DIY Calming Glitter Jars
Creating a sensory jar allows children to focus on a simple, repetitive task, resulting in a portable tool for emotional regulation and self-soothing during heightened emotional states.
- Takes
- 15–30 min
- Your setup
- 10 min prep
- Ages
- Ages 6–12
- Mess
- Some mess
- Cost
- $
- Where
- Indoors
How to do it
- 1Fill the jar 3/4 full with warm water.
- 2Add 2-3 tablespoons of clear glue or a generous squeeze of glitter glue (the glue helps the glitter suspend longer).
- 3Add 1-2 teaspoons of fine glitter. Use chunky glitter for extra visual interest.
- 4Secure the lid tightly (consider sealing with super glue if necessary).
- 5Shake the jar vigorously and watch the glitter settle. Explain that observing the glitter is a way to slow down thoughts when feeling overwhelmed.
What they're practising
- Sensory Regulation
- Mindfulness
- Fine Motor Skills
- Emotional Tool