What Should Kids Do in the Calming Corner?

If you have been following us on our blogs or social media, then you know we have been talking about how useful it is to have a calming corner in your home or classroom.  When we experience overwhelming emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, frustration or sadness, it is nice to have a safe space where we can reset and restore. A calming corner is a peaceful and fun place where kids can get away from whatever is bothering them and help regulate their emotions before returning to class. But what do they actually DO in the calming corner?  We have some suggested activities to keep your kids calm, cool, and focused.

Recite Positive Affirmations

Use daily positive affirmations. Encourage your kids to read their positive affirmations to themselves to uplift their spirits and provide them with a sense of calm.  You can write your own together or hang some positive affirmations wall art in their rooms that they will wake up to every morning

Make a Glitter Jar 

A glitter jar is a great sensory tool that can be used for anxiety, anger, fidgeting, or other forms of self-regulation.  To make your jar, add warm water to your jar or bottle until it reaches around a third of the way up. Next, add the glitter glue and stir until it is combined with the water.  After that, add around 3 drops of food color and stir, pour in the glitter, and top up your jar with the rest of the warm water, until it is almost full. Have some fun and play!

Do a Guided Meditation  

Have your kids find a comfy spot on a rug or yoga mat and lie down. If they feel comfortable, they can close their eyes and begin to breathe in and out. Read a guided meditation to help kids visualize a soothing beach or a calm walk through the forest. You can find one online or make up your own! This will work immediately to calm and relax your kids!

Do a Body Scan

Checking in with the body helps to settle the mind. Have your kids find a comfortable seat and begin taking deep breaths in and out.  Tell them to draw awareness to the top of their head and tap into any sensations like tingling, tightness, warmth, coolness, heaviness, or lightness.  Continue to guide them down the rest of their body ending with their toes.  Finish with a few deep breaths and ask them how they feel.

Use a Scribble Board 

Oftentimes, it is easy for kids to express their feelings through writing or drawing.  You can use a chalkboard or dry erase board to encourage your kids to write what they’re feeling, draw a story, or just scribble out some frustration. 

Play Some Music

You can choose nature sounds, classical, or any mantra music. You can play the music while kids are doing an activity or allow kids to just sit down and relax while mindfully listening to the music.

Write A Gratitude Letter 

The more you can bring your kid’s attention to what they feel grateful for, the more they will notice to feel grateful for! Have them write a letter giving thanks for all of the things they are grateful for in their lives.  Have them do this periodically to maintain a sense of gratitude and appreciation in their lives.

These are just some of the activities that your children can do when they need to decompress, relax, and focus.  Of course, you can do any of the activities without a calming corner but it is really nice for kids to have a special place for themselves where they can feel safe and comfortable. If you have not already, click here to access our FREE Calming Corner Guide to create a fun and peaceful space for your kids in your home or classroom.