The Weekly Update #4

Hello Gilpin JC families,

Have a great rest of your weekend and see you next week!

Your GMES Judy Center Team,

Katie and Jenn 😀

Join us for playgroups where fun, learning and laughter build school readiness and healthy child development! 🧸

Playgroups:

• Tuesday- 10:00am - 11:00am

or 1:00pm-2:00pm - Let's Twist

• Wednesday- NO PLAYGROUP today

• Thursday- 10:00am - 11:00am - Bookmoblie

Walk-in's are Welcome!! 🎉

What is a Calm Down Corner?

A calming corner (or calm-down corner) is a dedicated, safe and quiet space in a home or school designed to help individuals relax, de-stress, and regain emotional balance when they feel overwhelmed, anxious or upset.

How Does A Calm Down Corner Promote School Readiness?

• Builds Emotional Intelligence: Instead of reacting with behavioral outbursts or work refusal, children learn to recognize their internal body cues (like a clenched jaw or racing heart), name their feelings using visual charts, and pick a healthy strategy.




• Replaces Punitive Isolation with "Time-Ins": Unlike traditional timeouts that isolate a child, a calm-down corner acts as a non-punitive, supportive space. It normalizes big emotions and helps children safely process mistakes or over-stimulation so they feel secure returning to the group.




• Maximizes Instructional Time and Focus: When children have an independent, predictable way to reset in about 3 to 10 minutes, minor frustrations are handled quickly. This reduces classroom disruptions and helps students re-engage with instruction and peer activities faster.

• Quiet and low-traffic: Pick a spot away from loud play areas, television noise, or busy entryways.
• Semi-private feel: A nook under the stairs, a corner of a bedroom, the back of a classroom, or a small pop-up tent works well.
• Comfortable setup: Use a soft rug, floor pillows, a beanbag chair, or a cozy blanket.
• Comfort items: Stuffed animals, a weighted blanket, or a small pillow to hug.
• Sensory and tactile tools: Stress balls, fidget toys, Play-Doh, kinetic sand, or a DIY glitter jar.
• Focus and breathing aids: Pinwheels, breathing cards, visual sand timers, or noise-canceling headphones.
• Emotional aids: A small unbreakable mirror for facial expressions and deep belly breaths, plus books or cards about feelings.
• Never use it for punishment: The space should never feel like a time-out or a consequence for bad behavior.
• Teach when calm: Introduce and practice using the tools before a meltdown happens so the child knows what to do when they feel upset.
• Keep it positive: Frame it as a helpful place to feel better and regain control.