Calming Find It Game
This Calming Find It Game is perfect for changing a child’s focus from being upset to concentrating on finding fun objects in a find it game. I love taking these on road trips. Also great for hairstylists that cut a lot of children’s hair.
I use this for my granddaughters when they get frustrated because they can’t do what they want to do (like climb to the top of shelves to get something grandma put there on purpose so they couldn’t reach it…HA!). Or when one has a toy that the other wants. Those aren’t big issues but it does help to be able to hand them something different to do.
Also create a fun Halloween themed calming find it game. Click here to find out how—->>>>HOW TO CREATE A HALLOWEEN CALMING FIND IT GAME
This Calming Find It Game is perfect for the classroom or home schooling. The options are endless as to what you add to your Calming Find It Game.
TEACHER…you can have a stack of cards hanging from a key chain on the bottle cap with the pictures or names of the objects for the kids to find. It could be ONE card per time they have the game.
I made two find it games. One is easier with large objects for the little ones.
The other find it game is harder with multiple size shapes.
MOM, you know your child the best….if your child has behavioral issues maybe this is something you could make for your child to give to their teacher as a helping tool.
I also like using a plastic bottle that has smooth sides. I found mine at Walmart with sparkling water in them.
CALMING FIND IT GAME SUPPLIES
plastic bottles
rice
small objects ( I used buttons)
Hi Sheryl,
That’s a great idea. A bit of recycling and using easy to obtain items.
Hi Sheryl, thank you for sharing such a great idea.
Great idea. From where did u get the hiding objects/buttons??
Hi Yogi, I found the buttons are various locations. Mostly at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.
What a great idea, I’m a hairstylist. I have a few small clients with autism this is just what I need. I sometimes have a hard time finding something quickly to distract them with when they start to melt down. This is small enough I can keep it at my station for ready access.
I love this! Thanks for sharing Nancy! 🙂
I have autism and need sensory activities to stop me from pinching my arms. Would this work with a normal 16.9. Water bottle and a little rice and beads
Sure Amanda, you can use any size bottle.
good idea
Thanks Bob. 🙂
I’m making this for my grandkids ages 2-6. So when they ask for quiet time -here it is.
That’s awesome Sandra! My Granddaughters love them! 🙂
awesome I will be making this
Thanks
Thanks Mary. I’m glad you can use it.
Where to find these small toys
Hi Sachin, Most of them are buttons I found some at Michael’s Craft Store and some at a fabric store.
THAT IS A GREAT IDEA. I HAVE A GRANDSON WHO IS A LITTLE HYPER ACTIVE. THIS SHOULD KEEO HIM BUSY FOR A WHILE. THANKS
You’re Welcome Gloria.
Great idea!☺
Am going to try it in my class.
That’s awesome Raji. 🙂
Might be a stupid question but how do you play the game do they open the bottle and let the rice out or do they try to find them in the bottle.
Hi Rachelle, They look for items in the bottle. You can make cards for them to draw or just say….look for a…….(example: green star).
Hi sheryl
That’s a great idea
Thanks for sharing it.
You’re Welcome Syeda. 🙂
About how many items do you place in the bottle?
That’s up to you DeeDee.
Love it. I saw one in the toy isle why not make it yourself. Thx for sharing the idea.
Exactly Dawn…..besides those find it games are expensive but cheap to make. 🙂
I love this idea. This would be fun to do with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
That’s a great idea Lizzy!
Hello Sheryl,
I made five sensory bottles with different objects for my preschoolers in my childcare/preschool program. Thank you for sharing!?
Yay! That’s awesome Raquel! 🙂
Deffinitly gonna try this thanks
I made five of these over the weekend for my 2/12 year old group. Placed a different theme in each. I introduced them to the chn at group time. They didn’t return to the shelf until the end of the day. They were a great hit. Lovely calm room with engaged chn thanks. Suzanne
What awesome news! Thanks for sharing your story Suzanne.
Love this, will make it up for when I’m watching my 3 year old twins. Thanks
Great idea Susan! Hahaha…..:)
This is AMAZING!! I am one of those people that save TONS of little things, buttons, beads, springs from ball point pens, little bits of chain, nails, thumbtacks, plastic clip hooks, safety pins, shoe laces, oh my, the list is ENDLESS! Also, my Dad was the same and he just moved to Heaven in December so I have (literally, haha) tons of objects from his house. I also employ two wonderful ladies that both have autistic and sensory issue kids! I cannot WAIT to make some of these for the little ones and make a bunch to donate to their school! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
You’re so AWESOME Dianne! That sounds like a fun collection! 🙂
I love these! Be sure to glue the lid on!
Thanks Diane! Yes, definitely glue the lid. 🙂
Sheryl,this is a wonderful idea that I am going to use with the one year old toddlers I work with in a childcare centre in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Thanks to you and all the other people with creative ideas on Pinterest.
You’re Welcome Gillian….I’m so happy I could help. 🙂
You are about to literally save my life! I’m about to go on a about two week road trip with my LARGE family (four other kids) and will be using this for the hyperactive little ones!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Oh Deborah….I’m so glad you found this post! I know how stressful traveling with kids can be. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
This Ocean in a bottle is fun too and with gorilla glue the top will not come off! https://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/finding-dory-ocean-in-a-bottle-party-favor/
Can children open it and take them out or they have to play wid the bottle closed
Hi Urvashi, This is for younger kids (mostly with disabilities) that need something to help with anger or keep them occupied during something. That could be as simple as a haircut or a car ride. So I would highly recommend gluing the lid on.
thanks.not as messy as glitter glue and corn syrup. look forward to making these with the grandkids.
What a fun project to do with grandma!
how much rice do you add. do you shake to move around the objects?
Yes Lynda, You’ll need to leave enough room so there’s movement inside the bottle.
Terrific project! I want to make a couple with similar items like tiny dinosaurs or cars but am having trouble finding them. Does anyone have any suggestions? TU.
Hi Catherine, My little items are buttons. Try looking at a fabric store.
Fantastic idea… thankyou . I will raid my granny’s button tin, there are other little treasures in it as well as buttons. This will be a delight for my beautiful granddaughters as well as keeping granny’s memory alive. I used to work with children who needed behaviour intervention and this would have definitely stopped melt-downs. ⭐️⭐️
Thanks Rebel, I’m so glad you like the idea! ♥
I love this idea. I planning to make them for my grandkids. I take care a 4 year old boy and a 10 months girl. And sometimes I find it hard to do things with them because of the age difference that both will enjoy. This is amazing idea thanks for sharing.
Awww that’s awesome Aida! I made this for my grandson TODDLER DIY SENSORY BOARD