Making an October Calm-Down Bottle Together

When autumn brings busy school transitions and big feelings, having a helpful tool ready can make all the difference. Today, we are making an October-themed calm-down bottle together! Watching the slow-moving glitter inside helps children ground themselves, slow their breathing, and gently reset when emotions feel overwhelming.

What you need

  • A clear plastic bottle with a secure cap
  • Warm water
  • Clear liquid hand soap or clear hair gel
  • Autumn-coloured glitter (like orange, gold, and red)
  • Optional: small autumn-themed sequins or plastic leaves
  • Super glue or hot glue to seal the cap
Making an October Calm-Down Bottle Together
Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash

How to do it

  1. Find a comfortable, quiet workspace at home where you and your child can craft together.
  2. Fill the clear plastic bottle about three-quarters full with warm water.
  3. Add a few drops of clear liquid soap or a squirt of clear hair gel to thicken the water so the glitter falls slowly.
  4. Let your child carefully spoon or sprinkle orange, gold, and red glitter into the bottle.
  5. Add any small autumn sequins if you are using them, remembering adult supervision is always needed, especially to avoid small parts for children who put things in their mouths.
  6. Top the bottle off with a little more warm water, leaving just a tiny bit of air at the top.
  7. Apply super glue or hot glue securely around the inside of the cap before twisting it on tightly so it stays leak-proof.
  8. Turn the bottle upside down together and watch the autumn glitter gently swirl and settle.

Make it easier or harder

  • Use visual supports by pointing to a picture card of a slow breath while watching the glitter settle.
  • Offer gentle, positive prompting by saying, “Let’s watch the red leaf float down together.”
  • Provide specific praise for trying a new calm-down tool, such as, “I love how gently you are shaking the bottle.”
  • Make it harder by challenging your child to take three slow, deep breaths before they are allowed to pick up and shake the bottle again.

Remember, every child’s pace is different when learning to navigate big feelings, so be patient and celebrate small moments of calm.

Skills your child practises

  • Emotional regulation through visual soothing tools
  • Fine motor skills while pouring and stirring ingredients
  • Joint attention and shared enjoyment with a caregiver

Cover image: photo by Xavier Mouton Photographie on Unsplash

Cozy Autumn Sensory Bin: Exploring Fall Textures Together

Autumn brings wonderful changes in weather, sights, and textures, making it a perfect time for hands-on learning. This cozy autumn sensory bin invites you and your child to explore dry corn kernels, small gourds, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks together. This calming, tactile activity helps children engage their senses, practise focus, and unwind during a busy day. Always supervise your child closely during sensory play, and be mindful to avoid small items if your child still puts objects in their mouth.

What you need

  • A shallow plastic storage bin or tray
  • Dry corn kernels, uncooked rice, or dried beans as a base
  • A collection of safe autumn items like clean pinecones, small faux pumpkins, and autumn leaves
  • Small cups, spoons, and scoops
  • A few cinnamon sticks for gentle scent exploration
Cozy Autumn Sensory Bin: Exploring Fall Textures Together
Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

How to do it

  1. Find a comfortable, quiet spot at a table or on the floor where you and your child can sit together.
  2. Pour the dry corn kernels or rice into the bottom of the shallow bin to create your base.
  3. Invite your child to help place the pinecones, small pumpkins, and autumn leaves into the bin.
  4. Place the small cups, spoons, and scoops next to the bin.
  5. Show your child how to scoop the dry base material and pour it gently into the cups.
  6. Encourage your child to touch the smooth pumpkins and the bumpy pinecones, talking about how they feel.
  7. Smell the cinnamon sticks together and take a slow, deep breath.
  8. Take your time, follow your child’s lead, and enjoy exploring at your own pace.

Make it easier or harder

  • Visual supports: Use a simple picture schedule showing the steps of playing with the bin and cleaning up afterward.
  • Prompting and praise: Offer gentle hand-over-hand guidance if your child needs help holding a scoop, and provide warm, specific praise like, “I love how gently you are pouring the corn.”
  • Adjusting challenge: Hide a few preferred small toys inside the bin for your child to search for and find, or reduce the number of items if the bin feels too overwhelming.

Skills your child practises

  • Fine motor skills through scooping and pouring
  • Tactile exploration of different textures
  • Self-regulation and calming through focused sensory play
  • Receptive language by identifying autumn objects

Remember that every child explores at their own unique pace, so keep the atmosphere relaxed, fun, and pressure-free.

If you would like more personalized teaching resources or guidance tailored to your child’s needs, we invite you to book a free 20-minute call with our team at Bloom ABA.

Cover image: photo by Mina Rad on Unsplash

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