The Trauma Informed Care Corner By Dana Bockman, Facilitator of Instruction and Assessment I’ve heard it called Safe Space, Peace Corner, Calming Corner, Relax and Return Room, Calm Down Corner, Quiet Zone, Mindfulness Corner, and Think Space. No matter what you call it, having a Trauma Informed Care Corner or room should be considered an essential space within our buildings in our efforts to support the social emotional needs of our students. I wonder how many times I have been frustrated or upset and have chosen to go for a walk outside, move to another room, or go for a drive. As adults, we often remove ourselves from a situation that causes us anger or frustration or we may need a little alone time when we are hurting. That option rarely presents itself to our students in the school setting. They may not have the option to self-regulate their own emotions by taking a break away from others. In the elementary classroom it is easy to create this space, a quiet area of the classroom that is furnished with items to help sooth and calm and de-escalate. It might include comfy seating, pillows or stuffed animals, a journal to write in or paper for drawing, stress balls, headphones and soothing music, or posters with tips and breathing exercises. Often a timer is available and students have been instructed to set it for two, five or ten minutes; time to calm down and then return to the group. The student is not leaving the classroom, so teachers are still able to supervise and know where their student is, but the student is still able to “get away” for a moment. Not only can this bring relief to the child and allow a classroom to continue working, but it teaches students self-regulation skills. Students are learning more advanced academic skills at an earlier age than years ago. They are completing work all day long, and sometimes they need a break on their own. As they learn how they are being triggered and recognize their emotions, they can take action. Having a care corner normalizes self-care and removes any stigma. How can this look at a middle school or high school level though? At this level, having a care corner in each classroom is not the ideal safe space for students. Having one common space within the building is more realistic. Is there a space in this buildings that might be used in this way? When choosing a space consider the following:
Once the space is chosen, organizing it is also important. There must be a place for students to sit. Comfortable options are more soothing for students than a desk or table and chair, such as a bean bag seat, large pillow, or soft, shag carpet. Meaningful posters might line the walls. For instance, you might include posters offering breathing techniques, suggestions for handling problems, or a way to rate their problem. Low lighting may want to be used. Next, include other items to help students control their emotions, such as stress balls, paper and crayons, Play-Doh, a weighted blanket, or other sensory items. Having headphones available with soothing music might be included. You know your students. What might they want or need in that space? Now that your space is organized, be sure to establish expectations for its use so it does not become a way to avoid class work and activities. Set time limits and teach students how to utilize calming strategies while in the space. This might include a feelings check, breathing techniques, meditation, journaling, coloring, or other calming activities. What do you include in your care corner? What are your care corner expectations?
10 Comments
Denise Lee
1/22/2020 11:21:27 am
I love this idea of having a space that lets kids process and relax. A teacher I talked with has water/glitter jars that kids take and use when they need to slow their brains down. I would be curious for other posters and ideas that can be used.
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Sarah
1/22/2020 07:00:53 pm
I, too, have a glitter bottle in my room. If you're interested, I made mine- so easy!
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Sarah Zbornik
1/23/2020 06:34:26 am
I started a very basic small space in my music room last year and I have found it very helpful. It only has four items: a breathing ball (thanks Rachelle Branum), an infinity 8 picture (thanks Sarah Nowack, a sand timer (thanks Sarah Elsbernd) and a pillow (thanks Depot).
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Shanna Dibble
1/23/2020 05:52:05 pm
These calm down corners/safe spaces are so important for ALL students! We put in a funding request/were approved through the PTO for materials to help get teachers started in creating calm down areas in their classrooms (comfy items such as pillows and beanbags, sensory items/fidgets, calming bottles, etc). If others are interested in similar items, we could consider a PTO request for other schools as well. Second Step visuals are also great to have in these corners (especially the Calm Down poster)!
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KIm Underbakke
3/26/2020 08:37:52 pm
I love the idea of having a space for the kids to take a break if they need too or calm down. Wish we had something like this when I was in school, might have solved a lot of the problems. So impressed with all the support these students are getting.
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Judy Kemp
3/27/2020 12:39:44 pm
What a great idea!! Everyone could use a space just to get away and relax and calm down. I have actually seen students take advantage of this room and come back and be able to join the class.
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Michaela Seeman
3/31/2020 07:33:59 am
These spaces are such great ideas. Children are still learning how to express their emotions in a respectful, responsible, safe way. Having a space they can go to calm down and then return to the group is important. I like the idea of having that space in the same room so the student can still hear what's happening and be monitored by the teacher. Thanks for sharing!
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Greg Murphy
4/21/2020 04:30:48 pm
Very good idea to have this in a school room. Students need a place to go to regroup and calm down. Have to remember to walk through all the things that are available in such a space with the students from time to time.
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Sue Lansing
4/24/2020 12:22:08 pm
Love that they aren't isolated away from the class! I feel that is very important for many students so they don't feel they are in "trouble" but are learning new coping strategies.
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Mary Winger
5/19/2020 11:16:37 am
This should be an essential space option for all the reasons listed.
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