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​What activities should we include in a calm corner?
 
Many classrooms are being set up with a calm corner, specifically designed as a space for students to go to and practice regulation techniques. These spaces are often cozy with pillows, stuffed animals, fidget toys, and breathing techniques. All of these tools are wonderful for regulation. We want to share some other strategies that can be incorporated into this area that might not already be there.
 
Many behaviors reveal that children need heavy work to help them regulate their body systems. While we might shy away from adding in large movement activities in our “calm” corners, they are in fact what might be exactly what our students need to find their calm.
 
Students who are constantly getting up, have lots of energy, calling out, or are feeling restless need to push, pull, sway, spin, and squeeze. 
 
Proprioceptive input helps regulate the nervous system and support emotional control. Proprioception—the body’s sense of muscle and joint movement—provides deep pressure and resistance that can be very organizing for the brain and grounding for children. When students push, pull, squeeze, carry, or press against something, their bodies receive calming input that can reduce stress, improve focus, and restore a sense of control.
 
Download these proprioception activity suggestions for use in your classroom today!