How to Create a Quiet, Calming Room
by Alanna Raffel
A sensory, quiet or calming room is a safe and quiet space where people can go when they either need a break or need to self-regulate. The following information provides guidance for items that you might need to create a calming/quiet room in your synagogue, school, camp or other space.
Create a space with a defined boundary (if within a classroom or larger space)
Pillows
Folding tent
Comfy/cushy seating
Yoga mats
Bean bag chair
Pillows
Exercise balls
Visually calming
Lava lamps
Fiber optic lights
Floating bubble tube
Tactile objects
Weighted blankets/lap pads
Sensory toys
Hand held massager for vibration
Quiet/Calming Activities
Books
Puzzles
Coloring
Auditory Accommodations
Noise cancelling headphones
Ear plugs
Headphones with music
White noise machine
Other items to include
List of items in the room and how to use them
Signage for the door
Water and snacks
Emotion wheel/emotion tracker
Sanitizer/wipes to clean items after usage
Click here to download this resource as a pdf.
Alanna Raffel, OTD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and accessibility consultant. She graduated from the University of Maryland with dual degrees in Psychology and Dance and from Thomas Jefferson University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Alanna has worked as an occupational therapist in acute rehab, early intervention ages 3 to 5, outpatient, and school-based settings. Alanna has facilitated accessibility in a variety of ways including autism-friendly Broadway performances in New York City, open captioning at People’s Light in Malvern, and organizing mapping events to collect data on physical accessibility. Her company, Access Point, strives to increase inclusion in Philadelphia and beyond by advocating for access, creating solutions, and promoting awareness of accessible opportunities for people with disabilities and their friends and family.