Research on Classroom Calming Corners for Emotional Regulation

Classroom calming corners are quiet spaces within a classroom where children can take a moment to breathe, reset, and manage overwhelming emotions. These are part of social-emotional learning (SEL).

A research study published in the International Journal of the Whole Child investigated how calming corners can help children during life transitions, particularly their move into 1st or 6th grade. It found that calming corners were viewed positively by both students and teachers in these grades.

Children used the spaces to manage big feelings, and teachers noticed improvements in classroom climate and the well-being of students. The findings of this study confirm what’s already clear in many classrooms: calming corners give children a healthy outlet when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding the Research

The goal of this study was to find out how effective classroom calming corners are in helping children during two major school transitions — starting 1st grade and beginning 6th grade. Researchers focused on these age groups because both face new environments and expectations that can bring on emotional stress.

The research took place during the 2021–2022 school year at one elementary school and one middle school run by a large public university in the southeastern United States.

The calming corners used in the study were funded by a $1,000 university grant, and teachers who were interested in using the intervention participated. They received a video training that explained the purpose of calming corners and how to guide students in using them.

To measure the calming corners’ impact, students completed a 20-item self-regulation questionnaire both before and after the study. After using the calming corners, both students and teachers filled out additional surveys to share their thoughts.

After analyzing the data, the researchers saw clear benefits to having calming corners in the classroom. Here are the main takeaways:

• Both first- and sixth-grade students showed improvement in how well they managed their emotions and behaviors. First graders, in particular, showed the most progress in “coping” and “personal control.”
• Moreover, they reported that the calming corners helped them feel calmer and in control. Many especially liked the tools inside the corner (like stress balls, slime, playdough, and fidgets).
• Some students said they wished there were more calming corners available because the space was sometimes already in use when they needed it. Others appreciated not having to explain why they needed the space.
• Teachers who participated in the study shared that they were satisfied, and one even noted that she personally found the space helpful.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Here are 3 strategies to help you create a calming corner that works (whether you’re a parent setting one up at home or a teacher building one in your classroom):

Pick a spot that feels safe and calming

Choose a quiet area away from distractions, noise, or high traffic. This can be a cozy corner of the living room, a small space in your child’s bedroom, or a nook in the classroom. You can add a soft pillow, rug, or blanket to make it feel welcoming.

The goal is to give your child a space where they feel secure and able to take a break.

Start with just one or two items and build from there

There’s no need to fill the space all at once. Many children in the study found comfort in simple tools like stress balls, slime, or playdough. You might also include a stuffed animal, calming jar, or a feelings chart. Over time, you can ask your child what else they would like to add.

Let the space become a regular, judgment-free option

Encourage your child to use the calming corner whenever they need a break, not just when they’re upset. Doing this will normalize emotional regulation.

Also, avoid asking too many questions when they use the space. Instead, let it be a pressure-free environment where they can reset and return when they’re ready.

The researchers suggest that future studies should involve more participants, diverse school settings, and varied data collection methods to strengthen the findings.

Check out our Coping Skills Worksheets and Stress Management Worksheets to support your child’s emotions at home or in the classroom.