Picture this... little Ethan's excitement is off the charts, and little Caroline’s frustration level is creeping up. You are in the middle of morning drop off, pen in hand, checking students in. You have successfully peeled crying Ethan off his mother (yay!) but now he won’t un-attach from your leg! Your non-writing hand now has the job of holding Caroline’s tiny little fingers. She’s in a grumpy-I-woke-up-too-early attitude and you’re keeping her from wreaking havoc in the block center. You have one hand and one leg left. You are instantly “teacher hangman” and if you don’t figure out something soon, you’re going to come home looking like Stretch Armstrong!
Here are 5 easy items you can start collecting to create a calm down space:
1. A feeling of home – Soft carpet and plump pillows can re-create a familiar environment and provide comfort. Ask for donations of carpet squares from parents, search summer garage sales, or even a bathroom rug will do! You can even ask Home Depot if they have any carpet remnants they would like to donate to your classroom.. and often times they will!
2. A place to share secrets – Often times students will share their emotions.. not with you, but maybe with a stuffed animal or two! Incorporate a few huggable stuffed animals and maybe an enchanted seat! A cozy child sized chair (renamed the Unicorn Whispering Chair.. or whatever you want!) will encourage students to express emotions. This enchanted seat has the power to hear feelings, from happy giggles to "oopsie-daisy" mishaps. Kids whisper their emotions, and guess what? The unicorns keep secrets safe while we find our happy place!
3. A Funny Faces Mirror - Have students step right up to the hilarious funny faces mirror! When emotions have students mixed-up, this mirror will turn those frowns upside down with its silly reflections.
4. Relaxing Reads – A basket of familiar picture books are attractive to children and also provide a quite calming down activity. You can incorporate family stories like “The Kissing Hand” or stories about sharing, caring, and being kind.
5. Soothing Sensory Bottles – Sometimes students need a few minutes just to refocus and breath. Sensory bottles are mesmerizing! I like to use empty water bottles and fill them with glitter, tiny plastic toys, food coloring, water, and baby oil. I hot glue the lid tightly on. Michaels craft store has inexpensive bottles to purchase and fill HERE.
During the first week of school it’s important to teach students:
- where the space is
-when
to use the space
-how
to use the space
-how to take care of items in the space
A well-thought out calming down center is a POWERFUL TOOL in the pre-K classroom! By fostering emotional awareness, teaching self-regulation, and promoting positive behavior, this nurturing space equips children with essential life skills that will serve them WELL BEYOND their early years! Emotions may come and go, but now you know how to start building a space to embrace every feeling!
