Thursday Thoughts
This is where we will collaborate on classroom issues.
“I loved the idea of the soft spot where children can go calm down in the classroom. What should I do outside? With it being summer and all we are out all the time.” Janet T. Norfolk, VA
Great question Janet! We talked about soft spots here, so make sure you check that out if you haven’t already, but back to Janet’s question about the outdoors.
Obviously we want to keep the spirit of the area the same. This should not be a “punishment” place, but a place where children can go calm down before being shown alternatives for their behavior. Ultimately we want them to learn to use this area without intervention before they ever act out. This takes time, but it should be the prize we keep our eyes on.
If you have a garden or other soothing “secluded” area this would be an ideal place for a child to calm down. Remember that you ALWAYS need to be able to see the child. If you are not lucky enough to have an area like that already you can make one.
I think that using an old kiddie pool with a few outdoor pillows would make a great calm down area. Those are all things you can usually find at a yard sale, so keep your eyes peeled this fall as people decide to switch things out or as stores put summer items on sale.
You can also keep a basket of stuffies by the door so that if someone needs a hug you don’t have to go inside, but can simply reach in and grab the basket.
Painting can be a great soother too! Try leaving a large outdoor easel out and allowing children to get rid of their negative feelings using a positive outlet. Of course you can purchase these, but you can always reuse materials to make them. When the cribs or other large materials at your school needs replacing see if you can take apart these items to use the materials to make an easel. For example, the two ends of a crib would make a great easel whether they were affixed directly to a wall or fence or if you attached them to one another for a free standing easel.
A small sand table can also work to help children calm down. Have you ever just run your hand through the sand box while supervising outdoor play? I know you have, don’t lie! It was soothing wasn’t it? The sensory input is soothing for our littles too.
Last but not least, I’d recommend adding sensory bottles outside. Pinterest is flooded with ideas on sensory bottles. The ones that settle after a while tend to work the best for calming areas since the children need to keep their attention focused to watch the change.
Have you ever created a special area outside for calming down? What did you include? What didn’t work?
