Finding Calm in Our Classrooms
Have you ever been on a plane, feeling crowded, uncomfortable, and hot as you sit stuffed into a middle seat? You can feel the anxiety rise as the time ticks by. You are counting down the hours until you can release the stress, stretch your legs, and come back to baseline.
This is exactly what many of our students feel. Crowded classrooms, loud noises, and dysregulated classmates can cause stress to rise in students' bodies. As adults, we can become better tuned to this and offer them a choice to help mitigate the rising flood of emotions.
One idea is the Peace Corner.
Following our school crisis of the fire, we got to work, not just on the physical repairs but on healing our school community. That's when we decided to introduce peace corners in every classroom. We didn't just throw together a few cushions and call it a day—these were carefully thought-out spaces where our students could escape the chaos, take a breath, and find a little bit of peace. I can still see that first peace corner we set up—a small, cozy nook with soft cushions, a few calming tools, and just enough privacy for a student to feel safe. It quickly became a sanctuary, a place where our students could go when the world felt too big and too overwhelming.
Why Peace Corners Matter
The idea of a peace corner might seem simple, but the impact it has on students is profound—especially after trauma. In the fast-paced, often overwhelming environment of a classroom, students need a place where they can escape, even if just for a few minutes, to gather their thoughts and emotions. A peace corner isn't just a timeout spot; it's a space where students can learn to self-regulate, practice mindfulness, and return to the classroom feeling more grounded and ready to learn.
The Science of Mindfulness has shown that mindfulness practices can significantly improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. By including mindfulness tools in peace corners, we provide students with powerful resources to manage their emotions.
In my experience as a principal, creating peace corners has been one of the most effective strategies for addressing emotional and behavioral challenges in the classroom. It's a tangible way to show students that it's okay to feel overwhelmed, and it gives them the tools they need to manage those feelings. The peace corner became a symbol of safety, acceptance, and personal growth for our students—a space where they could find calm without fear of judgment or punishment.
Setting Up Your Peace Corner: Tips for Success
Creating a peace corner doesn't require a lot of space or resources, but it does require thoughtfulness and intention. Here are some tips to help you set up a peace corner in your classroom:
Choose the Right Spot
Find a quiet, low-traffic area of the classroom where students can have a sense of privacy without being completely isolated. This spot should be easily accessible so students feel comfortable using it whenever they need to.
Keep It Cozy and Inviting
Use soft cushions, a small rug, or a beanbag chair to make the space cozy. The goal is to create a space where students feel safe to relax and recharge. I've found that students are more likely to use the peace corner when it feels welcoming and comforting.
Include Calming Tools
Stock the peace corner with items that help students calm down and focus. This could include stress balls, coloring books, journals, or even a jar of glitter they can shake to watch the glitter settle as they breathe deeply. These tools can be effective in helping students regulate themselves and return to the classroom prepared to learn. One caution-don’t add to many as we won’t want to incentive the space.
Add Visuals and Prompts
Consider adding posters with breathing exercises, calming affirmations, or mindfulness prompts. These visuals can guide students in using the peace corner effectively. For example, a poster that walks students through a simple breathing exercise can be a great tool for helping them calm down.
Teach Students How to Use It
It's important to introduce the peace corner to your students and explain its purpose. I encouraged teachers to role-play with students, showing them how to use the space and the tools available. By normalizing its use, students feel more comfortable going to the peace corner when they need a break.
Incorporate SEL Practices
Integrate the peace corner into your broader social and emotional learning (SEL) practices. According to the National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE), creating spaces where students feel safe—both physically and emotionally—is essential for their development. Encourage students to use the corner as part of their daily routines and remind them that it's a safe space for them to reflect on their feelings and experiences.
The Impact of Peace Corners on Student Well-Being
Peace corners became an integral part of our classrooms during my time as principal, and the impact they had on our students was immeasurable. I think of one student in particular—a child who struggled with anger and frustration, often acting out in class. After we introduced peace corners, this student began using the space regularly. Over time, she learned to recognize his emotions, take a moment to calm down, and return to class, ready to participate.
In fact, I remember her saying to me one they year we added Peace Corners, “You know, Ms. Penley, if we would have had Peace Corners last year, I wouldn’t have gotten into so much trouble.” We both laughed and I knew she was right. The Peace Corner gave her options when learning had stopped.
For many students, the peace corner was a lifeline—a place where they could feel in control of their emotions in an environment that often felt overwhelming. It wasn't just about giving them a break; it was about teaching all our students lifelong skills for managing stress and emotions. These skills extended far beyond the classroom, assisting them in navigating the complexities of life with resilience and empathy.
Why We Need More Peace Corners in Classrooms
As educators, our role goes far beyond teaching academic content. We are shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and citizens. Creating a peace corner is a small yet impactful way to demonstrate to students that their emotional well-being is equally as important as their academic success. It's about creating a classroom culture where every student feels valued, supported, and understood.
Want to learn more? This belief in the transformative power of SEL is what inspired me to write Unlocking SEL. This book provides a practical blueprint for implementing SEL in schools by breaking down the process into five essential keys, guiding educators step-by-step to create a thriving, emotionally intelligent school culture, and includes more information about implementing Peace Corners.
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