Calm down CornersWhat is a calm down Corner?A calm-down corner is a safe space for kids (and adults too) to go when they need help self-regulating or calming their bodies and emotions. It is meant to be a place for them to relax, recharge or even release their pent-up anger or frustration. It is also a great way for kids with sensory issues to meet their sensory needs.
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When do kids use a calm down corner
Calm down corners offer the perfect space for your student to retreat to when they are angry, frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed... even when they are having a tantrum or meltdown! The key is catching them BEFORE the meltdown happens....
Watch your student's body and behaviour for signs that they might be overwhelmed and need a break. Those signs may include crying, screaming, hitting themselves or others, or having a meltdown. If you can see that your child is struggling to self-regulate, then simply validate their feelings and emotions and suggest that they enjoy some quiet time in their calm down corner. You can also suggest sitting with them and reading a book or blowing bubbles together as a way to invite them into their assigned space.
The space should feel welcoming and inviting to them. THIS IS NOT A TIME OUT or PUNISHMENT SPACE so do not force them to use the space in that way.
Calm down corners can be a great space to use right after school to help the kids unwind and decompress after a long day. It's a great way to avoid the after-school attitudes and meltdowns that can occur otherwise.
Watch your student's body and behaviour for signs that they might be overwhelmed and need a break. Those signs may include crying, screaming, hitting themselves or others, or having a meltdown. If you can see that your child is struggling to self-regulate, then simply validate their feelings and emotions and suggest that they enjoy some quiet time in their calm down corner. You can also suggest sitting with them and reading a book or blowing bubbles together as a way to invite them into their assigned space.
The space should feel welcoming and inviting to them. THIS IS NOT A TIME OUT or PUNISHMENT SPACE so do not force them to use the space in that way.
Calm down corners can be a great space to use right after school to help the kids unwind and decompress after a long day. It's a great way to avoid the after-school attitudes and meltdowns that can occur otherwise.
Picking the perfect spot
Setting up a calm down corner starts with finding a dedicated space in your house for your student so that they know exactly where to go when they need it. While the perfect space can be anywhere in your house you like (basement, bedroom, in a closet, under the stairs...) there are a few things all calm down corners MUST have.
The perfect calm down corner should:
The perfect calm down corner should:
- be away from distractions
- be free of cluttered, visually or physically,
- away from noisy or high-traffic areas of the house
What do i put in a calm down corner?
Now that you found the perfect spot, what you put in your calm down corner is the next important step. You want to include objects that you child finds comforting, engaging and calming. You also want to offer a variety of sensory items to help your student's body get the sensory input it needs to self regulate. Since each person is different, each calm-down corner will be different. So keep their interests in mind when setting up the space.Here's a list of ideas that you might want to include in your student's calm down space :
- stress balls to squeeze, play doh, slime or the pool noodle I sent in your kit!
- a favourite stuffed animal to hug
- legos
- magnet building toys
- kinetic sand
- something visual like a sensory bottle, kaleidoscope or even a string of Christmas lights hung up on the wall
- engaging one-person activities like activity books (colouring pages, mazes, connect the dots), building blocks, doodling or journaling, etc.
- a bottle of bubbles
- bubble wrap
- a comfy place to sit like a bean bag chair, some pillows or a play tent
- fidget toys to spin, twist and manipulate
- noise-reducing headphones to block out sounds that are overwhelming if you have a busy house
Just remember to tailor the space to your child's needs and preferences! Each space should be unique.