From Regulation to Relaxation: Creating Calm Corners and Emotional Toolkits for Summer

Audience: SNAs, P & PP teachers, and early years educators

Summer brings sunshine, freedom, and fun—but for many children, the lack of routine can lead to emotional overwhelm. This practical and inspiring webinar is designed for educators and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) who want to support children’s emotional well-being during the holidays.

Join us for “From Regulation to Relaxation”, where we’ll explore how to create portable calm corners and emotional toolkits that can be used at home, in summer camps, or on the go. Learn how to design soothing sensory spaces and tailor self-regulation supports using everyday, budget-friendly items. Whether you’re preparing for school transitions, travel, or unstructured summer days, this session will equip you with creative strategies to help children move from dysregulation to calm.

Together, we’ll:
✅ Explore the sensory and emotional needs children face during summer
✅ Learn how to set up calming spaces using simple, portable resources
✅ Discover the essential items for an emotional regulation toolkit
✅ Gain practical tips to share with parents and caregivers

Perfect for: SNAs, teachers, early years educators, and anyone supporting children with additional needs.

Let’s make summer a season of connection, calm, and confidence—one toolkit at a time!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of sensory regulation during less structured summer months.
• Identify key components of calm corners and emotional toolkits.
• Design practical, budget-friendly, portable regulation supports for home or summer camps.
• Share ideas and resources with families to support children’s emotional needs over the summer break.

This webinar draws on guidance from the NCSE Relate Programme, the NCSE's 'Visual Supports within an Inclusive Learning Environment' resource, and the Department of Education’s 'Understanding Behaviours of Concern' document to support SNAs and educators in fostering connection, emotional regulation, and positive transitions for all students.

Facilitator: Magdalena Landziak

Magdalena has over 8 years of experience working as a Special Needs Assistant in a primary school in Co. Limerick, supporting children with additional needs. She is the Editor and Publisher of AMYGDALA – the First National Magazine for SNAs. Magdalena graduated from UCD after completing the National Training Programme for SNAs and earning a Certificate in Inclusive School Support. With a teaching background from Poland, she expanded her expertise by graduating in May 2024 from Trinity College Dublin with a Postgraduate Level 9 qualification in 21st Century Teaching and Learning. Recently, she completed her Master's in Inclusive Education and SEN and is awaiting the results. Magdalena is running an Instagram page called @sna_zone where she provides valuable resources for SNAs and educators. Magdalena is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow SNAs. She is deeply passionate about advocating for children's rights every day and embraces everything about inclusive education.