Brain Builders: Mind Jars

by Heather Davis, MCM Early Learning Manager

Sometimes when young children are overwhelmed with emotion they need a visual cue to help them calm down.  A mind jar can serve as both a visual cue as well as a timer to assist children when feeling overwhelmed. 

Supplies needed:

• Clear plastic bottle (sturdier than a disposable water bottle)
• Small funnel
• Corn syrup
• Warm water
• Dish Soap
• Food coloring
• Glitter
• Beads/gems (if desired)
• Hot glue gun

Directions:

1. Rinse and clean a clear plastic bottle.  
2. Fill 1/3 of the bottle with corn syrup.  
3. In a cup add just a couple drops of food coloring and top with warm water until you reach the desired color.  
4. Add water to the jar, leaving some room for glitter and beads (if desired).  
5. Add 3-5 drops of dish soap.  
6. Using a funnel add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter. 
7. Seal and shake to test.  Add glitter/water/food coloring as desired.  (It will take some time for all the ingredients to blend together.)
8. When you’ve reached the desired result, open the lid and place a ring of hot glue around the outside and seal the jar tightly.  For extra protection, place another ring of hot glue around the outside of the sealed lid.  
9. Shake and breathe!  

Brain Builders is part of MCM at Home. Follow us on social media for more tips, games, crafts, and ideas to learn through play at home.

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