Feelings can be a lot like glitter. They swirl, they sparkle, they tumble around, and sometimes they settle gently at the bottom when things calm down. For children, especially, it can be hard to understand that emotions don’t last forever. That’s where the Sparkle Jar comes in.
The Sparkle Jar is more than just a craft—it’s a soothing activity. When children shake it and see the glitter gradually settle, they learn that intense emotions are temporary, much like sparkles settling in water.
Here’s how you can make one at home, with just a few simple supplies.
Gathering your magic
First, find a clear jar or bottle with a tight lid. Plastic works best if little hands will be carrying it around. You’ll also need warm water, some glitter in colors your child loves, and a spoonful of clear glue or dish soap. (That little extra ingredient slows the glitter down, which makes the swirling even more magical.)
Creating the sparkle
Fill the jar most of the way with warm water, leaving a little space at the top. Then comes the fun part: the glitter. Invite your child to choose colors that mean something to them — gold for courage, blue for calm, rainbow for joy. As they sprinkle the glitter in, talk together about what each color represents.
Next, stir in the glue or soap. Watch how it changes the water, making the sparkles dance more slowly. It’s like giving feelings a chance to float and drift before they settle.
Sealing the magic
Once everything is inside, screw the lid on tight. If you want to be extra safe, you can seal it with a dab of hot glue around the rim. Now, give the jar a shake. Tilt it back and forth. Watch as the glitter twirls and spins like tiny fireworks in a snow globe.
How to use the Sparkle Jar
The jar isn’t just for decoration — it’s a tool your child can return to again and again.
- When emotions are stormy, shake the jar and sit quietly together until the sparkles settle at the bottom.
- When something wonderful happens, give it a shake and let the glitter become a celebration.
- At bedtime, use the jar as part of a calming ritual — one last sparkle before the lights go out.
Why It Matters
The beauty of the Sparkle Jar is that it turns a big, abstract idea — feelings don’t last forever — into something children can see with their own eyes. It helps them slow down, breathe, and trust that the storm inside will settle. And because they helped make it, the jar becomes theirs — a personal symbol of courage, hope, and calm.
A Connection to Storytime
In The Sparkle Jar, Charli collects sparks of hope inside a glowing jar. Making a real jar at home allows children to step into the story and carry that magic with them. It becomes not only a craft but also a reminder: I can hold my feelings, and I can shine through them too.
Trip to Try Tonight: Sit with your child, shake the jar, and ask, “If one sparkle was your feeling right now, which one would it be?” You might be amazed at how easily the conversation flows.