What Are the Best Calming Strategies for Students to Use?

You know that moment in the classroom when chaos starts to have its own soundtrack…and the volume just keeps on rising? 

According to a study from the Pew Research Center, about 80% of teachers say they have to address students’ behavioral issues at least a few times a week – with 58% saying it happens daily. 

But what if you had a magic tool in your toolbox – something that you could whip out at any time to de-escalate situations and make your students as cool as cucumbers?

While there’s sadly no magic fix, the truth is that there are all kinds of strategies you can lean on to help calm students down. Whether they’re prone to suffering from anxiety attacks or fits of rage, whether they experience one-off difficulties or regular challenges, these strategies can make a world of difference when you introduce them into your classroom.

Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Let’s discover the opportunity to teach students how to find peace within with these top calming strategies for students.

How Do You Teach Students to Calm Down?

While there’s no silver bullet for helping students find their “zen,” there are a few tools and calming strategies you can keep in your toolbox – and introduce regularly throughout the school year as tools your students take advantage of for themselves.

1. Deep Breathing Strategies

Starting with the basics, deep breathing is a go-to technique that offers immediate relief. Here are some strategies:

• Five Finger (Starfish) Breaths: This method involves tracing the outline of your hand with a finger from the other hand. Inhale as you trace up each finger, and exhale as you trace down. 
• Rainbow Breaths: Imagine a rainbow arching across the sky. With each inhale, draw one color of the rainbow in your mind, filling your lungs slowly. Exhale as you imagine the colors fading away. 
• Snake Breaths: For a ssss-sensational experience, have students take a deep breath in through their nose and then exhale through their mouth, making a hissing sound. 

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is all about tension and release. It’s a technique that guides students to focus on one muscle group at a time, tensing and then relaxing them. Begin with the toes, work up to the legs, and continue through the entire body. 

This method not only promotes relaxation but also increases awareness of physical sensations, helping students recognize areas where they hold stress. 

3. Visualization

Visualization is a creative way to transport students to a place of calm. Encourage them to close their eyes and imagine a serene location – a forest, beach, or perhaps floating gently on a cloud. 

This mental escape can be especially helpful when students feel overwhelmed. Guide them through the scene, emphasizing sensory details like the sound of waves or the warmth of sunlight. 

4. Yoga

Yoga is not just for adults in expensive studios; it’s a fantastic tool for students too! Incorporate simple yoga poses and stretches into the classroom routine. Poses like the “tree” or “child’s pose” can help students release pent-up energy and focus on their breathing. 

The physical movement combined with mindful breathing encourages a balanced state of mind. 

Think of it as a way to stretch their bodies and imaginations!

5. Art and Music 

Artistic expression is not just for the Picassos of the world. Providing students with the opportunity to paint, draw, or even doodle can work wonders for calming frazzled nerves. 

Music, too, has a magical effect on the mind. Playing soft, soothing tunes in the background can create an atmosphere of peace. You might even try having students create their own playlists of calming songs to listen to during stressful moments. The power of art and music in the classroom cannot be overstated.

6. Grounding Exercises 

Grounding techniques are a fantastic way to bring students back to the present moment. The “5-4-3-2-1” method is a simple grounding exercise that can be taught to students of all ages. Encourage them to identify five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste.

Teaching students to focus on their breath can also be incredibly effective. Simple exercises like taking deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth can help slow racing hearts and calm anxious minds. 

7. Physical Activity 

Sometimes a little movement is all it takes to shake off stress. Whether it’s a quick round of jumping jacks, a short walk around the classroom, or a mini yoga session, moving the body can be invigorating.

Consider incorporating mindful movement into your routine. Practices like tai chi or simple stretching exercises offer the double benefit of physical movement and mental relaxation. Encourage students to listen to their bodies and move in ways that feel good to them.

8. Read Guided Imagery

Reading aloud a peaceful narrative can transport students to a place of calm and serenity. Invite them to close their eyes and imagine themselves in a peaceful setting, like a beach or a forest.

You might even encourage students to write their own peaceful stories to share with the class. 

9. Warm Up with Brain Games

Who knew that brain games could be both fun and calming? Activities like Sudoku, crosswords, or puzzle-solving challenges engage the mind and provide a sense of achievement. These games offer a mental break from the stressors of academic life.

Incorporate a “brain game break” into your classroom routine. Allow students to choose from a selection of puzzles or challenges to tackle when they need a moment to decompress. 

10. Independent Work

Encouraging independent work gives students a sense of autonomy and control over their learning environment. Allowing them to choose their own projects or subjects of interest can foster a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

Set aside time for students to work independently on tasks that interest them. This freedom, coupled with a structured learning environment, can be incredibly empowering. 

11. Safe Spaces

Dedicate an area in your classroom where students can escape when they need a breather. This cozy corner can be equipped with comfy cushions, soft lighting, and calming visuals. Remember, less is more – a clutter-free zone encourages a clear mind.

Stock your safe space with tools like stress balls, fidget spinners, and coloring books. Allow students to personalize their safe space with some of their favorite items, making it a welcoming retreat. 

Think of this as a zen oasis where students can take a break when emotions run high. A peaceful corner offers them the chance to reset and regain their composure. 

12. Multisensory Approaches

Engaging multiple senses can work wonders when it comes to calming students. 

Consider introducing gentle background music or nature sounds to create a serene atmosphere. Explore textures with tactile activities such as clay or sand play to offer a soothing experience.

When incorporating multisensory strategies, aim to strike a balance – avoid overstimulation. Tailor the experience to your students’ preferences and needs.

13. Reframing Techniques

Let’s reframe that stress response, shall we? Silently messaging our brains can help rewrite the story in our heads, leading to a calmer state of mind. Positive affirmations can go a long way in building resilience and reducing anxiety.

Encourage your students to practice self-talk by repeating positive phrases like “”I am calm,”” “”I am in control,”” or “”I can handle this.”” These affirmations can become an internal mantra, empowering students to face challenges with confidence.

Incorporate role-playing activities to teach reframing techniques. Encourage students to see different perspectives in challenging situations and guide them in identifying alternative ways to respond. This exercise promotes empathy and helps students develop a balanced view of their experiences.

14. Teach How to Identify Emotions

Recognizing emotions is the first step toward managing them effectively. It can be challenging for students to articulate how they’re feeling, particularly if they haven’t had a lot of practice with this at home, but with the right tools, it becomes much easier.

Introduce emotion charts and visuals that depict a range of feelings. Encourage students to check in with themselves and identify their emotions using these resources. Consider using stories, books, or videos to illustrate different emotions and show how characters deal with them.

Create an emotion journal for students to express their feelings through drawing or writing. This allows them to reflect on their emotions and gain insight into their inner world. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Just like learning any new skill, practicing calming strategies takes time and consistency. 

Incorporate regular practice sessions into your daily routine. Spend a few minutes each day on activities like deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga. Celebrate progress, no matter how small,  and encourage students to share their success stories with their peers.

Teaching calming strategies is an investment in your students’ well-being. When students feel equipped to manage their emotions, they become more resilient learners and compassionate individuals.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the Stanfield Company’s website to discover our in-depth social skills curriculum for teachers and put those calming strategies into action.