At Cita Hati Elementary School, we believe that learning is not only about academic knowledge, but also about helping children understand themselves and manage their emotions. Self-regulation is an important skill for young learners. Research shows that children who are able to manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions are better prepared to succeed in both social and learning environments (Blair & Diamond, 2008). Self-regulation also provides an important foundation for positive classroom behavior and academic achievement (McClelland & Cameron, 2011).
One way to support the development of self-regulation is through a Calm Corner. A Calm Corner is a safe and supportive space where students can pause when they feel overwhelmed, upset, frustrated, or simply need time to regulate themselves. It is not a place for punishment or a way to escape from learning. Instead, it gives students an opportunity to recognize their emotions and choose strategies that can help them feel calm and ready to learn again. Research suggests that Calm Corners can support mindfulness, self-regulation, and students’ ability to regain emotional balance (Murphy, 2019).
Based on this understanding, Cita Hati Elementary School provides a Calm Corner in every classroom as part of our support for students’ social-emotional development. Students follow a simple routine: they ask permission to use the Calm Corner, choose an appropriate calming strategy, take a short amount of time to regulate themselves, complete a simple calm log, return the tools, and then rejoin the class when they are ready. Through this routine, students gradually learn to recognize what they are feeling, understand what they need, and take responsibility for managing their emotions.
A Calm Corner may be a small space in the classroom, but the skills developed there can have a meaningful impact. Research in a primary classroom found that students voluntarily used Calm Corner strategies to regulate themselves, and many reported feeling calm and ready to learn afterward (Thompson, 2021). At Cita Hati Elementary School, the Calm Corner is a part of creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can grow not only as learners, but also as children who are increasingly self-aware and resilient. (Christiana Hany).