Calm down sensory kits have been used by parents, teachers and therapists to help children self-regulate their breathing, thoughts and improve their focus. They are not a means of punishment - instead they are safe space for a child to go to when they feel their emotions are running too high and they need to regain their emotional and physical control. They focus on sensory exercises that can ground your child by feeling, smelling, hearing or through mindful breathing practices.
If you're wondering what to include, think of items that are repetitive in motions such as spinning, clicking or rolling. These can build children's concentration through their calming effect:
- Books and flashcards
- Playdough
- Calm down bottles
- Gentle noise makers
- Pop-its or fidget spinners
- Cuddly soft toys
- Mindfulness activities - we love these free printables from Beauty and the Bump
- Essential oils
- Rubik's Cube
- Squishy toys and balls
- Kaleidoscope
- Sand timer
- Silks
Here are 7 ways to soothe your child and help them focus using the Jellystone Designs DIY Calm Down Bottles:
- Shake the bottle, count to 10 as you watch the contents whirl. Try it fast, try it slow.
- Hold both ends of the bottle, spin the bottle with your fingers and watch the contents whirl.
- Place your hands on the ends of the bottle (palms down). Roll the bottle like a rolling pin back and forth on the table.
- Stand the bottle on one end and watch the contents fall. Spin the bottle over to stand on the other end.
- Hold one end of the bottle, draw a large circle with the bottle that goes over your head. Breathe in as you draw the circle going up and breathe out as you draw the circle coming down.
- Hold one end of the bottle, draw a large rainbow with the bottle that goes over your head. Breathe in as you draw the rainbow in one direction and breathe out as you draw the rainbow in the opposite direction.
- Stand the bottle upright and hold the bottle with both hands (palms facing together). Roll the bottle with the palms of your hands.
Tania of LMB
*This blog post has been adapted from Jellystone Designs website, you can read their original article in full HERE
