A Haven of Calm: New Calming Corner Supports Student Well-being!

Brooklake Elementary School

Calming Corner materials awarded to Ms. Volpe at Brooklake

This Calming Corner provides students a safe and comforting space to go within the classroom for when they feel overwhelmed or upset. The welcoming canopy and calming colored dividers allow students to take a break in private. In addition, the beanbag and soft pillows offer cozy seating in relaxing colors.Students have the opportunity to explore all of the calming sensory items in the area like mindfulness cards, calming wheels, sensory dough, books, yoga kits, weighted lap pads, breathing boards and pillows.

As students relax, not only can they explore simple books to help them recognize and express their feelings, but they can also use the feelings and emotions of dough mats if they are opposed to books. The natural-looking baskets are for storing all of the materials. Lastly, the yoga mat kit will be to help transition the student back to the class with an appropriate group activity.

Thanks to the extreme generosity of the FPEF, the new Calming Corner in my classroom has been a significant tool in assisting students in times of need. It has become a place where they can feel safe as it provides a soothing, private area within the classroom to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed, upset, or just need a break. It has also been extremely helpful in assisting students who get easily distracted by providing a calming space to focus and regroup. The beanbag chair, wobble cushions, and pillow offer cozy seating where students can relax and explore engaging books about mindfulness and emotions. The baskets contain calming sensory items including a breathing board, fidgets, liquid sensory viewers and mood identifiers. There are also sand timers so students can monitor their time in the corner. - Mrs. Volpe