Calming Corner to Help Students with Anxiety

Students frequently experience emotional challenges such as anxiety, frustration, and sensory overload that impact their ability to focus and learn effectively. Without adequate strategies or spaces to manage these feelings, students may act out or disengage from learning activities. Creating calming corners offers a proactive, positive approach to help students develop self-regulation skills in a supportive environment.

That's why Anne Cronin, Nea School Counselor for grades TK-8, asked AEF for an AEF Teacher Mini Grant to fund 'calming corners' in each classroom, complete with a variety of sensory tools and comfort items tailored to support self-regulation. The Corner is available to all 444 students at Nea Community Learning Center.

These corners are expected to promote student autonomy in managing emotions and behaviors, and improve the classroom climate by reducing emotional outbursts and disruptions.

As the 'calming corners' continue to be rolled out through the school, success will be measured by teacher observations, student feedback, and tracking changes in behavioral incidents before and after implementation.

Ms. Cronin wrote: "I wanted to make sure I shared the exciting progress I’m making" as she continues to update us in thus project. Stay tuned!