What you need: Container, water, glitter &/or glitter glue, food coloring (Optional: dish soap, glycerin) (And bring kids of all ages – this is a favorite for sure)!
Why to use: A fun way to help kids focus. Also a great way to teach children how important it is to notice how they are feelling. This is a great project to do with kids of all ages!
How to use: I like to have a brief discussion on feelings and emotions. I ask my kids if they can remember how they felt after a good night’s rest or maybe after something has left them feeling very calm. Then I ask them if that peaceful feeling stays all day or if their mind may feel a little chaotic at times. We may get a little specific here (but we keep it brief) and we finish the discussion with the jar. When we look at the jar and it’s not moving, focus on the fact that it is similar to their mind after a good night’s rest. Then after a little time the mind may start to get a little whirly which is when we begin shaking the jar. After we get all of the glitter going I mention that the glitter in the jar is like all of the feelings and emotions that we have and that it would feel much nicer if we could allow those crazy glitter emotions begin to settle and become calm and peaceful. (depending on ages I challenge them to count their breath as they watch the glitter fall to the bottom).
1. Choose a jar like: Recycled bottles, Baby jars, Mason jars, Jelly jars, Etc. or – Recycled plastic containers like: Mayonnaise jars, Peanut Butter jars, Water bottle, Seltzer bottle
2. Fill with water
3. Sprinkle your glitter (if you use glitter glue you will need to shake it a lot in the beginning – and the smallest amount of dish soap will help reduce clumping)
4. Add food coloring of your choice (optional)
It’s that Easy!
Note: Depending on the type of glitter you use you may want to add the smallest amount of dish soap or glycerin. This will break down the glitter to reduce clumping.
Other options: Add a small object inside. They are more likely to really look inside and focus to find their special treat.
- (If your child likes cars add a tiny plastic car charm. If your child likes stars add a star charm, etc. You could also use charms with the letters and perhaps put their initials inside).
- If you are really into customizing and you decided to use mason jars you can purchase adhesive chalk paper (I purchased mine on amazon.com for about $7.00 a yard). If you unscrew the lid and pop out the center circle simply cut the shape of the circle and stick it on. Pop the outer lid back and screw back on. Viola! You now have a place where your child can take a moment to figure out how they are feeling and write it on the lid. Once they know the mood they are in (happy, tired, bored, etc.), they can write it on the chalk lid then shake up their glitter jar… focus a bit to watch the glitter settle and see if their mood changes after a few tries.
If you are looking for more amazing practices and exercies to use with your children you can find them in Jennifer Cohen Harper’s book, Little Flower Yoga for Kids.
And please feel free to share your ideas, stories, questions or comments. We would love to hear from you!
