Children's Arts and Crafts Mindfulness: Mindfulness Sensory Jar Craft Project

Creating Mindful Sensory Jars for elementary school kids is a fun and engaging activity that can help them practice mindfulness and relaxation. Here are simple directions to make these sensory jars:

Materials Needed:

1. Clean, empty plastic or glass jars with lids (such as mason jars or baby food jars)

2. Clear glue or glitter glue

3. Glitter in various colors

4. Warm water

5. Small plastic or metal trinkets (optional)

6. Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jar: Ensure the jar you're using is clean and dry. Remove any labels or sticky residue from the jar.

2. Add Glitter Glue: Start by squirting a generous amount of clear glue or glitter glue into the jar. You can choose to use one color or mix different colors for a more vibrant effect.

3. Sprinkle Glitter: Sprinkle glitter into the jar on top of the glue. You can use a single color or mix different colors for a more colorful effect. Add as much glitter as you like, depending on how sparkly you want the sensory jar to be.

4. Add Trinkets (Optional): If desired, add small plastic or metal trinkets into the jar. These could be sequins, small beads, or any other small objects that are safe for children and won't dissolve in water.

5. Add Warm Water: Carefully pour warm water into the jar, leaving some space at the top. The warm water will help dissolve the glue and mix the glitter evenly.

6. Optional: Add Food Coloring: If you want to add color to your sensory jar, you can add a few drops of food coloring into the jar. Stir the water gently to mix the food coloring evenly.

7. Seal the Jar: Securely screw the lid onto the jar to prevent any leaks. Make sure the lid is on tightly to avoid any spills.

8. Shake and Watch: Once the lid is on securely, shake the jar gently and watch as the glitter and trinkets swirl around. Encourage the children to observe the movement of the glitter and trinkets as they settle down slowly.

9. Mindful Sensory Activity: Guide the children to use their sensory jar as a tool for mindfulness. Encourage them to shake the jar whenever they feel stressed or anxious and to focus on the swirling glitter as it settles. This can help them calm down and practice mindfulness.

10. Decorate (Optional): Children can decorate the outside of their sensory jars with stickers, ribbons, or markers to personalize them.

Creating glittery, mindful sensory jars is a simple and enjoyable activity that engages children's creativity and helps them develop mindfulness skills for emotional regulation and relaxation.

Mindful Sensory Jar