the child's regulation space; let them choose where an item goes and use the picture card to show when the corner can be used.
• Limited mobility: leave a wide gap so a wheelchair can pull in, or a large cushion the child can be helped onto.
• Blind or low vision: keep items always in the same place, each with a different texture so they can be found by touch.

Learning goals

• Lower activity levels after play.
• Learn a strategy to calm down when needed.
• Respect other people's space and moment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cushions: 10
• blankets: 3
• calm-down bottle: 2
• stuffed animal: 2
• sand timer: 1
• calm corner picture card: 1

Teacher tip

Fill the calm-down bottle with water, glycerin and glitter, and hot-glue the cap shut. The corner only works if it's never used as punishment: don't send an upset child there, invite them.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary