As a middle school counselor, these are my personal recommendations for fellow counselors, educators, and parents looking to create a serene and supportive space that is crucial for students to navigate their emotions and foster self-regulation. Here...
Sections
3
Sensory Tools
Self-Regulation
Flexible Seating
Sensory Tools
Sensory tools such as fidgets or textured objects help to engage different senses, aide in sensory regulation and stress relief.
I love these fidget assortment boxes! There's always something for every student.
Fidgets For Kids
Bubble timers are perfect for self-regulation. You can set it on a student's desk and when the bubble settle it is time to return to their work. Students love the colors and it helps calm their breathing!
Amazon.com: Bubble Timer
Pipe cleaners are and easy, affordable, and QUIET, self-regulation tool to use in the classroom. Pass one to a student if they struggle with tapping their pencil. They can easily roll it around their finger or bend it.
Craft Pipe Cleaners
Encourage students to jot down their thoughts and feelings. Journaling fosters introspection and helps students process their emotions.
Kinetic sand is perfect self-regulation tool. It is calming and fun!
Kinetic Sand
Squeezable stress balls that offer a calming effect through repetitive hand movements.
Stress Balls For Kids
Smooth, textured stones promote sensory engagement and relaxation.
Sensory Stones
Worry stones can help promote sensory engagement and relaxations. Students can keep them in their pocket.
Worry Stones
Weighted lap pads provide gentle, even pressure to create a sense of security and calmness.
Weighted Lap Pad
Velcro sensory strips offer a tactile experience and can be used for sensory-seeking behavior. Students can use them on their phones, chromebook cases, or notebook.
Fidget Strips - The Original - Discreet Anti Stress Tactile ...
Wearable items like necklaces or bracelets designed for chewing, provide oral sensory input.
Chewelry - National Autism Resources
Scented playdough engages the sense of smell while offering a creative and calming outlet.
Scented Playdough
Provide a quiet space by reducing auditory stimuli in busy environments.
Noise-cancelling Headphones For Students
Create boards with various textures for tactile exploration, enhancing sensory awareness.
Texture Boards
A resistive hand exercise material that strengthens grip while offering sensory feedback.
Theraputty
Soft, pliable mats with gel interior that offer both tactile and visual stimulation.
Gel Floor Mats
Use essential oils to introduce calming scents into environment.
Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set ...
Students love this rain cloud diffuser in my office. The subtle rain sound and glow is truly calming!
Weljoy Zen Raining Cloud Night Light Aromatherapy ...
Handheld devices that provide gentle vibrations, promoting relaxation and sensory input.
Handheld Massagers: Health & Household
Assist in developing balance and coordination while providing sensory feedback.
Balance Boards
Younger and older students all love these! The sound is stimulating.
Sensory Tubes
Use a water bottle to create your own sensory tube. You can put legos, glitter, or small objects to create a visual and auditory stimulation.
Sensory Bottle
Stretchy, breathable fabric that provides deep pressure and a cozy, enclosed space.
Body Socks
Incorporate calming or stimulating lighting options to influce the mood of the space.
Color Changing LED Lights
Create a Zen Garden that is calming for students. Include figurines, stones, or a rake.
Sand Tray Therapy
Self-Regulation
Nurturing the ability to self-regulate is a fundamental skill for students to navigate the complexities of emotions and develop resilience. Explore the rage of tools designed to empower students on their journey toward emotional wellness and self-awa...
Visual guides with different breathing techniques to assist students in self-regulation.
Breathing Exercise Cards
A visual chart or board displaying various emotions and corresponding coping strategies.
Magnetic Emotion Regulation Choice Board
Cards with written or illustrated coping strategies for students to choose from when regulating emotions.
Mindfulness apps that guide students through meditation and relaxation exercises.
8 Meditation Apps for Kids
Assemble a kit with sensory tools, stress-relief items, and calming activities tailored to individual student preferences.
Calm Down Kit
Provide worksheets that prompt reflection on emotions and guide students in developing strategies for self-regulation.
21 Emotion Regulation Worksheets & Strategies
Introduce basic yoga poses or mindfulness exercises to help students connect with their bodies and emotions.
Yoga Mats In Bulk
A visual aid where students can point to indicate their current emotional state, fostering self-awareness.
Feelings Thermometer
Offer prompts for reflective journaling, encouraging students to express and process their emotions.
20 Journaling Prompts for Mental Health
Create a designated space with tools and activities that facilitate self-regulation, such as a calming jar or stress balls.
Virtual Calm Corner – it's time to take a break
Provide students with a discreet card they can use to signal when they need a moment for self-regulation.
Break Card - Autism Circuit
Develop personalized visual schedules to help students anticipate and navigate daily activities, reducing anxiety.
5 Free Visual Schedule Templates (Plus How To Use Them)
Suggest calming music playlists to help create a soothing atmosphere for self-regulation.
4 HOURS Chill Out Music Long Playlist
Provide written or recorded scripts for guided relaxation exercises that students can follow.
Guided Meditation for Kids: 50+ Free Relaxation Scripts
Create cards with positive affirmations to reinforce self-esteem and positive thinking.
Daily Positive Affirmation Cards for Kids ...
Offer coloring books with intricate designs to engage students in a relaxing and creative activity.
Stress Relief Coloring Books
Incorporate discreet fidget tools that can be used during class to help maintain focus and regulate energy.
Desk Fidget
Develop stories that model appropriate social behavior and self-regulation strategies in various situations.
Social Stories
Flexible Seating
Flexible seating options empower school counselors and teachers to create dynamic and inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of students.
Promote core strength and active sitting, allowing for movement while maintaining focus.
Balance Ball Chair
Encourage subtle movement to engage core muscles and promote active sitting posture.
Kore Kids Wobble Chair - Flexible Seating Stool ...
Create a relaxed seating area with soft, portable cushions for flexible and comfortable arrangements.
Floor Cushions For Classroom
Provide a casual and comfortable alternative for students to sit or lounge during various activities.
Bean Bag Chairs For Classrooms
Include desks with adjustable heights to accommodate different preferences and support varied learning postures.
Classroom Standing Desks
Place under chairs to add an element of instability, promoting active sitting and improved focus.
Stability Disc
Lightweight, portable rockers that provide a dynamic seating option for students.
American Plastic Toys APT-13150-6PK Children's Scoop ...
Combine storage and seating by using crates with cushions on top, offering a versatile and functional solution.
Crate Seats for the Classroom
Attachable bands for chair legs that allow students to kick or bounce their feet, providing subtle movement for increased focus.
Desk Bands
Incorporate desks at standing height to allow students the option to stand while working, promoting movement and improved posture.
Standing Desk
Portable desks with a comfortable cushioned base, offering flexibility for students to work in different areas of the classroom.
Lap Pillow Desk
Integrate stability balls as an alternative seating option to engage core muscles and support an active sitting position.
Balance Ball Chairs
Create small seating clusters with collaborative seating options.
Mobile Collaborative Pods for Flex Spaces | Strong Project
Hangable swings that attach to the underside of desks, providing a fun and dynamic seating experience.
Under Desk Leg Swing
Modular seating cubes that can be arranged in various configurations to accommodate different preferences.
Seating Cubes
Interlocking puzzle mats that offer a customizable seating area, allowing students to create their own comfortable space.
Puzzle Floor Mats
Ergonomic, non-static stools that allow for 360-degree movement, promoting active sitting and improved focus.
Hokki Stool
Adjustable floor chairs that provide a comfortable and relaxed seating option for individual work or leisure.
Reclining Floor Chair
My students can't get enough of these chairs. They are so relaxing!
