Looking for something simple but exciting that will keep your baby or young child occupied for awhile? Look no further because a sensory bottle may be just what you need!
What is a sensory bottle? It can be called different things-calm-down bottle, a sensory jar, a calm-down jar, but they are the same concept! They all are a container that holds different objects with different properties. It is a safe way for children to explore different senses without the mess and without choking hazards.
What senses can be incorporated?
Auditory/Sound: Clinking objects against the bottle, whirling of the water
Visual: Colors, glitters, objects falling
Proprioception: the relationship of objects and space
Vestibular: Balancing motions, spinning the bottle
These senses help regulate the child if they feel overwhelmed by other stimuli, hence calming them down. However, it can be used explore different senses and understand the relationship of objects and the properties or qualities of different objects.
What can I teach my child when we make a sensory bottle?
1. Academics:
-Colors: What colors do you see? Is it dark or is it light?
-Numbers: How many do you see? Is it a lot or is it a little?
-Shapes: What shapes do you see?
-Matching: Are they the same? How are they the same or different?
2. Language:
-Explain what they see in the bottle
-Describe how they made it
-Talk about what they like about it
-Talk about the different properties of the objects
-Talk about what might happen if they do something differently: What would happen if you gave it a big shake?
3. Science:
-Sink/Float: What objects sink and what objects will float?
-Prediction/Observation: What do you think will happen next?
-Absorption: What properties will be dissolved in water?
Last but not least, how do you make a sensory bottle?
Main Ingredients: Water, dish soap, glycerin (or baby oil)
Optional Add-Ons: Glitter, food-coloring, small beads, small toys, small objects...anything actually!
First, add 1/4 cup water in the bottle.
Next, add glitter. Now would be a good time to add the optional add-ons.
Then, pour in 3/4 cup of glycerin or baby oil. This helps the glitter slow down when it falls.
Then, put 3-4 spoonfuls of dish soap into the bottle. This creates the bubbly effect.
Last, add a few drops of food coloring, and give it a good SHAKE!!
Ta-dah!!!!
Easy, but exciting and guaranteed to give your child a good time! Have fun!
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