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Calm down jars are a simple yet effective tool for helping children understand and manage their emotions. These jars are visual aids that can demonstrate how feelings like anger, sadness, or frustration can be processed and eventually calmed. Teachers and parents can use them to teach kids about emotional regulation in a fun and engaging way.
What Are Calm Down Jars?
Calm down jars are clear containers filled with water, glitter, and sometimes other small objects. When shaken, the glitter swirls around, representing intense emotions. Over time, the glitter settles at the bottom, illustrating how feelings can calm down if given time and patience. They serve as a visual metaphor for emotional regulation.
Materials Needed
- Clear plastic or glass jar with a lid
- Water
- Glitter (preferably fine and colorful)
- Clear glue or glitter glue
- Optional: small beads or sequins
Steps to Make a Calm Down Jar
Follow these simple steps to create your own calm down jar:
- Fill the jar about three-quarters full with water.
- Add a few drops of clear glue or glitter glue to help the glitter settle faster.
- Pour in the glitter and optional small objects.
- Screw on the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously.
- Observe how the glitter swirls and then slowly settles.
Using Calm Down Jars in Teaching
Once the jars are ready, teachers can use them to help children understand emotions. When a child feels overwhelmed, they can shake the jar and watch the glitter. As the glitter settles, it provides a calming visual cue that feelings can also settle with time. Teachers can ask questions like:
- What do you see happening in the jar?
- How does that make you feel?
- What can you do while waiting for the glitter to settle?
Benefits of Using Calm Down Jars
Using calm down jars helps children develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills. They learn that feelings are temporary and manageable. The jars also provide a sensory experience that can reduce anxiety and promote mindfulness. Over time, children can use the jars independently to manage their emotions.
Conclusion
Calm down jars are a versatile and engaging tool for teaching kids about emotions. By incorporating them into classroom activities or home routines, educators and parents can foster emotional intelligence and resilience in children. Making and using these jars encourages patience, self-awareness, and calmness—valuable skills for lifelong emotional health.