The Weekly Wiggle
The Council is partnering with Partners in Policymaking Gradate Meske Owens to bring to you the Weekly Wiggle! This is a new sensory series created by Meske and will feature simple, low- cost sensory tools that support connection, regulation and participation. Focused on practical, accessible strategies Meske uses as a single mom raising kids with different abilities and through her work as a Certified Protective Factors Trainer, speaker and family systems consultant supporting families, classrooms and communities across Oklahoma these adaptable activities are designed to help people build calm, confidence and connection in everyday environments that make regulation and participation more accessible for people of all ages.
Weekly Wiggle Week 1
Calming Glitter Bottles
What It Supports / Who It Helps
- Calming glitter jars support visual regulation, grounding and state-shifting through slow predictable movement. The layered flow created by glue syrup or oil helps individuals:
- Slow their breathing by matching the pace of the movement
- Shift out of overwhelm without needing verbal processing
- Regulate during transitions or changes in routine
- Reduce anxiety through repetitive, soothing visual input
- Reengage attention after sensory overload
- Build tolerance for waiting
- Practice mindfulness in a concrete, accessible way
These jars are especially helpful for:
- Individuals who benefit from visual sensory input
- Children, teens, and adults who experience anxiety, sensory overload, or difficulty with transitions
- People who prefer nonverbal, non‑demanding calming tools
- Neurodivergent individuals who use visual anchors to stay grounded
- Anyone who needs a portable, low‑cost, and easy‑to-use regulation tool
Lying on your belly can also support breath control, because the pressure on the chest and abdomen naturally slows breathing and encourages deeper, more regulated breaths.
Materials Needed
Flow Base Options
- Use water + one or more of the following:
- Clear glue or glitter glue – smooth, slow movement
- Light corn syrup – thick, lava‑lamp style flow
- Mineral oil or baby oil – creates a two‑layer “oil and water” effect
- Vegetable oil – similar to mineral oil but adds a natural yellow tint
- Dish soap – bubbly, foamy movement
- Water beads – add texture and slow, bouncy movement
You can mix and match these bases to explore how different materials move. Experimenting is part of the fun, and each combination creates its own unique flow pattern.
Add‑Ins (Optional)
- Fine glitter
- Chunky glitter
- Sequins, beads, or small seashells
- Food coloring (liquid works best; if using gel, mix it into the water first)
- Themed glitter shapes or holiday color combinations
- Container - We try to repurpose clear, empty pop bottles or juice bottles, because they’re lightweight, easy to seal, and widely available.
NOTE: The shape of the container affects the flow:
- Tall, narrow bottles → slow vertical movement
- Short, wide bottles/jars→ swirling, rolling movement
- Seal with glue for safety!
How to Make It
There is no right or wrong way to make a flow jar. Most of this is trial and error, because every child’s sensory needs are different. You may need to experiment to find the movement, speed, and color that works best.
- Start with at least half a bottle of water.
- Add your chosen flow base (oil, syrup, glue, dish soap, etc.) to fill most of the remaining space. (See side note below)
- If adding color, mix the food coloring into the water first before pouring it into the bottle.
- Add glitter, sequins, beads, or other add‑ins.
- Leave a small amount of space at the top so the mixture can move.
- Close the lid tightly and shake to mix.
- Adjust as needed: Add more water for faster movement OR Add more glue, syrup, or oil for slower movement
- Seal the lid with glue for safety.
Side Note: If you add glitter directly into the light corn syrup first, the syrup will coat the glitter and help it stay suspended in the syrup layer instead of drifting into the water. This creates a slow, mesmerizing “floating glitter” effect.
How to Use It
- Shake or tilt the jar and watch the movement settle.
- Use during transitions, after stressful moments, or as part of a calm‑down routine.
- Pair with slow breathing
- Use while lying on your belly to support deeper, more regulated breathing.
- Keep in a sensory corner, backpack, or desk drawer.
Accessibility Notes
- Use plastic bottles for safety.
- For individuals sensitive to visual overstimulation, use one color or fine glitter only.
- For individuals with low vision, choose high‑contrast colors or add a textured grip.
- For individuals with limited hand strength, use a smaller bottle that’s easier to shake.
- For individuals who prefer predictable movement, choose glue or glycerin.
- For individuals who enjoy novelty or surprise, choose oil + water for the lava‑lamp effect.
Safety Notes
- These activities require adult supervision during creation.
- Ensure lids are tightly sealed and reinforced with glue.
- Do not allow children to open or drink the contents.
- Food coloring can stain skin, clothing, and surfaces — protect your workspace.
- Small items like beads and sequins may pose a choking hazard for young children.
Why Does Meske Recommend This?
Flow jars are endlessly adaptable. You can change the speed, color, and movement to match different sensory needs. They’re low‑cost, easy to make, and work across ages and environments. These are lava‑lamp style jars and offer a unique visual experience that many people find soothing, grounding and mesmerizing.
