How to create the perfect Calm (Down) Corner or Zen Zone at School or at Home

Why a calm down corner is effective and how to create the perfect calm corner for you kids. This is Great for kids who have ADHD, autism, SPD, ODD, or need some support to regulate emotions.

Have you ever wanted to shut out the entire world and just take a few minutes of complete you time? It’s normal. Maybe you feel this way too sometimes? It’s okay!

I remember, during my early Motherhood – the Toilet or the Pantry where the only places I could be – just for a few moments – in my own little zone.

Well, guess what? Children feel this way too but they sometimes don’t know it. Here’s how you can help!

Your Calm Corner is your Safe space

Creating a Calm Corner is a SAFE SPACE for anybody (young or old), helping you to stay balanced, calm and centred. Other names for this corner could be: Cozy Corner, Zen Zone, Sensory Tent, Me Zone … or whatever you wish to come up.

A calm down corner, sometimes referred to as a mindfulness corner, is a designated space in your classroom where students can go when they need to regulate their emotions. Calm down corners are becoming popular for their ability to help students implement social and emotional learning skills.

A calm down corner is a place for kids to do just what it says — calm down.

Pause.

Reset.

Kids can go to this safe space, pick a non-stimulatory activity and bring their excitement levels back down to normal. (Green zone).

This zone blocks out stimulation, noise and most of all other people (parents, teachers, friends) who try to control the behaviour. It can be a life-changer for your classroom or home environment AND this is suitable for ANY age! Even for Seniors at Aged Care!

How to set up your Calm Corner in a few easy steps

Finding a spot:

Find a spot away from noise – maybe in the corner of a classroom, a quiet room at home. A location which really allows for minimal distractions but is accessible at all times

Make this area inviting:

• Allow for a tent cover or sheet to minimise outside stimulation. Set up a bench or some bean bags and provide sensory activities in this calm corner. Make it soft and cuddly. Maybe some soft toys.

Add tools to help regulate emotions:

• e.g. set up a Mindjar and leave a card with Instructions: EG shake the jar and count and take deep breaths und til the glitter has settled
• Leave self-guided activities: Mindful Colouring e.g. Mandala, soft Playdough with instructions on creating something that makes them feel happy, a book about Emotions, a Yoga Book with easy-to-copy moves, yoga and mindfulness activity cards, a stress ball, a Hoberman Sphere with Instructions on taking 10 deep breaths, Breathing Cards, Fidget toys
• Also consider noise reducing headphones
• Feelings-Check in Cards

Share the benefits of the Calm Corner:

The final step is sharing the benefits of the calm corner with your children. Make sure they understand the goal behind the space. For example, the goal is for students to use the calm down corner until they feel they can rejoin the group. Students may need to go to the space when they enter the classroom or if something happens in the middle of class. It is not meant as a comfy space for students to hang out or for use during an entire class period.

It’s also important to share the tools and resources available in the space.

Maybe practice and share a few breathing techniques during class time, so kids know how to do them.

Having a space like this is a great way to implement social-emotional learning strategies in your room.

Students will likely find they can use these strategies in other areas of their lives as well. Not only in the classroom.

When to use the Calm Corner

• During a tantrum
• When showing aggressive behaviour
• When fighting with siblings or peers
• When in the silly zone
• When overstimulated, angry or frustrated.
• When not listening
• When he/she needs a break

Got questions, comments or ideas? Please get in touch touch. We’d love to hear from you. Email Admin@yogazeit.com.au