Student Contributor: J. Walser
The break space is a place for students to go when they feel they need a reset.
The break space is a place where students to go when they are feeling overwhelmed and they need a reset. Students choose to put themselves in the break space and it is not to be used as a punishment. The break space should have puzzles, coloring books, fidgets, etc. to help students calm down. Students can stay in the break space as long as they need and can visit as often as they need. This does not need to be monitored unless you become aware that a student is taking advantage of the break space. A teacher may suggest that a student visit the break space if they are having a difficult time focusing; but if this happens, the teacher should make a point to speak to that student so they know they are not in trouble.
The break space is best used in a collaborative or student-centered classroom. This is because students have the responsibility to put themselves in the break space when they need it– it is not a punitive tool. Teachers may suggest that a student visit the break space but they should never force a student to use the break space. Placing the responsibility on the student to make the decision to visit the break space, determine how long they will stay there, and how often they will be there is supportive of the collaborative and student-centered side of the continuum. The break space is best used in the support phase because it is used mid-lesson and helps each student control their emotions so they can jump back into the lesson they stepped away from.
More Information –
Tool Source: Second Step Program
