Pupil Wellbeing Toolkit: Creating Calm Classroom Spaces

A practical guide to establishing and maintaining wellbeing spaces in your classroom.

Introduction

Creating a dedicated calm space in your classroom can provide students with a safe haven when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of emotional regulation. This toolkit provides practical guidance for setting up and maintaining an effective wellbeing area that supports students’ mental health.

Setting Up Your Calm Space

Location Considerations

• Choose a quiet corner away from high-traffic areas
• Ensure the space is visible from your teaching position
• Consider natural light if possible
• Aim for approximately 2m x 2m of floor space
• Keep the area semi-private but not isolated

Essential Furniture Elements

• Comfortable seating (classroom bean bags or soft chairs)
• Small table or desk for writing/drawing
• Soft floor cushions
• Classroom storage solutions for resources
• Room divider or privacy screen

Calming Sensory Elements

• Soft lighting options or mood lights
• Tactile objects (stress balls, fidget toys)
• Weighted lap pads
• Sound-reducing headphones
• Bubble tubes or quiet light displays

Essential Resources to Stock

• Journals and writing materials
• Drawing supplies
• Mindfulness colouring sheets
• Emotion cards
• Simple puzzle activities
• Breathing exercise guides

Classroom Calm Space Cards: A Guided Approach to Emotional Regulation

In support of Children’s Mental Health Week, we’ve created a special set of Classroom Calm Space Cards – designed to give children the tools they need to manage their emotions and find moments of peace during their school day. These carefully crafted cards combine playful elements with proven relaxation techniques, making emotional regulation accessible and engaging for young learners.

Click Here to Download your Classroom Calm Space Cards

How to Use the Calm Space Cards:

Setting Up

• Display the cards in an easy-to-access card holder or laminate and attach them to your calm space wall
• Ensure cards are at child height and easily visible
• Consider creating duplicate sets for heavy-use activities

Teaching the Activities

• Introduce one card at a time during class mindfulness sessions
• Practice the activities together as a group initially
• Demonstrate proper use of each exercise
• Encourage children to choose their favourite activities

Supporting Independent Use

• Allow children to self-select cards based on their needs
• Keep a visual guide showing which cards help with different feelings (e.g., anxiety, anger, excitement)
• Create simple picture cues for non-readers
• Rotate featured cards weekly to maintain interest

The cards include eight carefully designed activities:

• • Rainbow Magic Breath – for focusing and centring
  • Star Square Adventure – for anxiety reduction
  • The Magical Growing Tree – for releasing physical tension
  • Dancing Butterfly – for gentle movement and expression
  • Weather Wonders – for energy release
  • Magic Senses Explorer – for grounding and presence
  • Body Magic Scan – for complete relaxation
  • Balloon Friends – for letting go of worries

These eight activities have been thoughtfully developed to support different aspects of emotional wellbeing, from anxiety reduction to energy release, helping children build a toolkit of strategies they can use both in school and at home.

Usage Guidelines

• Maximum occupancy: 1-2 students
• Recommended time limit: 10 minutes
• Simple sign-in/out system
• Clear rules displayed
• Quiet voices only

Remember: A well-maintained calm space can be a valuable tool in supporting student wellbeing and creating a positive learning environment. Regular review and updates will help ensure it remains effective and relevant to your students’ needs.