CoverIntroductionWellbeing and Its Importance in SchoolsWhat models/frameworks exist to promote school wellbeing?What is the best approach for my school or district?Valuable Tools and ConsiderationYour Call to ActionStudent Wellbeing InterventionsPositive Emotion Three Good ThingsCounting BlessingsEnvisioning Your Best Possible SelfUnderstanding HumorThree Funny ThingsOutdoor LearningBringing the Outside InBibliotherapyEngagementRecognizing and Utilizing Personal StrengthsARCS Model of CuriosityCarousel BrainstormingGenius HourPerspective Taking and Role-PlayArts IntegrationDrawing and Coloring TherapyCulturally-Enriching and Arts-Based Field TripsCulturally Responsive PracticesSocial Belonging InterventionEmotional Self-Regulation: RULER methodModeling Emotional Self-Regulation SkillsTeacher PraiseRelationshipsModeling Love, Kindness and ForgivenessActive Constructive RespondingDialogue JournalsSecret Strengths SpottingPeer Praise NotesActs of KindnessVolunteeringFast FriendsBuddy BenchMeaningEducating Students about Benefit AppraisalsGratitude LettersSavoring StrategiesTaking in the Good (HEAL)Mental Time TravelBrief Mindfulness ActivitiesMindful BellMindful BreathingBody Scan RelaxationMindful Walking/MovementFive Senses MindfulnessMindful PhotographyMindful Self-CompassionAccomplishmentFuture Thinking & When/Where PlansHope MapG-POWER Goal SettingEmbedded Self-Regulation StrategiesGrowth MindsetGrit and Deliberate PracticeDeveloping Students' Resilience and Coping SkillsHealth and VitalityHealthy Sleep HabitsClassroom Physical ActivityYogaCreative Playground EquipmentHealthy Body Image InterventionStudent-Led Health ProgramSchool-Led Interventions for Teachers and StaffSupporting Teacher AutonomyMindfulness TrainingCompassion TrainingHumor TrainingIncentivizing Physical ExerciseIndividual Interventions for Administrators, Teachers and StaffPositive and Reflective JournalingSelf-Regulation and Coping StrategiesSelf-AffirmationSelf Compassion LetterDiscovering and Utilizing Character StrengthsJob CraftingMindfulnessAdditional Interventions to ConsiderDedicated Wellbeing SpacesIndividual Wellbeing Plans for School EmployeesOther ResourcesPROSPER

Dedicated Wellbeing Spaces

A dedicated school wellbeing space can give students and staff a place to recharge and reset when experiencing difficult emotions or challenging circumstances. A wellbeing room or “wellbeing center” can be a great place to implement many of the wellbeing interventions for students included in this resource. Though wellbeing centers are gaining popularity in schools, evidence regarding their effectiveness and impact remains limited. However, some schools have begun reporting some positive outcomes. An elementary school in the Western U.S. found that within the first 90 days of having the wellbeing room, office referrals for disruptive behavior dropped by 40% (Fox13 News, 2021). Additionally, within those first 90 days, the wellbeing center had over 2,500 visits from students, indicating that it is a popular intervention among students (Fox13 News, 2021). These results are promising and we expect more comprehensive research to be forthcoming. 

Wellbeing Center Resources

Community Education Channel Wellness Center Series: This is a three-part video series on the implementation of school wellness centers at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Videos include examples of wellness center set-up, activities, as well as student and staff anecdotes regarding wellness center use.

The following three resources include examples of various wellbeing and calming centers in place in schools, as well as suggestions for implementation:

MindPeace Rooms

Calming Spaces

High School Peace Rooms

Grade Level: All
Materials:
  • Funding(estimates for some centers range from 10-20,000 US dollars, but this can vary depending on materials used).

Possible materials include: 

  • Sensory toys
  • Playdoh or Theraputty
  • Puzzles
  • Sand timers
  • Books
  • Weighted blanket
  • Drawing and coloring supplies
  • Headphones and electronic devices to listen to calming music or guided meditations
  • Comfortable furniture
  • Large pillows or beanbag chairs
Duration: Set up may require a few months. Students are intended to spend about 10 minutes at a time in the wellness center throughout the school year.
Implementation:
  1. Determine where the wellbeing center will be in your school. 
  2. Clear out classroom furniture if applicable, and purchase more comfortable, welcoming furniture. The wellness center is intended to have a more home-like feel rather than be a classroom. 
  3. Purchase sensory tools and other supplies. Seek additional funding if necessary. 
  4. Hire someone to assist with setting up, as well as to supervise the center when completed. 
  5. Set center rules (how long students can be in the wellbeing center and how often, how many students per class can be in the wellness center at a time, etc.)
  6. Once set-up is completed, train staff and faculty on how you intend the wellbeing center to be used. 
  7. Finish setting up the room and create classroom passes for wellbeing center use. 
  8. Hold a parent and student orientation meeting or open house to introduce the center. 
  9. Open the wellbeing center and track use during the school year.

References:

CASEL. (2020). TOOL: Create a high school peace room. https://edtechbooks.org/-Bkgt 

Fox13. (2021, August 17). Utah school district puts more emphasis on student mental health with wellness room. https://edtechbooks.org/-tcQo 

MindPeace. (n.d.) MindPeace rooms. https://edtechbooks.org/-ABzC 

MindPeace. (n.d.) Calming spaces. https://edtechbooks.org/-RCRA 

Wimmer, D. (2020, February 14). Utah schools using innovative approach to improve student mental health. KSL TV. https://edtechbooks.org/-fTx 

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