Calm classroom strategies

12 Easy Ideas for a Calm Classroom

It’s nearly time for us Australian teachers to head back into the classroom so I thought I’d write a post about keeping those holiday calm vibes, that normally fly out the school gate as soon as the wall of noise hits on the first day of Term. So here are some ways you can encourage a calm classroom.

I have been doing some research into ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which offset the sympathetic nervous system. Basically, cool and calm strategies to counter balance the overwhelm and stress. I’ve edited them down into things that will work in real life in a school because if you are a teacher you know you don’t usually have time to go to the toilet most days let alone meditate or go for a walk unless you have 5 preps hanging off you and you’re rescuing a kid who can’t get down off the top of the monkey bars!

A big factor in keeping calm is focusing on what you can control. You can’t control other people, but you can control the environment and you in it. So…

No. #1

Look After You!

Fit your own oxygen mask. So you’ve heard the inflight safety announcement to fit your own oxygen mask before you fit a child’s. It’s the same theory in the classroom- if you aren’t calm- or at least appear calm. You set the tone- so it’s vital you do things, healthy things, to look after yourself when you’re a teacher. For me it’s imperative I swim a few times a week, it makes me a much nicer person. So exercise, eating well and sleep are essentials. You know what works for you, and if what you normally do isn’t working anymore, put some investment into yourself to work out what will. Remember you’re the most important calming tool there is.

 No. #2

Laugh and smile. This is everyone- you, your students. You want a happy, relaxed, safe space, full of joy and making and sunshine and rainbows. Being silly and dressing up is fun and always makes people smile. Smiling makes us all feel better. Don’t be afraid to bring the silly, it’s good for you!

No. #3

Nature

Collect leaves for art making in the yard. Sketch outside or take out a bunch of jumbo chalk and do chalk mandalas or an obstacle course

No. #4

Breath

Use this little breathing technique I was taught by my friend and breathing coach Nerissa: How to Calm Kids in 1 Minute

No. #5

Sing. I sing with the kids to remind them of things. “Put your name on your work, put your name on your work” “Clean up, clean up everybody clean up” It’s silly but especially with young kids it really works. Find art songs to sing- this is a favourite: ROY.G.BIV by They Might Be Giants

No. #6

Relaxing Music

Choose a Clean playlist of chill, classical for kids, calm kids, clean hits, bird sounds, relaxation music while the kids are at work. I use Spotify Premium so no ads and make sure my explicit language filter is on. This is a fav on Spotify

No. #7
Stretching

Add some movement into your lessons. Do a yoga pose, kinetic whole-body responses to questions like bopping up and down, or body actions like jumping.

No. #8.

Cold

Don’t overheat your room. If a kid needs calming get them to wash their hands under cold water or hold an icepack. The cold will activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

No. #9

Visuals of nature can activate the same parts of the brain as being in nature. Put on a screensaver or YouTube compilation on the classroom TV. Or this show Back2Nature with it’s slow drone shots saved me during lockdown, its on ABC iView too

In the same vein- try watching fractal art videos like this one- they are mesmerizing

Or these ASMR slime videos

or watching lava lamps

No. #10

Wooden puzzles, maze games and cuddling a soft toy. I have these in my calm corner, along with a tepee to reduce sensory load.

No. #11

I have good news- art making is on the list- so Art teachers- the very making of art- drawing, doodling, sewing and sculpting all activate the parasympathetic nervous system so if you can get them in that flow- it’s the best thing for them and if you’re a bit frantic, sit with them for a moment and make something too!

No. #12

So back to the teacher, remember you set the tone. Find something that gives you a moment of comfort or joy in the cracks of the chaos. Mine is a warm thermos of herbal tea I can sip throughout the day. Just like the ones in my favourite Vietnamese restaurant. And if all that still doesn’t help, I go stand in the storeroom for a few slow breaths! I encourage you to find a tiny ritual you can implement to help ground you, comfort you and remind you to breathe. I love the Nuggets of Wisdom affirmations and gentle reminders for anxiety cards by Kristie Vasili. They have them for kids too if you want to do them with the whole class. Work out what works for you and build it into your routine. xx Emily