More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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A Calm and Cozy Corner will allow students to have a safe space to process their emotions when they feel overwhelmed. Students who feel like their emotions are valued and validated by their environment, peers, and teachers are more likely to feel comfortable participating in class activities. Having a space in class where they can just sit for a few minutes is a better alternative then removing kids from the class when all they need is just a break. Making sure that students are comfortable is essential in motivating them, and this extends to emotional wellness. Students who are frustrated and sad are not going to be able to learn well at all.
When given the choice of breaks and chances to pause for a minute, students will almost always re-engage and get more work completed when they feel cared for and that their needs were met. The bean bag chairs and wobble stool will allow comfortable seating options in the space, alternative to the hard desk chairs. The large area rug provides a sense of separation from the academic environment, making it feel more inviting and welcoming. The coloring books offer a low stakes task to complete while they are thinking about their current situation.
I have seen the amazing difference in demeanor and motivation that having the option to take a minute to process emotions can create. I know that this Calm and Cozy Corner will allow my students a safe place to take these breaks.
About my class
A Calm and Cozy Corner will allow students to have a safe space to process their emotions when they feel overwhelmed. Students who feel like their emotions are valued and validated by their environment, peers, and teachers are more likely to feel comfortable participating in class activities. Having a space in class where they can just sit for a few minutes is a better alternative then removing kids from the class when all they need is just a break. Making sure that students are comfortable is essential in motivating them, and this extends to emotional wellness. Students who are frustrated and sad are not going to be able to learn well at all.
When given the choice of breaks and chances to pause for a minute, students will almost always re-engage and get more work completed when they feel cared for and that their needs were met. The bean bag chairs and wobble stool will allow comfortable seating options in the space, alternative to the hard desk chairs. The large area rug provides a sense of separation from the academic environment, making it feel more inviting and welcoming. The coloring books offer a low stakes task to complete while they are thinking about their current situation.
I have seen the amazing difference in demeanor and motivation that having the option to take a minute to process emotions can create. I know that this Calm and Cozy Corner will allow my students a safe place to take these breaks.