Decide ahead of time what the purpose of the safe corner is. Some teachers use the safe corner as a place for children to go when they need time alone. Others send fighting children to the safe corner to resolve conflict. Use the safe corner for several purposes, but do not use it as punishment. Teachers can recommend that a child visit the safe corner, allow the child to choose.
Talk about the safe corner with the children, explaining that it is a place for a child to go when he feels sad, angry or just needs some quiet time. Typically, one child is allowed in the safe corner at a time, unless the children are resolving a conflict.
Enlist the children's help to build the safe corner. Decorate an old appliance box with paint, stickers or photos of the children. Put a few soft pillows in the corner, as well as some books on feelings. Add an erasable "doodle board" so children can write about or draw their feelings. Place the safe corner in a designated spot of the room away from active play areas, such as blocks.
Set up boundaries and rules for the safe corner with the children. For example, pillows and books stay in the safe corner. Only one child may visit the safe corner at a time. The safe corner box is not to jump on.
Invite children to visit the safe corner when they become upset or overstimulated. Stay close by to offer the child support and comfort, or to help children solve conflict.