Make a mindful jar
Make a mindful jar using a clear jar, water, glitter, and glue; shake it and watch the swirling to practice deep breathing and calm focus.
Step-by-step guide to make a mindful jar
Take 5ive Mindfulness: Make a Mindful Jar
Step 1
Ask an adult to help you before you begin.
Step 2
Place the clear jar on a flat table.
Step 3
Fill the jar about three quarters full with warm water.
Step 4
Squeeze about two tablespoons of white school glue into the water.
Step 5
Add one to two teaspoons of glitter into the jar.
Step 6
Add one drop of food coloring if you want the water to have color.
Step 7
Screw the lid onto the jar tightly.
Step 8
Hold the lid and shake the jar vigorously for about twenty seconds to mix the glue glitter and water.
Step 9
Tilt the jar gently to start the glitter swirling.
Step 10
Sit quietly and watch the glitter as it slowly falls toward the bottom.
Step 11
Breathe slowly in for four seconds and out for four seconds three times while focusing on the glitter.
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of white school glue or glitter if I can't find them?
Use clear school glue in place of white school glue and swap loose glitter in the 'Add one to two teaspoons of glitter into the jar' step for large sequins or craft confetti so pieces stay visible.
The glitter falls to the bottom too fast â how can I make the swirling last longer?
At the mixing step after 'Squeeze about two tablespoons of white school glue into the water,' add one to two teaspoons of clear glycerin or an extra tablespoon of glue and shake vigorously to slow the glitter's descent.
How can I adapt this mindful jar activity for younger toddlers or older kids?
For toddlers have an adult complete the 'Fill the jar about three quarters full with warm water' through 'Screw the lid onto the jar tightly' steps and use large glitter, while older kids can experiment with multiple food coloring drops and layered glitter mixtures before sealing the lid.
How can we personalize or enhance our finished mindful jar?
Decorate the lid and jar with stickers or paint, add a small waterproof toy inside before you 'Screw the lid onto the jar tightly,' or place the jar on an LED base and then share a photo on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a mindful jar
How to make a 'calm down glitter jar' (or sensory bottle) | Mindfulness activity for children
3 Videos
How to make a 'calm down glitter jar' (or sensory bottle) | Mindfulness activity for children
How to Make a Mindful Glitter Jar
Mind Jars - a mindfulness and relaxation tool for children
Facts about mindfulness and sensory activities for kids
⨠Calm jars (also called glitter jars or sensory bottles) are popular tools teachers use for classroom calm-down corners.
đ§ Adding clear glue or a few drops of glycerin makes glitter fall more slowly so the swirl lasts longer.
đŹď¸ Deep breathing while watching the glitter settle helps slow the heart rate and brings attention back to the present.
đ§ Mindfulness activities for kids, like watching a calm jar, can help lower anxiety and improve focus.
đ§ Visual calming tools can help shift a childâs attention from big feelings, giving the developing brain a moment to reset.
How do I make a mindful jar with my child?
What materials do I need to make a mindful jar?
What ages is a mindful jar suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for using a mindful jar?
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