Sensory snow globes are a simple yet powerful craft project that provides both sensory stimulation and calming benefits—making them an excellent choice for children with autism. This hands-on activity can serve as an effective tool in various therapeutic contexts, including ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) and autism behavior support programs. It encourages focus, fine motor skills development, and provides a soothing sensory experience that can help reduce anxiety or over-stimulation.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make your very own sensory snow globe, discuss the benefits it offers, and how it can support children in ABA services. Let’s dive in!
Why Sensory Snow globes Are a Great Craft for Children with Autism
For children with autism, engaging in sensory activities is essential for regulating their sensory input. Sensory snow globes can be especially beneficial because of their multi-sensory nature. They provide tactile, visual, and even auditory feedback when shaken. Here’s how making and playing with sensory snow globes can help:
- Visual Stimulation
The floating glitter and snow in the jar create a mesmerizing visual effect. The slow drift of the particles can be a calming focal point, helping children regulate visual stimuli in a soothing way. - Tactile Feedback
Handling the jar and the figurines provides valuable tactile input. Children can practice their fine motor skills while gluing items to the lid, filling the jar, and shaking the globe to watch the snow swirl. These actions enhance coordination and can promote calmness. - Calming and Soothing
The rhythmic motion of shaking the snow globe has a grounding effect. The gentle floating of glitter and fake snow creates a peaceful sensory environment that many children with autism find calming. This is particularly helpful for children who may become overstimulated during the day. - Fine Motor Skills
The craft requires children to manipulate small objects, such as figurines and lids, encouraging the development of fine motor skills that are important for everyday tasks, from writing to feeding themselves.
Materials Needed for Your Sensory Snow globes
Creating a sensory snow globe is simple, and you likely already have many of these materials on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Clear plastic jar (such as a mason jar or any jar with a secure lid)
- Glitter (for a sparkling effect)
- Fake snow (optional, but adds a lovely wintery touch)
- Water
- Glycerin (optional, to slow down the glitter and snow as they float)
- Small figurines (such as animals, holiday-themed items, or miniature toys)
- Hot glue gun (for securing figurines to the jar lid)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sensory Snow globes
1. Prepare the Figurine
First, take your small figurine (such as a tiny animal, character, or other small object) and use a hot glue gun to attach it to the inside of the jar lid. Make sure it is securely glued to avoid it coming loose after the snow globe is assembled.
2. Fill the Jar with Water
Next, fill the clear plastic jar with water, leaving a little space at the top to prevent spills when you shake the globe.
3. Add Glycerin and Glitter
If you’d like the glitter or snow to float slowly, add a teaspoon of glycerin. Glycerin thickens the water, which slows the movement of the glitter and creates a more calming effect. Then, add some glitter or fake snow to the water. The amount you add will determine how much “snow” drifts inside the globe, so adjust based on your preference.
4. Assemble the Snow globe
Screw the lid tightly onto the jar. Make sure the glue has dried completely on the figurine before this step to avoid any damage.
5. Shake and Enjoy
Now, shake your sensory snow globe to watch the glitter or fake snow swirl inside. The motion of the snow or glitter slowly drifting through the water can be incredibly soothing for children. This can help calm their sensory system, especially if they are feeling anxious or overstimulated.
Benefits of Sensory Snow globes for Children with Autism
Here are some of the key benefits that sensory snow globes offer to children with autism, especially in the context of ABA therapy:
Calming Effect
The gentle swirling motion inside the snow globe can help children self-regulate when they’re feeling overstimulated. This makes sensory snow globes a valuable tool in autism behavior support programs, where calming techniques are crucial for managing sensory overload.
Focus and Attention
For children with autism who may struggle with maintaining focus or transitioning between tasks, creating a sensory snow globe allows them to engage in a hands-on activity that requires attention and patience. The visual aspect of watching the glitter or snow drift can also hold a child’s focus, providing a sensory break during therapy sessions.
Development of Fine Motor Skills
The process of gluing figurines, screwing on the lid, and handling small objects helps children develop fine motor skills, which are essential for many daily tasks. In ABA services, fine motor activities are often used to support physical and cognitive development.
Improved Sensory Processing
Sensory snow globes provide an excellent opportunity for children to engage in sensory play. The tactile feedback from shaking the globe, the visual effects of the glitter, and the calming sounds of the water and snow can help children with autism process sensory input in a controlled and enjoyable way.
Therapeutic Use
Incorporating sensory crafts like snow globes into therapy is a way to blend creativity with therapeutic goals. Whether it’s in a clinical setting or at home, these crafts can be integrated into ABA therapy to reinforce concepts like patience, focus, and calming techniques.
Sensory snow globes are not only fun to make but also provide numerous benefits to children with autism. From fostering sensory regulation to building fine motor skills, these crafts can be an excellent addition to any ABA therapy session or at-home activity. Whether you’re seeking ways to support a child’s autism behavior support plan or simply looking for a fun and calming activity, sensory snow globes can provide a soothing and therapeutic experience for children.
