Creating sensory snow globes is a fantastic and fun way to engage children in a sensory craft activity that stimulates multiple senses, including sight and touch. This craft is especially beneficial for children with autism, as it can provide a calming, soothing experience while promoting fine motor skills and emotional regulation. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to make your own sensory snow globe and discuss the benefits it offers for children, including those receiving ABA therapy or autism behavior support.
Materials Needed for Sensory Snow Globes:
- Small jars (like mason jars or baby food jars)
- Glitter (for the “snow” effect)
- Glycerin or corn syrup (to make the glitter float more slowly)
- Small figurines (winter animals, trees, or any small toy that fits the theme)
- Water (to fill the jar)
- Hot glue gun (for securing the figurines)
How to Make Sensory Snow Globes:
- Fill the Jar with Water: Start by filling your jar with water, leaving a little space at the top to allow room for the glitter and figurines to move.
- Add Glitter: Sprinkle a good amount of glitter into the jar. The glitter will act as the “snow” and will float when the globe is shaken.
- Add Glycerin or Corn Syrup: A small amount of glycerin or corn syrup will help slow down the glitter’s movement, making the “snowfall” last longer and creating a calming effect. Add a few teaspoons and stir.
- Attach the Figurine: Use a hot glue gun to carefully attach a small figurine (winter-themed animals, trees, or even a snowman) to the inside of the jar lid. Let the glue set and dry completely before proceeding.
- Assemble the Snow Globe: After the glue has dried, screw the lid tightly onto the jar. Turn the jar upside down. Shake the jar and watch the glitter fall like snow, engaging your child’s visual senses.
Why Sensory Snow Globes Are Beneficial for Children with Autism
Creating sensory snow globes isn’t just a fun activity—it also provides several key benefits for children with autism, including:
1. Engagement of Multiple Senses
Sensory snow globes are designed to engage both the visual and tactile senses. The act of shaking the globe provides a sensory input that children can feel, while the visual effect of the falling glitter adds to the calming experience. This multisensory interaction can help them learn to self-regulate and improve sensory processing skills.
2. Fine Motor Skills Development
As children manipulate the small pieces during the craft, they work on their fine motor skills—whether it’s twisting the jar lid, sprinkling glitter, or using a glue gun with supervision. These movements help improve hand-eye coordination, which is important for children who receive ABA therapy.
3. Promoting Emotional Regulation
Shaking the snow globe and watching the glitter fall can have a calming effect on children, particularly those with autism. This simple, repetitive activity can help soothe children who are experiencing anxiety or overstimulation. The visual and tactile feedback offers a gentle way to refocus their attention, an important aspect of ABA therapy strategies.
4. Social Interaction
Making sensory snow globes can be a shared activity that encourages social interaction. Children can work with family members, caregivers, or peers, learning to take turns, share materials, and communicate while engaging in a common goal. For children who receive ABA services, activities like this can help improve social behaviors in a fun, low-pressure environment.
5. Creativity and Independence
The craft offers an opportunity for children to use their creativity, choosing figurines, glitter colors, and more. Encouraging children to make their own choices promotes independence and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a great way to incorporate autism behavior support strategies into a fun and structured activity.
6. Focus and Attention
The process of shaking the snow globe and watching the glitter fall requires attention to detail and focus. This can help children with autism practice staying engaged in a single task and working through a step-by-step process, which is often a goal in ABA therapy.
Sensory snow globes are an enjoyable and therapeutic craft that offers a range of developmental benefits for children, especially those with autism. Whether your child is receiving ABA therapy, autism behavior support, or is simply looking for a creative outlet, this craft helps improve sensory processing, fine motor skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
Not only are these sensory snow globes fun to make, but they can also become a lasting keepsake that provides comfort and joy whenever shaken. So, gather your materials and let your child’s creativity flow in this delightful, sensory-filled activity!
