A Universal Tier 1 Strategy for Emotional Regulation and Independence
Picture this: You’re juggling a thousand things at once—lesson planning, answering emails, and supporting students who need extra attention. The stress builds, and you find yourself longing for a moment to breathe, reset, and regroup before heading into the next challenge.
Now, imagine walking into the staff lounge and finding a cozy space designed just for your well-being—a comfortable chair, soft lighting, calming scents, and maybe even a massage chair. A space to regain your composure, take a deep breath and return to your work with renewed focus. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
Now, think about our students—many of whom experience big emotions, stress, and sensory overload daily. What if they had a similar space in the classroom? A structured, intentional area where they could self-regulate, practice mind-body skills, and return to learning feeling centered and in control?
This is why Sensory Stations in learning spaces are a game-changer.
Sensory Stations are small, thoughtfully designed areas within the classroom that offer students tools to manage emotions, develop self-awareness, and foster independence. And the best part? They’re simple to create, inexpensive, and effective for students of all ages.
Why Every Classroom Needs a Sensory Station
They teach emotional regulation as a life skill—just like we teach math and reading. They reduce classroom disruptions by giving students a structured way to reset. They foster independence—students learn to recognize their own needs and manage their stress effectively. They promote a safe and supportive school culture by normalizing self-regulation strategies.
Let’s explore how to create developmentally appropriate Sensory Stations for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary classrooms.
Early Childhood Sensory Stations (Pre-K – Kindergarten)
For our littlest learners, sensory regulation is all about movement, comfort, and visual cues. They need clear, simple choices and opportunities to use their whole body in regulation.
What to Include:
Cozy Corner – A small tent, reading nook, or even a soft beanbag with a weighted lap pad. Tactile Objects – Fuzzy fabric, squishy stress balls, playdough, or a small sand tray. Breathing Helpers – A stuffed animal to place on their belly for deep breathing practice. Calm-Down Bottles – A clear water bottle filled with water, glitter, and beads to shake and watch settle. Movement Options – A simple chair for rocking or a wiggle cushion to sit on. Visual Choice Board – A picture chart of how to use the space (i.e., “Take a deep breath,” “Squeeze a fidget,” “Sit and rest”).
How to Set Up:
- Use a small corner of the classroom with soft lighting or fairy lights.
- Teach students how to use the space with modeling and practice.
- Keep it simple—early learners thrive with predictable routines and visual supports.
Elementary Sensory Stations (Grades 1-5)
At the elementary level, students are becoming increasingly independent but still benefit from structured tools to regulate emotions and focus.
What to Include:
Breathing Tools – Pinwheels, feathers, or a “breathe in for 4, out for 4” poster. Self-Regulation Cards – A deck of “What do I need?” cards (stretching, deep breathing, counting, etc.). Journaling or Doodle Pads – A space for quiet reflection or drawing emotions. Noise-Reducing Headphones – For those overwhelmed by sound. Kinetic Sand or Play Dough – A tactile way to release tension. Yoga Poses Poster – Simple stretches to refocus the body and mind. Sensory Walk (Optional) – A taped path with prompts like “Hop 3 times,” “Take 2 deep breaths,” or “Stretch to the sky.”
How to Set Up:
- Dedicate a small area of the classroom, preferably near a window with natural light.
- Create clear expectations (ex: “You may use the station for up to 5 minutes, then return to learning”).
- Let students have a say in what tools are included.
Secondary Sensory Stations (Grades 6-12)
For older students, the focus shifts to developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and stress management strategies that can be applied in real-life situations.
What to Include:
Breathing Cards – Techniques like “Box Breathing” or “5-Finger Breathing.” Mindfulness Activities – Gratitude journals, coloring pages, or guided meditation scripts. Soft Lighting or Salt Lamp – Creates a calming ambiance. Exercise Bands or Small Hand Weights – Provides a grounding, physical outlet. Aromatherapy (Low-Scent Options) – Lavender, mint, or citrus scents. Music Options – Noise-canceling headphones or a calming instrumental playlist. Reflective Prompts – “What am I feeling right now?” “What would help me return to learning?”
How to Set Up:
- A designated corner or tall table where students can take a quick reset.
- Teach boundaries and purpose—this is for regulation, not avoidance.
- Check-in system—students can use the space as needed but should return to learning when ready; self-reflection and body scans are perfect for this!
Student Voice: How to Get Students Involved
Including students in the design and maintenance of the sensory station increases buy-in and promotes its appropriate use.
Ask for their input – What helps them feel calm and focused? Let them help set expectations – How should the space be used? Rotate items based on feedback – Keep it fresh and useful.
Explicitly Teach How to Use the Space
Model it just like any other classroom procedure. Reinforce when students use it appropriately. Use social stories, videos, or peer modeling to reinforce expectations.
What If Students Want to Use It All the Time?
Many teachers worry: “What if students overuse it?”
The answer? That’s a great problem to have.
If students want to use it constantly, it means they see value in it and may even need it. Like anything new, the novelty will wear off. This is an opportunity to teach balance, self-awareness, and responsible use.
Just like we reteach classroom routines, we can reteach how to use sensory spaces appropriately.
Final Thoughts: The Staff Lounge Analogy
Think about how much you appreciate a well-designed staff lounge. Now imagine it with:
A massage chair Aromatherapy diffusers Cozy seating Calm music
Would you only use it in a crisis? No. You’d use it as needed to reset and return to work feeling better. Students deserve the same opportunities.
By creating Sensory Stations, we aren’t just offering a “break”—we’re teaching a life skill. Let’s create learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to regulate their emotions—just like we do.
