Classroom corners support student behavior by providing a sensory-based solution that allows teachers to keep children in the classroom when they need a break. From improving focus to regulating emotions, these corners can address a variety of behavioral needs and support students in multiple ways. To make the sensory corner most effective, it’s important for teachers to understand how to utilize it properly and outfit it with key components for students’ needs.

Ways to Use Classroom Corners

Renew Focus

Do you have students who find it challenging to sit still and focus on the task at hand? Are there students who need an executive functioning boost to help them stay on track with their learning goals? When students feel over- or under-stimulated, it can be challenging for them to stay focused and on task in the classroom. Sensory-based classroom corners provide a solution by allowing students to take a break and engage in activities that regulate their sensory input. This, in turn, helps them regulate and re-focus, so that they can concentrate and participate in classroom activities.

Classroom corners support student behavior by providing a sensory-based solution that allows teachers to keep children in the classroom when they need a break. From improving focus to regulating emotions, these corners can address a variety of behavioral needs and support students in multiple ways. To make the sensory corner most effective, it’s important for teachers to understand how to utilize it properly and outfit it with key components for students’ needs.

Behavior Regulation

One of the key benefits of incorporating a sensory-based classroom corner is that teachers can use the tools provided to prevent or replace common behavioral challenges. Students can utilize the sensory tools to practice self-determination, regulate their emotions, build empathy and develop appropriate behaviors. This helps them to better manage their behavior and participate more fully in classroom activities.

Autism Support in the Classroom

Sensory activities can be even more highly beneficial for students with autism. Sensory tools can help with regulation; high-tech sensory tools can aid with more significant visual input, cause-and-effect skills and problem-solving. Teachers who wish to keep their students within the classroom setting can set up a mini-sensory space at the back of the classroom.

Components of a Classroom Corner

Classroom corners typically include several sensory-based components so that students can self-regulate, boost emotional awareness and feel empowered to take control of their environment.

1. Seating

Flexible seating options are a great way to enhance student attention and alertness in the classroom. By providing seating options such as chair cushions, ball chairs and wobble chairs, teachers can improve students' posture while engaging their core muscles and providing proprioceptive input that helps them remain alert during classroom activities. Additionally, bean bags and SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seats can help students relax and feel more comfortable, providing a sense of security similar to a deep hug. This can help students feel more at ease while participating with their peers.

2. Visual Elements

Calming visual sensory input is an effective way to help students de-stress. Gel Floor Tiles, fiber optic lights and Bubble Tubes are great soothing visual elements. For both visual and tactile input choose interactive wall panels like the Tactile UV Sensory Panel or sequined Sensory Wall Panels. The gentle visuals can create a relaxing environment for increased focus. 

3. Tactile Tools

Keeping students’ hands busy and minds engaged is a helpful way for them to regulate their sensory systems. Tactile tools can range in size and type, allowing them to be used throughout the classroom as needed. Include a variety of fidget balls, putties and fidget lap pads to improve attention to task and relieve stress.

4. Self-Calming Strategies

Self-calming strategies are essential for managing student behavior effectively in the classroom. The use of tools like a Break Box, Self-Calming Cards and Calm Down Jars can provide students with a sense of control and help them regulate their own behavior. These tools can be particularly helpful for students who experience anxiety and stress, as they can provide a safe and effective way to explore how to manage their own behaviors, with a teacher present to assist as needed. By incorporating self-calming strategies into their classroom routine, teachers can help students develop essential regulation skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.

5. Emotional Regulation

A key component of a sensory-based classroom corner is providing tools that help students regulate their emotions and develop social-emotional awareness. Tools such as the Social Emotional Learning Box™, Sensory Activity Mood Panel  and Emotion Cushions provide students with a visual way to understand and manage their emotions. By promoting emotional regulation and social-emotional awareness, these tools can help students build positive relationships, develop empathy and create a more positive classroom environment.

6. Physical activity

Opportunities to engage in physical activities give students a much-needed brain break so that they can refocus and ease transitions. Kids can jump on a Bounce Board, spin on a Spin Disc or work together to crawl through the Crawl and Calm Resistance Tunnel. These movement-based activities can also improve students' coordination, balance and spatial awareness, providing additional benefits to their overall physical development.

Structuring a Sensory-Based Classroom Corner Within the Classroom Routine

Teachers need to have a plan in place when incorporating a classroom corner into their routine.

1. Getting Started

Think about your classroom’s setup and identify ideal areas for a classroom corner. You can use back walls or corners to reduce distractions for other students. Consider available shelving and closets to store small tools. If you’re creating multiple stations, plan for adequate space between each one.

2. Introduce the Space

The classroom corner should be introduced to the students with clear objectives. For example, if the goal is intended to be a calm-down space then you should explain that it is a safe space for students to go to and take a break when needed.

3. Set Expectations

Set clear expectations and guidelines for using the corner. Make sure that your students know when they can use the space and how long they can stay in it. You can utilize visual cues like a Time Timer so that students are responsible for their time in the space.

4. Check In

It’s important to regularly check in with students to ensure that they are using the corner effectively. Take note of any patterns you notice in students’ behavior before and after spending time in the space to determine if certain tools are lacking or proving to be a distraction. You can also use data tracking forms to monitor student behavior and the impact of various sensory tools over time. 

Classroom corners can be incredibly beneficial for both teachers and students. By incorporating sensory-based components into the classroom itself, teachers can help students regulate their emotions, improve focus and manage their behavior more effectively. When implemented correctly, classroom corners can provide a safe and welcoming space for students to take a break and engage in activities that help them feel more comfortable and in control, while still participating in their learning environment. 

Looking to plan your sensory space for your school? Contact your account manager or Activemind@funandfunction.com. Want to make something similar at home? Check out our home sensory rooms.