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This Weeks Podcast was Created after a Question from Trish:

“I am currently in the middle of setting up a calm corner/area within my senior preschool room (4-5years) my kids understand that this area is to be used when they are feeling overwhelmed or just need a little break away. Would love for ideas on what I can add to this area”

Discussed in this Podcast:

✅ The “Walk Don’t Talk” strategy: Take dysregulated students for a fast-paced walk without asking questions or talking, allowing them to regulate without verbal pressure during survival mode.

✅ Token system for breaks: Give students physical tokens they can place on teacher’s desk without speaking to indicate they need a break – removes verbal demand during stress.

✅ Photo card system: Students use cards with their photo saying “I’m taking a break” or colored cards (red/orange/green) to indicate their regulation level without verbalizing.

✅ 5-minute timer protocol: Set timer for 5 minutes, then check in with body scan and breathing activity, ask if another 5 minutes needed – provides structure for return.

✅ Individual sensory baskets: Create personalized baskets for each child with their preferred items – headphones, specific music, crunchy snacks, sipper bottles with straws.

✅ Jar of de-stressing activities: Strips of paper with activities (read, mini tramp, draw) that students pull out randomly – removes decision-making burden when overwhelmed.

✅ Figure-eight breathing visual: Draw infinity symbol sideways, breathe in one side, out the other – can customize with child’s interests like Lightning McQueen racing track.

✅ Two-student demonstration: Have two children show task first (getting books, lining up) before asking target student – provides visual model without direct demand.

✅ Spinning plate menu: Two paper plates with split pin showing different body break activities – child spins to select without overwhelming choices.

✅ Portable tent for outings: Bring pop-up tent to playgrounds/sports events with sensory tools – creates safe space preventing elopement in community settings.

When you create a calm area ask children what they would like to calm them. 

Excerpt from the Book: Strategies to Provide Support When Fast and Emotional

This Book also Includes insights for:

• Fast and Wiggly

• Slow and Tired

• PLUS MANY MORE

The Different Options of Breaks Can Include:

1. Calm Corner

2. Toilet, Drink or Food Breaks

3. Movement Breaks

Great Sensory Items:

– Body sock

– Weighted blanket /pillow

– Different textured pillows

– Wooden massagers

– Squishy fidgets

This a link to my favourite sensory tools: https://suelarkey.com.au/sensory-shop/