This blog series is made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Curiosity is not just about learning new things, but it is also about looking at familiar things in a brand new way. Sometimes something as simple as a swirl of color can inspire curiosity.
A sensory bottle is a sealed bottle that has beads, glitter, or other items. Sensory bottles may promote emotional regulation, sensory engagement, and more. The contents of the bottles can also offer visual and tactile simulation.
Age Range: 4+
Costs: $15 to $35
What You’ll Need:
• Bottle with a lid (preferably see-through plastic) – the bottle has to have an opening wide enough to put items in
• Decoration Supplies (Marker, Stickers, Tape)
• Sensory items (beads, glitter, charms, small toys.)Remember to select items that can fit into the bottle
• Thickener (Glycerin, Corn syrup, or Clear Glue)
• Water
• Food Coloring
• Recommended tool: Funnel
• Water-resistant glue (hot glue, Gorilla glue, or silicone sealant)
Directions
1. Add sensory items
Add items to the bottle such as beads, glitter, charms, or small toys. Remember to select things that are small enough to fit inside the bottle. As you add the items, talk about each one. Ask about the size, shape, and colors.
2. Add the thickener
Fill the bottle approximately ¼ full with thickener. The thickener allows the objects in the sensory bottle to move slowly. The more thickener you add, the slower the items can move. That slower movement can create a calming effect for you and your child.
Curious moment: Examine how the thickener and water move differently. Glycerin is a clear thickener, but it moves differently than water because it is heavier.
3. Add food coloring
Add 2-3 drops of food coloring. The more drops of food coloring, the darker the water will be. This gives the peek-a-boo sensory bottle its peek-a-boo name. If your child prefers to be able to see through the bottle, less food coloring will help.
Curious moments: Ask how many drops of food coloring will make the water a new color that you can still see through. Ask what happens if you mix two or more colors together.
4. Add water and seal shut
Fill up the bottle the remainder of the way full with water. Use a paper towel or a rag to wipe down the excess water. To avoid a big mess, add glue to the top and seal the lid. It is highly recommended that adults handle the strong glue for safety.
5. Shake the bottle
Invite your child to shake the sensory bottle. Ask questions like:
• What does it look like when everything is moving around?
• How do you feel when everything is moving in the bottle?
• How do you feel when everything stops?
When the sensory bottle is moving and swirling around, it acts as a great metaphor for big emotions. The sensory bottle starts to settle when the bottle is still. It resembles needing to take a deep breath and rest when emotions are strong.
Why it Matters: Sensory bottles invite children to slow down, observe, and wonder. The sensory items and motion offer an opportunity to ask curious questions like: “What is this?” “How will it move?” The questions provide opportunities to develop new descriptive vocabulary by describing what they see.
