"Mindful Moments: Sensory Jar Workshop"
TypeIntellectual
Level of careAssisted Living
Best inOctober
Printables4 handouts
Residents will create their own "mindfulness jars" using clear containers, glitter, and water. This hands-on activity encourages focus and provides a visual aid for calming the mind, with a brief discussion on how sensory input can reduce stress and promote presence.
Purpose of the Activity
This workshop is designed to provide residents with a calming, creative, and engaging experience. The primary goals are to:
- Introduce a simple mindfulness technique to help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Create a tangible tool that residents can use for self-soothing and relaxation.
- Encourage fine motor skills through pouring, scooping, and mixing.
- Foster social connection and self-expression in a supportive group setting.
- Containers: Clear plastic jars or bottles with secure, leak-proof lids (8-16 oz size is ideal). Plastic is recommended for safety.
- Adhesive: Clear school glue or vegetable glycerin. This is what makes the glitter fall slowly.
- Glitter: A variety of colors, shapes, and sizes (fine, medium, and chunky).
- Water: Pitchers of warm water (warm water helps the glue dissolve more easily).
- Optional Add-ins: Food coloring, small waterproof beads, sequins, or tiny plastic charms.
- Tools for Assembly:
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Funnels for glitter
- Craft sticks or long spoons for stirring
- Setup and Cleanup:
- Waterproof tablecloths or newspaper to protect work surfaces
- Paper towels or rags for spills
- Trays for each resident to contain their materials
- A finished sample jar to show as an example
- For Staff Use Only: Strong, waterproof glue (such as E6000 or a hot glue gun) to permanently seal the lids.
45-60 minutes
6-10 residents. This smaller group size allows staff to provide individual attention and assistance where needed.
- Foster social connection and self-expression in a supportive group setting.
Materials Needed
- Containers: Clear plastic jars or bottles with secure, leak-proof lids (8-16 oz size is ideal). Plastic is recommended for safety.
- Adhesive: Clear school glue or vegetable glycerin. This is what makes the glitter fall slowly.
- Glitter: A variety of colors, shapes, and sizes (fine, medium, and chunky).
- Water: Pitchers of warm water (warm water helps the glue dissolve more easily).
- Optional Add-ins: Food coloring, small waterproof beads, sequins, or tiny plastic charms.
- Tools for Assembly:
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Funnels for glitter
- Craft sticks or long spoons for stirring
- Setup and Cleanup:
- Waterproof tablecloths or newspaper to protect work surfaces
- Paper towels or rags for spills
- Trays for each resident to contain their materials
- A finished sample jar to show as an example
- For Staff Use Only: Strong, waterproof glue (such as E6000 or a hot glue gun) to permanently seal the lids.
Estimated Duration
45-60 minutes
Ideal Group Size
6-10 residents. This smaller group size allows staff to provide individual attention and assistance where needed.
Inside the full activity guide
- Activity Guide: Mindful Moments Sensory Jar Workshop
- Setup Instructions
- Step-by-Step Guidance
- Tips for Engagement
- Optional Variations
- Notes for Adapting
- Suggested videos
- 4 printable handouts
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