Creating a Cozy Corner: A Simple How-To for Parents and Educators

Kellie Smith
Jun 17
3 min read

Updated: Jul 21

By Kellie Smith | Little Learning Table

Big feelings are a big part of childhood. From frustration and sadness to excitement and overwhelm, young children experience emotions in powerful, sometimes unexpected ways. That’s where a Cozy Corner, also known as a Calm Down Corner, comes in. It’s a thoughtfully designed space where children can take a break, manage their emotions, and build healthy self-regulation skills in a supportive environment.

What Is a Calm Down Corner?

A Calm Down Corner is a quiet, inviting space where children can go when they’re feeling dysregulated, whether they’re sad, mad, worried, or just overstimulated. It’s not a punishment or a time-out. Instead, it’s a proactive tool that empowers kids to recognize their emotions and use calming strategies to reset.

In my classroom, our cozy corner sat by a sunny window, with a soft rug, a comfy pillow, and a small basket of soothing tools. Some educators create magical nooks with white curtains and twinkle lights, while others keep it simple and accessible. Whether you're setting one up at home or in a classroom, the goal is the same.

What to Include in Your Cozy Corner

Your Calm Down Corner doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive—it just needs to be calming and child-centered. Here are a few items to consider:

Hoberman sphere – Great for practicing deep breathing as children expand and contract the ball.
Squishy stress balls – A tactile tool that provides sensory input and relieves tension.
Five-minute sand timer – Helps children understand how long to stay and gives them a visual break.
Feelings chart – A tool to help kids name what they’re feeling and begin to build emotional vocabulary.
Soft rug or mat and pillows – Adds physical comfort and signals that this is a peaceful place.

Let your child (or students) help set up the space! Ask them what helps them feel calm. Do they want a favorite stuffed animal there? A soft blanket? Photos of family? A few picture books? Involving them in the setup builds ownership and makes it more likely they’ll use it effectively.

Introducing the Calm Down Corner

At the beginning of the school year, I introduced our cozy corner with a book titled "Calm Down Corner, Here I Come!" which is a lovely story that explains how the calm-down area is a safe place to manage big feelings. The book shares that all emotions are valid and that it’s okay to step away to take care of ourselves.

After reading the story, we talked about where our calm-down space would be and how we could use it. Since our classroom didn’t have an extra corner, we used a window nook instead, and it worked beautifully!

How to Encourage Healthy Use

In the classroom, I began by having students ask to use the calm-down area so we could guide them through its purpose. Once the novelty wore off, we encouraged students to recognize their own needs and use it independently.

At home, parents might need to suggest it at first: “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated. Would you like to take a few minutes in your cozy corner?” Over time, children begin to internalize this process and seek out the space when they need it thus building emotional awareness and self-regulation skills that will serve them for life.

Why It Matters

When used consistently and with intention, a Calm Down Corner becomes more than a cozy spot, it becomes a powerful tool for social-emotional growth. It:

Fosters self-awareness by helping children name and notice their feelings
Builds self-regulation by offering calming tools and strategies
Encourages autonomy by teaching children to recognize when they need a break
Reinforces that all emotions are okay, and that we have healthy ways to cope

Let’s shift the narrative from “calm down!” to “here’s a space where you can calm down.”

Final Thought

Whether you’re a parent or an educator, setting up a Calm Down Corner shows your child that their emotions are welcome, and that they are capable of handling them with support and care. With just a few simple items and a lot of heart, you can create a space that nurtures emotional growth one peaceful moment at a time.