Whether you are a teacher managing a classroom or a parent or guardian at home, a calm corner can be a very powerful tool. However, it is important to know that not every cushion or fidget toy helps all children.
So, what really works in a calm corner? Here is a list of five things that in my experience, can be very effective at regulating emotions.
- A feelings chart
Sometimes, the hardest part of calming down is figuring out how we feel and why we feel that way. For children, access to a visual tool such as a feelings chart can help them identify and name their emotions. This could also incorporate the Zones of Regulation. The chart could be laminated so children can circle their feelings using a whiteboard pen.
- Comfortable seating or a blanket
For some children, physical comfort creates psychological safety and security. Having a beanbag, a floor cushion and a blanket can help the body relax and reduce muscle tension. This can signal to the body that it is time to calm down.
- A selection of sensory tools
It is important to note that not every sensory tool is calming, some may be overstimulating. Having a selection is important to ensure that individual needs are accommodated for. This may include:
- A soft stress ball
- A smooth stone (also often named a worry stone)
- A fidget spinner
- A squishy toy with resistance e.g. a pop-it
It would be good practice to rotate the toys available, to avoid the calm corner becoming a play zone.
- A journal
Writing things down can help children externalise their emotions and assist with processing. This may be a blank journal, with space for children to doodle or write openly. It may also help to have prompts at the front of the journal or a space for reflection sheets.
- Books
A variety of books offer quiet, low-stimulation activities for children, whilst promoting focus, imagination and comfort. Reading, or looking at images in a picture-book, can encourage slower breathing, visual focus and cognitive engagement. Books may purposely be chosen e.g. books about friendship difficulties or books with breathing exercises inside.
Some of my favourites, which have worked well for my class include:
- The Not-So-Friendly Friend by Christina Furnival
- Big Friends by Linda Sarah
- How to be a Lion by Ed Vere
- A Little Emotional by Christopher Eliopoulos
- Breathing Makes it Better by Christopher Willard and Wendy O’Leary
Creating a calm corner doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be intentional. By adding thoughtful elements like soft seating, visual elements and sensory tools, you can create a safe space where children can regulate their emotions and recharge.
All Kinds of Clever 
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