Whether you’re a first-year teacher or an experienced educator, setting up a Calm Down Corner can be challenging, especially in a cramped classroom. You don’t have to choose between setting up a writing center or a Calm Down Corner.
While we all would love to have a Pinterest-perfect dedicated space for our students to express their emotions, space constraints often make this difficult.
I had my struggle with smaller classrooms. Just to paint you a little picture, my classroom Calm Down Corner has always been right by my teacher’s desk and locker/closet!
The good news is that space is not the determining factor in whether the Calm Down Corner will be effective. If you teach your students how to use calm down tools to self-regulate, you can turn any space in your classroom into a “Calm Down Corner.”
And, this is where the Calm Down Caddy comes in!
Why Use a Calm Down Caddy?
A Calm Down Caddy offers a portable and flexible alternative to a traditional Calm Down Corner. It allows students to access self-regulation tools without needing a dedicated space, making it perfect for classrooms where every square inch counts.
Please note that even with the Calm Down Caddy, you still have to introduce the tools and set your expectations. Check below on how to introduce a Calm Down Caddy to your students.
Benefits of a Calm Down Caddy
- Flexibility: It can be used anywhere in the classroom.
- Accessibility: Easy for students to grab and use independently.
- Space-Saving: Perfect for classrooms with limited space.
Creating Your Calm Down Caddy
Materials You’ll Need:
- A Caddy or Large Pencil Case: Choose a container that’s easy for students to carry around. A caddy is great, but they are not stackable. A large pencil case might not allow you to add a lot of items, but they are stackable and save more space.
- Self-Regulation Tools: Print out self-regulation techniques and tools on card-sized sheets and assemble them with a book ring. Choose techniques suitable for your students. For example, if space is a concern, mindfulness yoga poses might not be ideal. Breathing techniques, writing materials, and grounding techniques are effective.
- Fidget Items: Include small, quiet items like tangles, stress balls, poppers, or fidget spinners. Classics like tangles and stress balls are reliable.
- Visual Tools (Optional): Add sensory hourglasses for a visual calming effect.
- Calm Down Activities: Include activities such as word searches, coloring pages, and reflection sheets with crayons or colored pencils.
- Reflection Sheet: A reflection sheet helps students identify triggers and reflect on their emotions, suitable for upper elementary students.
How To Assemble:
Put everything together! If you include coloring materials, consider a separate container for them (e.g., a personal crayon box).
Introducing the Calm Down Caddy to Your Students
Creating an anchor chart to discuss and answer these questions when you introduce the Calm Down Caddy will save you a lot of headaches and misunderstandings throughout the school year! It’s just like any other procedure; if you introduce it well, then you won’t have to keep on reintroducing it.
There are four main questions to answer with your students when introducing a Calm Down Caddy:
- What to do with the Calm Down Caddy: Introduce and practice using the tools in the Calm Down Caddy. If possible, collaborate with a school counselor.
- Where to use the Calm Down Caddy: Identify calm down spots in the classroom. Under the desk is a good option if space is tight.
- How to get the Calm Down Caddy: Decide if students should grab it themselves or signal for it. Consider allowing a tablemate to get it for them if needed.
- How to return the Calm Down Caddy: Discuss how and when to return the Calm Down Caddy.
Additional Tips
- Customize the Caddy: Reflect on the effectiveness of the tools with your students. Keep what works, remove what doesn’t, and add new items as needed.
- Regular Check-Ins: Periodically check the caddy’s contents to replace worn-out items or refresh activities.
- Parental Involvement: Inform parents about the Calm Down Caddy and the self-regulation tools included.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Calm Down Caddy is a simple and cost-effective solution for classrooms with limited space. By providing students with the necessary tools to self-regulate, you can create a supportive environment that fosters emotional well-being. Share your experiences and tips with other educators to help them create their own flexible calming solutions. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your students learn to manage their emotions with the help of their Calm Down Caddy.
Happy teaching!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
* * *
Other Blog Posts That You Might Enjoy:
- 15 Minutes Daily Social And Emotional Learning Activities For The Classroom (SEL Made Easy)
- How To Offer Growth Mindset Praise Effectively
- 3 Activities To Introduce Growth Mindset
