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Quiet Corner

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Lesson Plan

Calm Corner Blueprint

Enable the student to independently recognize emotions, select a calm-down tool, and track self-regulation through a clear four-step calm-corner routine.

Building self-regulation skills helps students manage overwhelming feelings, build emotional awareness, and foster independence in coping strategies.

Audience

2nd Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Model, practice, and reflect calm-down strategies

Materials

Finding Your Calm, Emotion Identification Chart, DIY Calm Jar, and Self-Regulation Checklist

Prep

Teacher Prep

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

  • Welcome the student to the calm corner and explain its purpose.
  • Review lesson objective: recognize feelings, choose a tool, and check progress.
  • Briefly show the Finding Your Calm slides to introduce the four calm-down steps.

Step 2

Guided Practice

7 minutes

  • Step 1: Identify Emotion
  • Step 2: Choose Tool
    • Show the glitter jar from the DIY Calm Jar and model shaking it.
  • Step 3: Deep Breathing
    • Guide the student through 5 slow breaths as they watch the glitter settle.
  • Step 4: Track Progress

Step 3

Independent Practice

7 minutes

  • Invite the student to repeat the four-step routine:
    1. Point to their emotion on the chart.
    2. Shake the calm jar.
    3. Breathe deeply with the jar.
    4. Check off the step on the checklist.
  • Offer prompts as needed, then fade support to encourage autonomy.

Step 4

Reflection

3 minutes

  • Ask the student how they felt before and after using the calm corner.
  • Review their completed checklist together.
  • Praise effort and discuss one personal goal (e.g., “Next time I’ll try one more breath”).
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Slide Deck

Finding Your Calm

Welcome to the Calm Corner! Here are four easy steps to help you feel better.

Welcome the student to the Calm Corner. Explain that this slide deck will walk them through four simple steps to help them feel better when big feelings come.

Step 1: Identify Feelings

Use the Emotion Chart to name how you feel. Point to your feeling on the chart.

Point out the Emotion Identification Chart. Encourage the student to point to or name their current feeling.

Step 2: Choose a Tool

Pick a calm-down tool—like the glitter jar. Shake it and watch it sparkle.

Show the glitter jar and model shaking it. Emphasize how picking a tool helps us calm down.

Step 3: Breathe Deeply

Take slow, deep breaths. Watch the glitter settle as you breathe.

Guide the student to take 3–5 slow breaths as they watch the glitter settle.

Step 4: Check Your Progress

Use the Self-Regulation Checklist to mark each step you completed.

Show how to use the Self-Regulation Checklist. Demonstrate marking off each step.

You Did It!

Great job using the Calm Corner! Remember these steps whenever you have big feelings.

Praise the student’s effort and remind them they can use these steps anytime.

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Worksheet

Emotion Identification Chart

Use this chart to point to or circle how you feel. Look at the faces and words, then find the one that matches your emotion.

🙂😀 Happy😢 Sad😠 Angry😲 Surprised
😨😑 Bored😃 Excited😌 Calm😡 Frustrated
 
 
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Activity

DIY Calm Jar

Purpose: Create a glitter jar that helps you slow down and feel calm by watching the sparkles settle.

Materials:

  • A clear, empty jar with a tight-fitting lid (e.g., recycled jam/jelly jar)
  • Warm water (3⁄4 full jar)
  • Clear school glue (2–3 tablespoons)
  • Fine glitter (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Food coloring (optional: 1–2 drops)
  • Strong tape or hot glue (to secure lid)

Time Needed: 10 minutes to assemble; then ready to use anytime.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jar
    Rinse and dry your jar so it’s clean and clear.
  2. Add Water
    Pour warm water into the jar, filling it about ¾ full.
  3. Pour in Glue
    Squeeze in 2–3 tablespoons of clear glue. Glue makes the glitter fall more slowly.
  4. Mix in Glitter
    Sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of fine glitter into the water-glue mix.
  5. Optional Coloring
    Add 1–2 drops of food coloring if you’d like a tinted calming swirl.
  6. Seal the Lid
    Screw the lid on tightly. Wrap strong tape around the rim or use hot glue to secure it permanently (adult help recommended).
  7. Shake and Calm
    Shake the jar hard, then set it down. Take 3–5 slow breaths as you watch the glitter settle.

How to Use Your Calm Jar:
Whenever you feel big feelings, grab your DIY Calm Jar, give it a shake, and follow your breathing until the sparkles settle.

Cleanup Tip: If the jar ever comes loose, re-seal the lid before using again.

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Rubric

Self-Regulation Checklist

Use this checklist to track each step of your Calm Corner routine.

StepDone
1. Identify Emotion[ ]
2. Choose a Calm-Down Tool[ ]
3. Breathe Deeply (3–5 slow breaths)[ ]
4. Check Your Progress on Checklist[ ]

Reflection

How did I feel before using the Calm Corner?






How do I feel after using the Calm Corner?





Personal Goal for Next Time:





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