In follow-up to this post, I wanted to share a quick strategy that is deceptively simple yet sets the stage for social-emotional learning:

Edutopia recently shared this video about Peace Corners:

It’s simple, right? Set up a comfy corner, invite students to use it to take a break, add in a little reflection sheet. Yet, there are so many layers to how this can help students:

• Honors and respects students’ autonomy by choosing when to take a break

• Gives students a safe and non-shaming “out” (since it’s open to everyone in the class)

• Encourages reflection and development of self-knowledge through reflection sheets

• Creates space within the classroom community rather than asking to students to leave the classroom community completely

• Provides sensory tools for self-regulation

• Helps students internalize self-management skills that are transferable across settings

• Communicates care and a whole-school commitment to social/emotional support

Peace corners – or any other name you choose to call this self-regulation space – are a simple, visible way to incorporate social/emotional support. It’s a trauma-informed strategy that benefits all students. I’m trying one this year with a mixed-elementary age extracurricular class – I’ll update on how it goes!