Lesson Plan

Design Calm Workshop

Students will collaboratively design classroom calm zones and establish behavior norms by creating mood boards, brainstorming agreed-upon rules, and visualizing calm corners to foster ownership and emotional self-regulation.

Co-creating environmental supports and norms empowers first graders, increases engagement, reduces disruptions, and builds a shared language for managing feelings and behaviors.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Goal Setting

5 minutes

Step 2

Explore Calm Zone Inspirations

8 minutes

Step 3

Mood Board Creation Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Norms Brainstorm Discussion

8 minutes

Step 5

Calm Corner Visualization

6 minutes

Step 6

Share, Post & Reflect

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Calm Zone Inspirations

Welcome students! Today we're going to look at some calm spaces to inspire our own classroom calm zone. After each slide, ask: What do you notice? How might this feel calm?

Cozy Reading Nook

Point out the soft textures, cushions, and quiet reading atmosphere. Prompt: What colors and materials help you feel relaxed?

Soft Lighting Corner

Draw attention to the gentle glow and how lighting affects mood. Prompt: Would you want to read here or relax here? Why?

Fidget Tool Station

Show different fidget tools. Ask: How might squeezing or rolling these help when you feel wiggly?

Nature Observation Corner

Highlight the natural elements and sounds. Prompt: How do plants or listening to birds make you feel?

Sensory Bottle Display

Explain how watching swirling liquids can calm the mind. Ask: What colors or objects would you put inside your bottle?

Quiet Music Area

Describe how soft music or nature sounds can aid relaxation. Prompt: Which kind of music or sounds help you calm down?