Shared Experiences: Creating Calm Environments in the ECE Setting | Bright Start, Bright Kids, Bright Futures, November 2025

Colleen Borne, a PKC teacher in the York City School District, has created a special space for children to self-regulate or co-regulate with a peer when they are feeling overstimulated and need a calm environment.

She shared, “These are pictures of our cozy/quiet cube with mirrored sides and our quiet area with drawers for fidgets, soft objects, and feelings dolls. There is a bench to sit with a peer or to lie down, and a cube chair for increased stability and contact with the floor.”

Demi Beltz, teacher at Teddy Bear College in Bensalem, Bucks County, shared:

“In our classroom, Conscious Discipline helps create a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment where every child feels safe and valued. Our Feeling Buddies teach us that all emotions are welcome here—and that we can use the skills we’ve learned to calm our bodies and minds. When a strong feeling arises, students first choose a Feeling Buddy that matches how they’re feeling. They then say, “It’s okay, sad. I’m sad too. Let’s take a few deep breaths to help us calm down.” These breaths are always intentional, and students can choose from several different breathing techniques. After taking deep breaths, students select a Calm Down Choice—an activity that helps them move forward from the feeling in a healthy way.

This process of validating emotions, regulating through breath, and choosing a calming strategy has become a powerful tool for emotional regulation in our classroom. We’ve also extended these practices school-wide through Conscious Discipline and Responsive Classroom–inspired morning meetings. These include everything from special greetings to sensory-based activities that build connection and community. Together, these experiences foster a classroom culture where everyone is accepted, supported, and celebrated.”

Step By Step School for Early Learning in State College, PA, shared activities that encourage kindness, connection, and a sense of belonging and community all year long.

At Inspiration Station, our mornings begin with Sunshine Express — a joyful, schoolwide routine that brings all our classrooms together on Zoom to start the day in a positive and connected way. Each morning, our director welcomes everyone with smiles and energy while Jeff Hartman leads the children in fun, movement-filled dancing that gets their bodies moving and their hearts happy. Afterward, we celebrate birthdays, recognizing each child’s special day.

Next, it’s time for yoga! Sometimes we follow a guided video, and other times we focus on a specific yoga move together. This mindful movement focuses breathing deeply, and prepares their minds and bodies for learning. Then we make connections with “I Love You” rituals from Conscious Discipline, strengthening relationships among children and teachers. Before we say goodbye, we recite affirmations together and close with the Wish You Well  activity from Conscious Discipline.

The children absolutely love participating in Sunshine Express each day. It has become a cherished part of their morning routine. Even our youngest learners, the babies, eagerly look for Sunshine Express, excited to join in the joy and connection it brings every morning.  

This daily ritual benefits children in many ways. It helps them manage stress and big emotions through movement, mindfulness, and connection. It creates a calm and supportive environment where every child feels valued, loved, and ready to learn. Most importantly, Sunshine Express teaches children the importance of kindness, gratitude, and emotional well-being, lessons that shine far beyond the classroom.