10 Days of Giveaways
We have made it to the half way point of the 10 Days of Giveaways. Hopefully you have found a freebie and/or blog post suitable for your own teaching context.
Giveaway #5
The Cool-Down Corner Visual. You can find it at the Free Store.
What is it?
The Cool-Down Corner Visual (Perez, 2022) is a visual that includes 5 step-by-step instructions for students to complete when at the designated area properly entitled, "The Cool-Down Corner." The Cool-Down Corner is a space in the PE learning space where students can take a break, and like mentioned yesterday with the Zones of Regulation, students can regulate their emotions here before re-entering the learning space with their peers.
How can I use it?
This process will require teacher modelling so students learn to better help themselves regulate their emotions. You will need a timer (something students can easily access like a stop-watch). You will also need some blank paper and crayons, pencil crayons, markers, etc., so students can draw their picture or write words to describe how they are feeling. Additionally, you will need to have a bin of things that students can access to help get them calm. Things like fidget items, stress balls, sound cancelling headphones, and a soft sitting space (e.g. mats) can help make this area comfortable for students. As well, teaching and practicing strategies to regulate emotions (e.g. breathing exercise) used and taught in their homeroom can be very beneficial. When designing this space, it is important to encourage student voice and allow students to choose what the space looks like, how it sounds, and what tools they can use. The Cool-Down Corner is not a punishment. It is a safe space for students to go to without disturbing others and serves as a quick break from the class to help a child re-focus and then re-join class activities. Perez (2022) suggests having only one student at a time at this space. I would suggest coming up with a plan with your students (with the help of your students) to determine what students do if there is someone already in The Cool-Down Corner.
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