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:

✅ Ask each child, and their parents, what helps them calm. I used to ask parents, “What’s in your handbag?” and build a personal basket around the items that came up.

✅ Use figure eight or infinity breathing, drawing the shape in the air with a finger, and turn it into a race track or train track visual for children who love those themes (one boy responded to a Lightning McQueen version).

✅ Set a five minute time timer for a break, then run a check in with a breathing activity and a quick body scan before deciding whether another five minutes is needed.

✅ Offer a break token or a photo card that says “I’m taking a break,” so a child can access the space without having to speak or ask.

✅ Use a colour card system (red, orange, green) so a child can show where they are at, and have them pick the card back up from your desk when they return.

✅ Run whole class body breaks by photocopying the break pictures and displaying today’s chosen break on the whiteboard, or fold a break into a stand up and share moment.

✅ Build in preventative breaks at the start of the year, then shift toward on request breaks as routines settle and anxiety reduces.

✅ Set up a jar of activity strips, or a spinning paper plate wheel, with de-stressing activities so an overwhelmed child does not have to think about what to choose.

✅ Provide a high energy option (mini trampoline, hopscotch circuit, a fast “walk, don’t talk”) for children who regulate through movement rather than quiet.

✅ Add a small sensory transition object, with a “wait” or “finish” visual attached, to help a child move from the break area back to the classroom.

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/

This Space Can Include: 

• A teepee/tent

• Private area, away from foot traffic 

• Dark

• Quiet (headphones a good option) 

• Posters

• Ergonomics