Calm-Down Corner Activity Kit (K–1)
Sooner or later, every classroom has a child who needs somewhere to go when a feeling gets too big.
This resource is in the full SEL Resource Library. See what’s included or start with 10 free resources. Have an account? Log in.
About this resource
Sooner or later, every classroom has a child who needs somewhere to go when a feeling gets too big. This calm-down corner SEL activity kit for kindergarten and Grades K–1 helps you set up that cozy spot and teach students how to use it. It builds emotional regulation, a Self-Management skill, through a tour, role play and strategy cards.
What students practice
- Knowing the corner is a safe, helpful place
- Choosing a calming strategy
- Naming feelings such as angry, sad and scared
- Noticing how a feeling changes after calming down
What’s inside
- A teacher script with timed steps, plus a flexible outline for teachers who prefer their own words
- A Calm Down Corner Setup Guide with an items checklist and four setup steps (two versions)
- A Calm Down Corner Rules poster: use when needed, choose a strategy, respect the space, share your feelings
- 16 illustrated Calm Down Strategies cards, from deep breathing and counting to ten to blowing bubbles and playdough
- An Emotions Chart of six feelings and a Feelings Chart with Reflection Questions for before-and-after check-ins; 24 pages in all
A look inside
- Role-play scenario: “You’re playing with a toy, and someone takes it without asking. You feel angry.”
- Calm Down Corner Rules: “Talk to a teacher or parent about how you felt and what helped you calm down.”
- Reflection Questions: “Who can help you when you feel upset?”
How to use this calm-down corner kit
- Say that everyone feels angry sometimes, then walk students over for a tour of pillows, stuffed animals, stress balls and calming pictures
- Role-play three scenarios, such as a toy being taken, where volunteers show the feeling and use something to calm down
- Brainstorm other ideas, like counting to ten or drawing a picture
- Introduce it early in the year, then revisit after a hard day or a long break
Grade fit
The corner tour, short role-plays and circle-the-answer check-ins suit kindergarten and first grade. As coping skills activities go, it is a routine you build once and return to, and the SEL activities fit early in the school year.
Good to know
The script stresses that students do not need permission to go to the corner.
Pairs well with
Teach the breathing that goes with it in Balloon Breathing, or try Feelings Chart and Calm-Down Corner.
Questions teachers ask
Do students need permission to use the corner?
No. The script stresses that they do not need permission to go.
How long does the lesson take?
About 25 minutes.
More for Self-Management
See all in the library →
Every resource, one library.
572 SEL resources for elementary classrooms — printables, digital activities and answer sheets, and every new one we add.
