Create a Calm, Cool, Collected Classroom: 5 Fun Ideas (plus ideas to show teacher appreciation!)

Although it may manifest in different ways, many kids will be carrying some serious stress when they return to the classroom. From concerns about COVID and a new set of rules to follow to social anxiety and worries about getting back into the school schedule after months of being away, this will by no means be a typical school year. And that’s just the kids! Teachers have their own set of stressors.While we can’t solve all these problems, we do have some great ideas to help create a calm, cool, collected classroom during these crazy times, like:1. Sometimes we all just need a moment. Visit our friends at Teachstarter.com for some amazing mindfulness activities and meditation moment ideas. Breathing is about as easy as it gets, with great, calming results. Have students place their hands on their bellies, close their eyes, and take a deep breath in, then out. See if they can move their hands using only their breath.[caption id="attachment_6810" align="alignnone" width="843"] Photo credit: https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/[/caption]2. Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, quiet anger, and soothe restlessness. So, spritz your classroom with a spray, keep lavender-scented lotion at your desk, and opt for lavender scented hand sanitizer at your hand washing station. Or, better yet, put all of these things on your classroom wish list!3. Sensory play has also been proven to help kids stay calm and sit still and is particularly important for students with Sensory Processing Disorder. Providing breaks for sensory stimulation is a great way to create a more soothing space and there are so many ways to do it! Find some great sensory play ideas including bean boxes, colored rice, and more on our Pinterest board, Sensory Activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. And, of course, Playfoam^® is the perfect mess-free sensory play substance – kids can squish, squash, and sculpt – then stash the Playfoam away for next time. It never dries out, so the sensory fun never ends! Check out tons more ideas for Playfoam activities here.[video width="1080" height="1080" mp4="https://www.educationalinsights.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PF_pinterest_5.mp4"][/video] 4. Sometimes we need more than a moment! Help calm a completely crazy classroom with “heads down in the dark.” Turn off the lights, turn on some soft, classical music, and have students place their cheeks down on their cool desks. Breathe in and out, listening to the music and the sound of your breath, until everyone seems ready to resume the day.[caption id="attachment_6818" align="alignnone" width="839"] Photo credit: Washington Post[/caption]5. Speaking of lights, flickering, glaring fluorescent lighting can cause eyestrain, headaches, and tension for all. Cover it up and create a soothing atmosphere in the classroom with calming Classroom Light Filters! Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, Classroom Light Filters are designed to fit over standard fluorescent ceiling lights, attaching securely to their metal frames with sewn-in magnets.Parents! Show your thanks for teachers who are going above and beyond to keep your kids safe and smart. Many of these ideas also make great teacher gifts! Check out more cute ideas on our Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board!