A calm down jar is a simple expressive arts based sensory regulation tool. It supports grounding, emotional settling, pacing and attention. Shadow teachers, educators and parents use this activity in classrooms, therapy rooms and homes. This approach aligns with research on sensory based regulation and visual grounding strategies for children (Kuypers, 2011; Dunn, 2014).

A calm down jar slows visual input to a steady rhythm. When the glitter settles, the body follows a more regulated pace. The combination of visual movement and slow breathing supports nervous system calming and focus. This makes it suitable for neurodivergent children and adults.

Benefits include:
• reduces overwhelm during transitions
• supports attention and pacing
• helps during meltdown recovery
• works as a visual cue to pause and breathe
• supports classroom routines and shadow teaching plans

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Materials

All materials are commonly available:
• clear plastic bottle or jar
• water
• glitter or glitter glue
• baby oil or cooking oil
• optional food coloring

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Fill the bottle three quarters with water.
2. Add glitter or glitter glue.
3. Add oil. The oil slows the movement and increases visual flow.
4. Add one drop of food color if preferred.
5. Close the lid tightly.
6. Shake slowly. Watch the glitter fall. Match your breath to the movement.

Use steady breathing:
• inhale through the nose
• exhale through the mouth

This supports somatic settling and present-moment awareness. Visual grounding has been used in sensory integration based approaches and expressive arts therapy sessions for children with sensory processing needs (Dunn, 2014).

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When to Use It

This tool supports:
• classroom sensory breaks
• emotional overwhelm
• anger or frustration peaks
• waiting time
• pre-task regulation
• meltdown recovery

Educators often keep this on desks, regulation corners or quiet corners. Parents and shadow teachers can include it in behavior support plans and Individualized Education routines.

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Why It Works

Research on sensory regulation and self regulation interventions supports the use of visual tools for slowing internal states and increasing attention to soothing cues (Kuypers, 2011). The combination of movement and slowed visual flow creates an external signal for the brain to match a calmer pattern.

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Classroom and Shadow Teaching Adaptations

• add labeling prompts: “I am calming” or “I am slowing”
• use before transitions or tasks
• combine with a breathing script
• place it in a sensory station

For children who need tactile input, hold the bottle, shake slowly and follow the glitter with the eyes.

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Printable and Resource Integration

You can add this activity into:
• calm corners
• visual schedules
• meltdown plans
• emotional regulation routines
• expressive arts sessions

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Try It Today

Build a calm down jar in under a minute. Observe how the visual movement supports settling and grounding. You can include this tool in home routines, school routines and shadow teaching sessions.

If you found this method useful, explore more expressive arts and sensory regulation tools on EducateAble.

Try the calm down jar today. Share this idea with another educator or parent. Save this page for future regulation moments.

References
Dunn, W. (2014). The Sensory Profile. Pearson.
Kuypers, L. (2011). The Zones of Regulation. Social Thinking.