The educators introduced sensory bottles to the toddler group which would later be added into their indoor environment as a self-regulation tool. To make them we recycled some plastic bottles, used a variety of materials from the craft room, water, food colouring and baby oil. The materials and colours created a visual interest amongst the group. The educators provided the children opportunities to slowly come up and explore the bottles on their own accord and in smaller groups. These smaller groups allowed for the children the opportunity to engage in a one-on-one interaction with the educator as she was able to role model how to take turns, wait and develop language to use with each other such as, “can I have a turn when you are done?” While interacting the educators encouraged the children to describe what they were seeing. Some children commented on the colours, others noticed the weight and some labeled the shapes and items inside the sensory bottles. The sensory bottles promote a number of skills. Manipulating the bottle (turning, shaking and rotating) exercises both fine motor and gross motor muscles in the hands and arms. While they manipulate the bottle, it stimulates their hearing and sight senses which establishes attention and focus. This exercises the ability to ignore distractions and focus on what is in front of them which is a skill they will need later in life as they continue to learn and grow. The combination of stimulating senses and focusing on the items in the bottle can be used as a distraction from the big feelings that are upsetting or making them anxious. The weight of the bottle can also help the body release built up tension. It puts the autonomic nervous system into “reset” mode, which is why it becomes a great self-regulation tool.
