A Question From The Community
I recently received a question from a teacher in The Community that I know many of you can relate to. She reached out to me saying, "Kim, HELP! I created a Calm Space in my classroom, but now EVERYONE wants to use it, and it doesn't feel CALM!"
First off, I want to say that creating a Calm Space is a fantastic idea, and I'm so proud of this teacher for implementing it in her classroom. However, I totally understand how it can quickly become counterproductive if not managed effectively.
So, what's the solution? It's all about having an open conversation with your students and providing them with a variety of tools to support themselves throughout the day.
One simple yet powerful strategy is to create a "Classroom Toolbox" – a visual representation of the different options students have when they're feeling dysregulated. This can include things like taking a walk, getting a drink of water, finding a different quiet area in the classroom, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
By having this conversation and creating an anchor chart that showcases these various strategies, you're empowering your students to take control of their own emotional regulation. They'll start to understand that the Calm Space is just one of many tools available to them, and they'll feel more confident in choosing the strategy that works best for them in any given moment.
The key here is to be intentional and proactive. Don't wait until your Calm Space becomes chaotic to address the issue. Start the school year off by having these discussions and creating these visual aids. Trust me, it'll make a world of difference in your classroom management and overall classroom environment.
I know that creating anchor charts and visual aids can feel overwhelming, especially with everything else on your plate as a teacher. That's why I've put together a FREE bundle of anchor chart ideas that you can grab and start using in your classroom today. These visuals are designed to help you take your classroom from chaos to calm, one step at a time.
By providing your students with a variety of emotional regulation strategies and being intentional about your classroom management, you can create a peaceful, productive learning environment where everyone feels supported and empowered.
Get started and take your spaces from chaos to calm!
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