Rainbow Sensory Bottle

Inside: A fascinating rainbow sensory bottle for toddlers and preschoolers.

As toddlers and preschoolers, my children were both fascinated by sensory bottles – even now our almost 11 year old will stop and flip our slow motion calm down bottle, standing still to watch the blocks fall, and our six year old loves the smell (yes, smell!) of our scented rainstick sensory bottle. Sensory bottles are a fabulous tool to explore, offering wonderful sensory input. I especially love them as a calm down tool, perfect for when children are experiencing big, overwhelming feelings or when they simply need some quiet time.

RELATED: Teaching Feelings & Emotions « GREAT free games and activities for kids of all ages.

How to Make Your Rainbow Sensory Bottle

You will need:

• A small, empty, plastic soda bottle
• Waterproof super glue
• Water beads
• Water
• Glitter in your choice of color (optional)

Directions:

1. Soak water beads until soft and inflated (follow the package directions). You will need about two cups of prepared beads.

2. Prepare soda bottle by rinsing well and removing all paper and labels.

Tip: Eucalyptus oil is fabulous for removing any sticky glue left by labels.

3. Carefully pour the water beads into the bottle. Fill until it is about three quarters full.

4. Top up the bottle with water. Fill it to the neck of the bottle but do not overfill.

5.  Sprinkle some glitter into the bottle (this step is 0ptional). You don’t need to add a lot, just a sprinkle will do.

6. Secure bottle cap by applying super glue around the rim of the bottle. Place the cap on. Make sure it is on tightly. Allow to dry.

To use your water beads sensory bottle, simply give the bottle a good shake. The glued cap will prevent leaks and messes, while the water, beads, and glitter will interact and create swirling rainbow.

Hold it up to the light to see even more colors and action.

Find even more fabulous sensory bottles in this fun collection;