Calm Down Spot - Editable Coping Strategies Corner for Managing Emotions

Create your own calm down spot in the room to help kids visit to use coping strategies and manage their tough emotions on the spot. Resources include posters, directions, an emotions check-in, and over 40 coping strategies to post for kids to choose from. You can also use a blank page to cut and paste coping strategies to make your own individualized coping strategies posters for the walls!

Why Use a Calm Down Spot

A calm down spot is a safe area where kids and young adults can go to help calm themselves when their emotions are overwhelming in the moment. By going to a designated area, kids can learn healthy ways of managing their emotions on the spot, rather than acting out in negative ways. In order to get there, they will choose from a list of coping strategies, set a timer (for a designated amount of time), use their strategy, and check-in with themselves after the timer goes off. If they are calm, they can return back to class.

Coping strategies are any activity that can help calm emotions and stress. Kids and young adults may often experience difficult emotions but do not have appropriate coping strategies for dealing with those feelings. Just some of the coping strategies highlighted within this resource include: listening to music, taking a walk, coloring, deep breathing, focusing on an object, using positive self-talk, practicing yoga, counting to ten, talking to a friend, and much more.

How to Set Up Your Calm Down Spot

• Arrange a space in the room. It should be private, comfortable, and inviting.

Add posters up on the walls that give the steps for what to do in the calm down spot.

• Post Coping Strategies posters. You have two options: #1 Use the pre-made coping strategies posters included. You can choose from them and select the best ones or post them all. OR #2 Use the blank version. Have your student(s) select their top strategies. Cut and paste those strategies into the blank version.

• Post the check-in Feelings Poster.

• Add necessary coping materials such as: kinetic sand, books, coloring supplies, paper, journal, bean bag chair, etc.

• Review the student directions with your learners in need of a calm down area so they understand the plan, too!

Note that it is critical to practice coping strategies with your learners before you expect them to use these skills to manage their emotions. Make sure to spend time actually using the strategies chosen (coloring, deep breathing, writing in a journal, positive self-talk, etc.) just for practice so that your learners are able to use them during a crisis or challenge.

Completely Editable!

This resource includes a completely editable PowerPoint document. This allows you to change the name of the "Calm Down Spot", create individualized coping strategies, or even add photos of students or strategies!

Need MORE Coping Strategies?

{ Mindfulness and Coping Strategies MEGA Bundle }

This is a HUGE bundle with over 500 pages focused on teaching mindfulness and coping strategies to encourage self-control, happiness, positivity, and many more positive outcomes. It contains a variety of lessons, workbooks, posters, task cards, foldable crafts, and much more!

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Disclaimer: These resources and materials are for supplementary support/education purposes and not intended as a replacement for counseling, education, or other necessary supports. Educators, parents, counselors, and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed.

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