Lesson Plan

Calm Corner Setup Guide

Students will explore and practice calming strategies using sensory tools and reflection, fostering emotional awareness and self-regulation in a dedicated calm space.

Developing early self-regulation skills helps Pre-K children recognize and manage their emotions, improving classroom engagement and emotional security.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Calm Corner & Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Emotion Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Sensory Bottle Creation

7 minutes

Step 3

Feelings Journal Reflection

5 minutes

Step 4

Review & Progress Check

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Welcome to the Calm Corner

Welcome students! Today we’re introducing our special calm corner, a cozy place to feel safe and calm whenever we need.

How Are You Feeling?

Hold up the emotion cards and ask each child to point to or name how they feel. Encourage them to share if they’d like.

What Is the Calm Corner?

Explain that the calm corner is a quiet, cozy spot in the room. Show photos or visuals of cushions and sensory tools.

Meet Our Calming Tools

Briefly show or pass around each tool. Describe how sensory bottles, lap pads, and stress balls can help us feel grounded.

Make Your Own Sensory Bottle

Guide students step-by-step. Demonstrate spooning in glitter, adding water, and sealing the bottle. Encourage them to watch the glitter swirl.

Drawing Our Feelings

Invite children to draw and share their feelings. Remind them there’s no right or wrong picture—this is about how they feel.

Remember, You Are Safe Here

Reassure students that the calm corner is always open. Encourage them to use it whenever they need a quiet moment.