Young children need a variety of spaces—and the right furniture—to support their emotional and sensory well-being throughout the day. Classrooms should ideally include two types of calm spaces, each equipped to meet the different needs of children:
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Furniture for Self-Regulation Spaces: where one child can step away to self-regulate, reset, and return when ready.
- Calm Nest
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Furniture for Quiet Activity Areas: where one or two children can engage in a quiet activity free from interruption.
- Listening Cube
- My Cove
- Hideaway Cube
Furniture for Self-Regulation Spaces
If a child begins to feel overwhelmed, they should have the option to step into a calm, quiet space in the classroom where they can regroup and self-regulate.
Calm Nest
This is a peaceful, space where a child can pause, regulate, and return to activities when they're ready.
Where do I place a Calm Nest in the classroom?
In a Corner: Position the Calm Nest in a corner of the classroom away from loud, high-activity areas. Angle the opening toward the wall to reduce visual stimulation while keeping the child in view.
Create a Corner: Create a corner by simply turning a shelf perpendicular to the wall, and place the Calm Nest against the back of the shelf.
Create a Quiet Zone: If you have a larger classroom space, create a protected zone around the Calm Nest with Roomscape Dividers to gently define the area and reduce external distractions while maintaining clear sightlines for supervision.
Furniture for Quiet Activity Areas
Sometimes children need a peaceful spot to focus on an activity—either alone or with a friend—free from the busy energy of the classroom. The following products help create Quiet Activity Areas that support calm, focused engagement.
Listening Cube
The Listening Cube creates a semi-enclosed area where one or two children can enjoy an audio activity—like music or audiobooks. This allows them to engage in this focused activity without disturbing the rest of the classroom.
Where do I place a Listening Cube in the classroom?
Against the Wall: To minimize distractions, place the Listening Cube along a wall or in a corner of the room. Position the opening away from high traffic areas of the classroom to further reduce sensory stimulation, and increase focus!
By the Reading Corner: Our Library Rack forms one side of the Listening Cube, so it’s a good option to place next to your literacy area. The back of the Library Rack is a great place to store a player and headphones, or extra books.
MyCove 32"
Ideal for your Pre-K classroom, the MyCove offers a cozy retreat where children ages 3–5 can enjoy quiet activities—whether on their own or alongside a friend.
MyCove 24"
The 24" MyCove is a great fit for toddler classrooms, providing a cozy space where 2–3-year-olds can enjoy quiet moments—either independently or with a friend.
Where do I place a MyCove in the classroom?
By a Wall: Position the MyCove against a wall or in a low-traffic area to minimize distractions, and improve focus.
Create a Corner: Place a shelf perpendicular to the wall to create a more enclosed space, helping to reduce visual stimulation.
Hideaway Cube
The Hideaway Cube is a space-saving solution that fits neatly into a corner or along a wall, creating a cozy spot where one or two children can enjoy quiet, focused play.
Where do I place a Hideaway Cube in the classroom?
By a Wall: Place the Hideaway Cube by a wall, in a low traffic area of the classroom. Position the opening so it faces away from busier areas of the classroom, to further reduce sensory stimulation and improve focus. The clear side panels also ensure easy supervision while the space is in use.
In a Quiet Area: Place the Hideaway Cube in an area designated for quiet play and protected by a space divider. The divider helps reduce unwanted foot traffic, and provides a defined space for children to focus on an activity either alone or with a friend. The clear panels support supervision while the space is in use.
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