Take a Break Chair

In our classroom we understand that there are times when we all just need a break.  Sometimes kids (and teachers!) get angry, sad, or too silly and they need a place where they can go to calm down their bodies and rejoin the group to be successful.  We have introduced the "Take a Break Chair" to the kids as a place they can go to do just that.  After modeling how to use the chair appropriately, the kids are able to go there on their own when they feel necessary or a teacher may tell them to "take a break".  We practiced taking deep breaths and counting back from 10 to calm ourselves down.  We have found that this is an extremely useful tool that shows kids we understand that feelings happen, we just have to make sure we are in control of them.  It is important to us that the kids understand the "Take a Break Chair" isn't a punishment, but an appropriate way to handle tough emotions.