Sensory Bottles

Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles are a great tool that can be utilized at home, within the classroom and in therapy sessions. Sensory bottles are easy and inexpensive to make. Sensory bottles can be used for kids that are visual seekers or visual stimulators, hyperactive kids, kids who are overstimulated, as a calming tool, as a reward and as a timer for a timeout.

In the classroom setting, the sensory bottles were left on the table during free choice time (play time) so that the kids could play with and interact with the bottles. We also used the sensory bottles as a timer for kids who needed to calm down or were in a timeout. We would have the child sit in a quiet area of the classroom or at a table then shake the sensory bottle. The child would be instructed to watch the sensory bottle and once all the glitter has settled at the bottom they could go play again.

Kids that are feeling overstimulated by their environment can use the sensory bottle to help self-regulate. The adult can initially help the child to use the sensory bottle by introducing it to the child before they become upset so they are aware of what it is and how it works. Then once the child becomes overstimulated/upset re-introduce the sensory bottle to the child. The goal is that once the child starts to become overstimulated or upset he/she will recognize it and use the sensory bottle to self-regulate.

Video portraying sensory bottles:

http://youtu.be/aLismAMZIp8

What you need:

-Water bottle or mason jar. I recommend using a water bottle because it is plastic making it easier for the child to hold onto, and safer if the child should drop it.

-Glitter glue

-Glitter

-Warm water

Glitter glue bottles that I utilized

-Hot glue gun

Directions:

1. Dump glitter glue into the water bottle. You can put as much as you want in, I added in three different colored glitter glue bottles.

2. Add in about half a bottle of warm water.

3. Shake the water bottle up to break up the glitter glue.

4. Add in food coloring of your choice.

5. Add in some regular glitter.

6. Fill the bottle with warm water leaving about an inch at the top.

7. Use a hot glue gun to keep the cap secured onto the bottle.