Safe Space Solutions: Using Behavioral Science Strategies to Promote Emotional Regulation in the Classroom

Designated classroom spaces for emotional regulation (i.e., calm corners) can be valuable supports for student self-regulation. This session will explore behavioral strategies such as establishing stimulus control, explicitly teaching expectations, ensuring consistent implementation, and reinforcing self-regulation behaviors. Practical guidance, common pitfalls, and individualizations for diverse learners will be shared. Participants will be able to: 1. Explore the research theory behind the use of clam down areas from a behavioral perspective (i.e., “why it works”). 2. Identify key practices for establishing guidelines for the use of calm down areas in the classroom. 3. Identify practices to avoid while promoting the success of calm down areas in the classroom.