Creating a sensory corner in your classroom can be a game-changer for kids who need a little extra support to stay focused and feel comfortable throughout the school day. Sensory corners, outfitted with specific sensory tools, can help address the needs of children with sensory processing disorders, ADHD and autism by giving them a calm place to reset and self-regulate.  This self-contained space allows students to take breaks when they feel overstimulated, overwhelmed, anxious or frustrated. Our occupational therapists are detailing basic steps and recommendations to help you set up an engaging and calming classroom corner.

Step 1: Identify an Ideal Location

Before you can think about what sensory tools to include, you need to find a good space in your classroom. Is there a walk-in closet that can be transformed into your classroom corner? Often the back of the room has less traffic and fewer distractions, which can make it the best spot to use. 

Once you’ve chosen a location, you need to make sure that it is clearly designated for your students, too. Visually mark the borders of the calming corner with gel tiles or spot markers.Wall panels are a great way to incorporate tactile and visual elements, in addition to delineating the space.

2. Focused Fidgeting

Fidgeting can increase concentration by providing an outlet for excess energy so that the brain can focus on specific tasks. Many students benefit from the sustained tactile feedback they get while playing with a fidget. Stash a Bag of Fidgets in your classroom corner, or choose your own variety, to keep students’ hands occupied with repetitive motions in a quiet, non-distracting way. Putty is a favorite for kids to stretch, squeeze and mold into different shapes. This engages the muscles of the hands and forearms, providing substantial proprioceptive  feedback while strengthening fine motor skills.

3. Weighted Wonders

The deep pressure input from weighted lap padsand otherweighted toyspromotes calm and boosts concentration. Students can carry these tools with them back to their seats to help them attend, or use them in the classroom corner. This type of proprioceptive input is often known as the “all-calming sense,” improving both body awareness and relaxation for many kids. We love theWeighted Disc Blanket for the classroom because of its wipe-clean material.

4. Mighty Moves

While it might seem counterintuitive at first, some children need active movement breaks in order to corral their energy and refocus. An easily stored Bounce Board or Wooden Balance Board are great options to have in your classroom corner. Short, controlled activity sessions help release energy and improve body awareness, so that students can return to their seats and participate in the lessons. Use a visual timer to let kids know how much time they have, without needing to interrupt your teaching. 

5. Vivid Visuals

Choose soothing colors and lights to outfit your sensory corner. Students may be overstimulated by harsh fluorescents, so use LED lightsin the space instead. There are many types you can include, depending on the space you have available. The gently floating glitter in aCalm Down Jarand the swirling colors ingel tilesalso provide calming visual stimulation. Kids can create patterns by flipping the sequins of theSequin Wall Panels as they self-regulate.

6. Tune It Out

Incorporate a tentto reduce visual and auditory distractions in the classroom corner. This can create a buffer for an overstimulated student, giving them respite from the hustle and bustle of the classroom.Noise canceling headphones are also a great tool to have available. Reducing background noise can help students concentrate and avoid sensory overload.

Step 3: How to Use a Classroom Corner

Once your sensory corner is set up, you need to introduce your students to the tools and explain how they are used. Let them explore the tools in a supervised manner so that they can become familiar and ask any questions they may have. Post a list of rules for the classroom corner in a visible spot, and review them with your students. (Check out our free templates for ideas!)

At first, you may need to send children to the sensory corner to take a break, but over time they will learn to recognize it themselves. Encourage them to utilize the tools before their anxiety or antsiness devolves into a meltdown. This will also help ensure that the space is not being used as a reward or punishment, but rather as a preventative measure for self-regulation. By providing sensory tools you are empowering your students to meet their needs independently.

Step 4: Review and Refresh

In order to keep your sensory corner engaging and effective, you will need to periodically refresh the tools available in it. Check the tools to ensure that nothing is worn down or needs replacing. You can rotate the items in a Break Box or introduce something new. This helps sustain student interest and supports evolving sensory needs. 

Creating a sensory corner isn’t just about buying some sensory items— it’s about building a supportive environment where kids can take a break and recharge. By providing specific tools, you’re creating a welcoming, calm space where each student feels empowered to manage their own needs.

Not sure where to start? Try our Basic,PreferredorCustom Classroom Corner to help you get started!