Fostering Feelings and Focus: Comparing Safe Spaces and Calming Corners

In the world of education, it’s important to craft spaces that help our students’ emotions and thinking flourish. Safe spaces and calming corners alike can help children manage their feelings, lower stress, and build skills to control themselves. Here we’ll explore the details of safe spaces and calming corners, pointing out what makes each special and how they can work together to take care of our emotional well-being.

Benefits of Safe Spaces in Outdoor Classrooms

Imagine cozy spots in outdoor classrooms where children can take a break. These safe spaces are like hidden gems where kids can feel better, handle their feelings, and get ready to learn. These areas help children deal with stress, become tougher emotionally, and even behave better in class. Safe spaces provide children with a dedicated area for quiet retreat. Some children need to withdraw themselves from a group setting for valuable alone time, and safe spaces allow them to be independent, but never alone. 

Benefits of Calming Corners for Self-Regulation

Now picture special spots inside classrooms with soft cushions and cool stuff to touch. These spots are called calming corners and they're like indoor safe spaces. Children can go there to feel calm and in control when they're having big emotions. Calming corners have the same benefits as safe spaces, such as helping children focus more, feel less anxious, and understand their feelings better. Calming corners are like a safe haven indoors where kids can learn to handle their feelings.

Designing for Relaxation: Safe Spaces vs. Calming Corners

Safe spaces in a nature classroom provide an inviting, comfy and partially enclosed space where children feel hidden but educators still have critical line of sight. Adding cushions and age-appropriate books to the space can enhance the cozy feeling, but in many cases, children simply want a partially enclosed area like a tunnel or hut. Calming corners are special indoor spots designed to make kids feel relaxed with soft things, soft lighting, and things to touch that are soothing.

Finding Your Own Way and Expressing Yourself 

In safe spaces, children can listen to nature sounds and touch interesting textures.In calming corners, they can choose what helps them feel better, like squeezing a stress ball or playing with a sensory toy. Both places help children learn about their emotions and how to handle them.

Teachers Making a Difference

Teachers play big roles in making safe spaces and calming corners work well. Outside, teachers show children how to use safe spaces correctly, which helps them understand their feelings better. Inside, educators teach kids how to use calming corners and talk about feelings. Teachers are guides that help students learn how to manage their emotions.

Working Together for Emotional Wellness 

Instead of being opposites, safe spaces and calming corners work together to help children with their feelings. They each do their own thing – one in nature and the other inside – but they both help students manage their emotions. When we use both of these ideas, it gives children a strong support system that takes care of our feelings in different places.

In the world of education, emotions and thinking are like two important threads in a big tapestry. Safe spaces and calming corners are like colorful threads that make this tapestry even more beautiful. Each thread is unique, but together they create a strong fabric that keeps us emotionally well. By using safe spaces and calming corners, teachers give kids the tools to handle their emotions and grow up strong and balanced.

We’d love to create a custom safe space outdoors for you. Get in touch so we can share examples and talk about your specific needs.