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Calming bottles (also called sensory bottles, clam down jars, etc.) are reused plastic water bottles which contain water, glitter, and some glue. The glue in the water/glitter combination causes the liquid to move slowly when shaken. Calming bottles are great for children who seek visual input, as well as tactile and proprioceptive input as a child, can shake, squeeze, twist and turn them to make the glitter float around. In addition to providing a child with lots of calming visual input to help themselves calm. Calming bottles are inexpensive and easy to make. Parents have noted lots of positive responses of the calming bottle as well as many diverse ways to use them. Here is an easy and inexpensive way to make them with

Instructions from – http://www.preschoolinspirations.com/2014/11/13/6-ways-to-make-a-calm-down-jar/

You will need:

A clean empty Plastic water bottle with cap
Hot Water
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Glitter
Elmer’s Glue

Proportions: Since all bottles are different sizes, I’m breaking this down into proportions instead of specifics. This calming bottle is made with about 20% glue, 80% water, and as much glitter as desired.

Make it: Pour Elmer’s glue and hot water into the mixing bowl along with some food coloring and glitter. Now mix with the whisk. When everything is blended, mix vigorously then pour right away into the water bottle. The last stir helps get the glitter to transfer to the water bottle instead of settling in the mixing bowl. I just add a bit more hot water to the mixing bowl if there is some that is stuck. Then I clean the residual glitter out with a paper towel before rinsing and cleaning it out.

Give your bottle a trial by putting the lid on and shaking to make sure your calming bottle is working its magic. After your bottle is just the way you like it, let it cool without the lid. Once it has cooled, I put the lid back on and secure it with hot glue or super glue to prevent it from being opened.

Now that the Calming Bottle is finished you can use it has a sensory bottle, clam down jar, or fun craft activity!

Mike~Occupational Therapy Team