Tag: calm-classroom

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🍂 10 Cozy Classroom Finds Under $30

Creating a warm, welcoming classroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Over the years, I’ve discovered that a few simple touches can transform even the most sterile space into a place where students (and teachers!) feel at home.

If you’re ready to cozy up your classroom on a budget, here are ten of my favorite finds—each under $30. Whether you’re a new teacher or just looking to refresh your space, these little upgrades can make a big difference.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

🌟 1. Color-Changing Tap Lights

Shop the Tap Lights
These color-changing tap lights are great for creating a sensory-friendly atmosphere or letting students choose a color that matches how they feel. Just tap to cycle through soothing hues.

🌟 2. Moon Lamp Night Light

Shop the Moon Lamp
This beautiful moon lamp casts a warm, calming glow—perfect for a calm down corner or a cozy reading nook. Students love the soft light and the magical vibe it adds to your classroom.

🌟 3. Comfy Floor Cushions

Shop the Floor Cushions
Perfect for your reading area or calm down space, these flexible floor cushions give kids a comfy spot to relax or refocus.

🌟 4. Woven Storage Baskets

Shop the Storage Baskets
These woven baskets make it easy to organize sensory tools, books, or mindfulness cards while still looking stylish on your shelves.

🌟 5. Soft Neutral Area Rug

Shop the Rug
This plush rug creates an inviting spot for students to settle in during circle time or quiet activities.

🌟 6. Washable Patterned Rug

Shop the Washable Rug
Easy to clean and available in different colors, this rug adds a soft touch while holding up to classroom wear and tear.

🌟 7. Tiered Plant Stand

Shop the Tiered Plant Stand
Use this stand to display plants and calming tools. It doubles as a beautiful focal point for your calm down corner.

🌟 8. Compact Plant Shelf

Shop the Compact Plant Shelf
If you’re short on space, this smaller plant stand still adds a touch of green without taking over the room.

🌟 9. Motivational Poster Set

Shop the Posters
Brighten up your walls with affirmations and reminders that every student belongs. A simple way to make your classroom feel positive and welcoming.

🌟 10. Feelings Check-In Banner

Shop the Feelings Banner
This colorful feelings banner helps students identify and express their emotions throughout the day. Hang it in your calm down corner, near your morning meeting space, or by the door for quick check-ins. A perfect blend of decor and social-emotional learning support!

🍂 Wrap-Up

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your classroom feel warm and inviting. A few thoughtful touches can transform your space into a cozy haven where your students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

If you try any of these finds, I’d love to hear how you use them in your classroom!

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Must-Have SEL Printables for Your Calm Down Corner

As teachers, we know that helping students identify and manage their emotions is just as important as academics. But finding simple, ready-to-use tools to support social-emotional learning (SEL) can feel overwhelming.

Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite printable SEL resources that make it easy to create a calm, connected classroom: the Feelings Check-In Tool Kit and the Calming Strategy Menus.

1. Feelings Check-In Tool Kit

This resource is designed to help K–3 students name and share how they’re feeling in simple, developmentally appropriate ways.

What’s Included:
✅ 1–5 Feelings Scale
✅ Weather & Animal-themed check-ins
✅ Sentence starter page
✅ Teacher guide with ideas for use

These printable pages are perfect for:
✨ Morning meetings
✨ Calm down corners
✨ One-on-one check-ins
✨ Counseling sessions

Teachers have told me their students love the variety of visuals—especially the weather and animal options!

👉 Check it out on TPT here.

2. Calming Strategy Choice Boards and Mini Menus

Once students have identified how they feel, it helps to give them concrete strategies to self-regulate. The Calming Strategy Menus are printable posters that guide kids through simple calming techniques.

What You’ll Find Inside:
✅ A large visual choice board of 9 calming strategies
✅ 3 mini-menus focusing on:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Movement strategies
  • Mindfulness activities
    ✅ A teacher guide with suggestions for classroom use

You can display the menus in your calm down corner or print individual copies for students.

👉 See the resource here.

Ideas for Using These Tools Together

  • Start the day with a check-in so students can share how they feel.
  • Help them pick a calming strategy if they’re dysregulated.
  • Use the sentence starters as a journaling prompt or reflection activity.
  • Keep copies handy for transitions or times when emotions run high.

🌟 Ready to Get Started?

Both resources are designed to save you time and support your students in building lifelong SEL skills.

✨ Explore them on TPT:

If you have any questions or want ideas for implementation, feel free to comment below or reach out—I’d love to hear how you use them in your classroom!