Earth Day Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottles are great to make and have on hand. They work as a calming effect for children (and even adults). However, making themed ones, like this Earth Day Sensory bottle that I am showing how to make today, makes for a good homeschool lesson as well!

 

What are the Benefits of Sensory Play?

Sensory play has a lot of benefits for young children! It helps developing brains build nerve connections. Sensory play is important for developing motor skills as well! Parents and teachers can use sensory play to support language development. Plus it encourages scientific thinking and problem solving! These are all wonderful benefits and great reasons why sensory play should be a part of your child’s day!

 

Earth Day Sensory Bottle

 

1 (16 ounce) plastic storage/sensory bottle (available at Michaels or similar but smaller here: https://amzn.to/3g9gSD9 )

2 to 3 (6 ounce) bottles Elmer’s Glue in clear (https://amzn.to/3wPpyod)

About 1 cup warm water

About 1 tablespoon glitter or confetti (if desired)

Toys (if desired)

For this project, we used:

• Earth marbles (https://amzn.to/2OGd1lF )

 

Note: Earth bouncy balls could also be used as long as they will fit through the opening of the bottle. For marbles, use more glue and less water.

 

1. Empty one bottle of glue into the bottle. 
2. Fill the empty glue bottle about half full with warm water (about ¼ cup) and seal with the lid. Shake well to combine the remaining glue with the water. Pour into jar with glue and shake or stir to combine.
3. If you are adding glitter or toys, add part of the glitter and toys into the glue mixture.
4. Seal the jar and shake well. If the glitter or confetti does not move easily, add more warm water. If the glitter or confetti moves too quickly, add additional glue. Continue adding in layers with the glitter and toys until you achieve your desired effect.
5. When the contents of the bottle move according to your preference, seal the bottle and glue the lid closed to avoid spills.
6. If desired, cover the lid with duct tape or additional decorations.

 

The Wrap Up

I hope you enjoy making this Earth Day Sensory Bottle craft with your child! If you homeschool, this is a great craft to add to your lesson or unit study for Earth Day. You can also use this to teach your child about viscosity. Plus, sensory bottles are just great to have on hand as a way to keep children calm or prevent meltdowns! My 6 year old loves having sensory bottles and slime on hand as ways to keep herself calm when she is stressed out.

If you do this craft, please be sure to tag @bearhavenmama on Instagram so I can see your creations!