A securely sealed transparent plastic bottle or jar containing water, a small amount of child-safe clear glue or glycerine, and glitter or larger child-safe sequins. An adult should prepare and seal it securely. A ready-made sensory bottle can also be used.
What to Say
“Would you like to shake the jar with me?”
“The glitter is moving very quickly.”
“Let us watch what happens as it begins to settle.”
“We do not have to make any feeling disappear. We can simply watch the glitter together.”
What to Do
STEP 1 Sit beside your child in a comfortable and safe place.
STEP 2 Invite your child to shake or gently turn the sealed jar. If they do not want to, you can do it.
STEP 3 Place the jar on a stable surface.
STEP 4 Watch the glitter move and slowly settle.
STEP 5 Talk only if it feels helpful. You may notice colours, shapes or movement together.
STEP 6 When your child is ready, finish or watch the glitter move again.
JOIN YOUR CHILD Watch together rather than handing over the jar and walking away. You can say: “I am here with you. We can watch together.” Your calm presence is more important than the jar itself.
One-Minute Version
Slowly turn the jar once and watch together for about one minute. Ask one simple question: “What do you notice?” Your child may answer, point or simply continue watching.
If Your Child Does Not Want to Participate
Put the jar aside without making it a consequence. Offer a choice such as sitting with you, having a little space or doing something else. Some children may prefer bubbles, a falling feather, a moving leaf, clouds or a slowly drawn shape in the air.
Make It Your Own
Let your child choose the colours while you prepare the jar during a calm moment.
For a quieter version, turn the jar gently instead of shaking it.
If fast movement is exciting rather than calming, use fewer particles and a thicker liquid.
For a no-jar version, watch a feather or small piece of paper fall.
Your child may follow the glitter with their eyes, stay with the activity briefly or begin speaking about what they see or feel. Some children may want to shake the jar repeatedly. If so, finish or try a slower visual alternative.
An adult must prepare and securely seal the container. Use non-toxic materials and a plastic container whenever possible. Check regularly for cracks, leaks or a loose lid. If your child is highly distressed, focus first on safety, connection and comfort; never require them to watch or calm down within a set time.
Glitter Jar Calm-Down and The Calm Jar, combined from the LITTLE MINDS, BIG FOCUS Teacher Training Materials and Activity Collection.
