Welcome to the Cove
WHY WE MADE IT
Before a child can learn, they need to feel safe.
Every parent and educator has seen it happen. Big feelings take over, and suddenly nothing else can get in. Directions don’t help. Teaching doesn’t help. The thinking part of the brain isn’t available until someone first helps the child feel calm, safe, and connected.
The Cove exists for that moment. It’s a place a child can choose to pause, regulate, reconnect, and return when they’re ready.
THE ORIGINAL COVE
A small place a child can choose.
Many years ago, when Luke needed a safe place inside his classroom, Mrs. B and I built one for him.
Together, we created a small space where he could step away without leaving the classroom.
We called it the Cove.
Going to the Cove became one of Luke’s choices. He could slow down, breathe, and return when he was ready.
TODAY
Today, the Cove lives inside Choiceworks.
Children choose a calming breath, practice alongside Dr. Christopher Willard, and return to their day when they’re ready.
Here is what that looks like, exactly as a child sees it.
THE GUIDE
Christopher Willard, PsyD
Harvard Medical School faculty member and author of the Alphabreaths series. He guides every breathing exercise inside the Cove.
Breathing practice adapted from Alphabreaths and Alphabreaths Too, by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown.
A place a child chooses.
A place to breathe and return when ready.
A Cove is not a closet or a timeout.