Magic Bottle
Purpose: observation
calm children
Materials: plastic bottle
food coloring
pearlescent powder (This is used to add an opaque finish to soap. It can be purchased at most craft stores, such as Michael’s and A.C. Moore, by the soap making supplies.)
Directions: Fill the bottle with water. Add a few drops of food coloring (I like blue) and 1/2 tsp. of the pearlescent powder. Glue on the lid. Move the bottle slowly to activate the “magic.”
Variations: Let each child hold the bottle and make a wish!Quiet Bottle
Purpose: calms children
gives children something to do with their hands
Materials: plastic bottle
clear corn syrup
glitter
Directions: Pour 1/3 to 1/2 cup of corn syrup in the bottle. Add a few drops of food coloring and a teaspoon of glitter. Glue on the lid. Hold the bottle and slowly move it around to coat the inside.
Variations: Add colored beads or sequins to the glitter.
Add plastic bugs, spiders, worms, and other
objects to the corn syrup.
Stress Bottle
Purpose: relaxation
observation
Materials: plastic bottle
old crayons (not washable)
crayon sharpener or grater
Directions: Make crayon shavings with the old crayons. Put several tablespoons of the crayon shavings in the bottle and then fill it to the top with water. Glue on the lid. Shake and then observe.
Variations: Use the bottle for classroom management. Shake up the bottle and challenge the children to be quiet for story (or whatever) before the shavings in the bottle all settle down.