From Chaos to Calm: Creating a Regulation Space that Works
- Sammantha Gilbert
- May 9
- 3 min read
Updated: May 18
Working with special education preschool, my students often express some big feelings and have trouble regulating them. It can be a daily occurrence in my classroom, which is why it was so important for me to create a safe space for my students to go and re-regulate their bodies.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your regulation space, here’s how to build a calm corner that’s functional, inviting, and actually used—not just a Pinterest dream.
💡 Why a Calm Corner?
Calm corners—also called regulation stations or peace places—are not time-out spots. They're proactive spaces where students can manage emotions, process sensory input, and reset in a supportive environment. For neurodiverse learners, these spaces can be essential to developing self-regulation skills and creating a classroom culture that says, “Your feelings are valid—and you have tools to work through them.”
📍 Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
You don’t need an entire room—just a cozy, low-traffic area that feels safe and semi-private.Some quick tips:
Corners are gold—but behind a shelf works, too.
Avoid spots near noisy centers or windows.
Add something soft (a rug, cushion, or tent canopy) to visually separate it.
If space is tight, try a mobile calm corner cart or a calm corner "bin" that students can take to a quiet spot with headphones and tools.
🧰 Step 2: Stock It With Tools That Work
Your calm corner doesn’t need to be packed—just intentional. Here are some go-to tools:
Emotion chart (with visuals)
Fidgets (stress balls, tangle toys, putty)
Noise-canceling headphones
Mini sand timer
Soft seating (floor cushion, beanbag, or wobble stool)
Weighted lap pad or stuffed animal
Calming books
A "What Can I Do?" choice board
Optional: Mirror for facial recognition, sensory bottles, breathing visuals
You can grab my free Calm Corner Visual Toolkit below to make this part easy!
🧠 Step 3: Teach It Like a Center
This part is crucial. The calm corner won’t work if students don’t know how and when to use it.
Model, model, model.
Introduce it during a whole-group lesson. I like to say:
“This is a space to help your body and brain feel better when things feel too big, too fast, or too loud.”
Let students practice using the space when they’re calm. Show how to choose a tool, use a timer, and rejoin the group. Practice transitions in and out of the corner.
🕒 Step 4: Set Clear Expectations
Yes, the calm corner is flexible—but structure helps it work. Here’s what I teach:
Students can go independently or with permission.
Use the tools gently (not as toys).
Use the timer to keep it short—around 3–5 minutes.
Complete a quick “Ready to Return?” check before leaving.
Some years, I use visual passes; others, I stick with verbal cues. Do what works best for your class and individual needs.
💬 Real Talk: What Worked (and What Didn’t)
The first time I made a calm corner, I overdid it—too many toys, no clear teaching, and kids just hung out. Once I simplified the tools and made it part of our routine, things changed.
One of my most dysregulated students now goes independently, squeezes a fidget, uses a visual choice board, and comes back calm. It’s not magic—but it’s close.
📥 Grab the Free Visual Toolkit!
Want to skip the trial and error? I’ve bundled my favorite visuals into a free printable:🎉 [Download the Calm Corner Visual Toolkit → Here ]
Includes:
Emotion chart
Calming choices board
“Ready to Return” self-check
Calm corner rules poster
Great visual timer options
🧡 Final Thoughts
A well-used calm corner isn’t a luxury—it’s a classroom essential. It helps students learn the how of regulation, not just the what not to do. And honestly? It’s changed how I teach.
Have a calm corner story? Share your setup or tag me on Instagram @TeachingWithChalkAndChange—I’d love to see how you bring calm into your classroom chaos.
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