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Do you have a calming space at your school or are you thinking of creating one? This page will give inspiration on what a school calming space might look like, logistics for implementation, as well as suggestions for creating your school's best space! You can also visit CCSD's virtual calming room for inspiration and resources!
What is a Calming Room?
A Calming Room is a space that is designed to be a supportive and safe environment which assists staff or students in self-calming efforts by offering them a designated space to relax and self-regulate.
Who is a calming room for?
STUDENTS:
Elementary: Calming Corner Kits
School Counselors and Psychologists have been provided with Calming Kits to utilize with students.
Middle/High: Calming Room
A designated calm down room students can access and utilize to self-regulate.
OR:
STAFF:
Designated space for staff members to relax and disconnect. Consider having a space that is not used for any other purpose (workroom, copier room, etc.).
Gain input from staff about what would be helpful.
What does the process for setting up a calming room/space look like?
Designate a space and a monitor (where will the space be and who will monitor the students?)
Determine a protocol (how will students/staff request access? How much time will the be allowed? What are guidelines?
Teaching strategies (how will students learn the calming techniques they have access to in the calming room? How will you know if the room is effective?
Align to a Curriculum (Second step, RethinkEd, Overcoming Obstacles, EverFi, etc. how will students and staff have what they are working on align to the curriculum?
Relevant Material (will students have access to mindfulness apps, the CCSD calming room, etc.)
We don't have a space for a calming room, what other options do I have?
Great question! There are options such as calming kits (filled with fidgets and sensory items), or creating a calming space in a classroom to allow students a safe space to regulate. These spaces could have comfortable seating, calming kits, coloring sheets, small weighted blankets, etc. These spaces are often seen in elementary schools, but can be adapted for middle and high, too!
Creating a classroom environment that promotes a calm, healthy learning community helps with increasing academics and decreasing challenging behavior. Check out this page for creating a healthy classroom environment!
CCSD School Inspiration!
Camp Road Middle
(Students)
Mary Ford Elementary
(Staff)
West Ashley High
(Students)
Moultrie Middle
(Staff and Students)
Laing Middle
(Students)
Minnie Hughes Elementary
(Staff & Students)
St Johns High
Coming soon...
Haut Gap Middle
Coming soon...
C E Williams North
(Students)
Deer Park Middle
(Staff) Coming soon...
Calming Room Protocols:
Every school will have different guidelines for how students (or staff) access your school's calming room. Here are some things to consider:
How will students learn about the room? What presentation will you provide to staff and then students that explains how to use calming room items, how to request access, how long they can stay? Getting staff buy-in so they allow students to access the room is key!
If students self identify needing the room, how will they ask? Is there a pass for each teacher, a sign up, do you use SmartPass? What rules might you need to consider - students not using the room during assessments (unless initiated by staff), how many time per day/week/month before an informal meeting with the student to identify potential additional supports?
How long will students be allowed in the calming room? Typically, students are allotted 10 minutes - will there be a timer? Sign in (digital or paper) sheet? Scan ID? Use PS numbers for confidentiality? What happens if they stay longer (assess if it is a true need for longer access or classroom/work avoidance, address with student directly first - if need address tier 2 supports available, if avoidance explain why the room privileges shouldn't be abused; if continues, meet with student and supports - family and school, to address expectations and next steps.
How many students/staff will be allowed to use the room at the same time? Typically, no more than 2 students in the calming room to allow for confidentiality and proper use of items.
How will you know if the room is working? Pre and post surveys are a convenient way to collect this data (example: pre-survey: rank level of stress, ask what the stressor was - multiple choice (academic, friendship, outside school, etc.); post-survey: rank level of stress after accessing room, note the most useful tool in the calming room, do they need a follow-up with a counselor?)
Who will monitor the room? This is not a room where staff are typically teaching calming/relaxation strategies (though some schools do have staff to do this!), so who will be making sure students are using the appropriate time and respecting the room?
Reach out to your Climate Coach for assistance on building a calming space at your school or in your classroom
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