This DIY ocean in a bottle is the perfect calming sensory tool for children with autism. To make this easy sensory bottle, also known as a discovery bottle or calming bottle, all you need is a plastic bottle, water, shell pasta and glue and you’re all set.
Material needed to make a DIY ocean in a bottle
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- I used a VOSS water bottle for this project, but this clear acrylic milk bottle would work perfectly!
- Shell pasta (uncooked)
- Crazy glue
How to make a DIY ocean in a bottle in 3 simple steps
Step 1
Fill the VOSS water bottle with a handful or two of shell pasta.
Step 2
Pour in the water.
Step 3
Glue the cap onto the bottle and that’s it! So simple and such a fabulous sensory tool for your little one.
How to use your DIY ocean in a bottle with your child with autism
Plan a virtual field trip to the ocean
Pair this activity with a fun and educational ocean virtual field trip with your child or students.
Use the DIY ocean in a bottle as a calming bottle
- During transitions (your child can hold and shake the bottle between activities, while walking between places, in the care etc.)
- While waiting (works like a charm in doctor’s offices, at school, while waiting for dinner to be cooked and more).
Related : Calming Bottles for Autism
Use the DIY ocean in a bottle as a sensory bottle
- Incorporate this calming bottle as one of the activities during a sensory break.
Related : Sensory Break Cards
Use the DIY ocean in a bottle as a discovery bottle
- Work on new shapes and objects to look at and explore.
- Build new vocabulary with your child, such as bottle, water, seashells & lid.
- Explore actions with your little one, such as shake & roll.
- Build imitation skills (shake, roll, open, close, …).
More Sensory Activities on SLH
- Free Printable Sensory Break Cards
- Calming Sensory Activities for Autism
- 23 Calming Sensory Bottles for Autism
- Water Table Play Ideas for Kids with Autism
- 21 Benefits of Sensory Play
- Ocean Coloring Pages
More Sensory Ideas from Other Bloggers
- Slow Motion Calm Down Bottle (Childhood 101)
- 3 Ingredient galaxy calm down bottle (Family Maven)
- Rainbow Sensory Bottle (Ryan and Marsha)
More Autism Learning Resources
- The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
- Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
- Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
- How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
- Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!
Enjoy this DIY ocean in a bottle
Did you make this? Do you have tips to make an amazing sensory bottle? Other sensory bottles you would like to see on the blog? Please share in the comments!
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