Calming time anyone....

So for some years now the philosophy of 'time out'  has been outdated. Of course the popular redirection has taken it's place.  Although, there are moments when a child is in shear melt down mode, and your best efforts of redirection simply fly out the nearest door.  In recent years, the concept of "safe centers, cozy cubes, and calming areas" has been instituted.

What is this "calming center" all about?  Well, it is a  one child safe zone center. A small area filled with comforting items and sensory tools.  The idea behind the strategy is that children can self-regulate by  learning that this area is for them when they ; cannot use words to express emotions, needs some time away from  group, or simply are unable to cope with the environment.  The idea is the child goes to the "calming area" takes a few moments to regroup and of course calm down, then rejoins the group.  As silly as it may sound, it does work.

A calming center should be semi-enclosed and filled with distracting and sensory tools for the child to use to self-regulate and sooth self.  We use a calming center, and I have to say, it does actually work; most the time.  LoL

Here is the calming center in my current classroom and it is filled with pillows, sensory bottles and toys, and plush items.  I am very fortunate, the children in the class already understand this area and what it is used for, and yes, they do use it.