AGE RANGE: 4-17 suggested.
GOAL: To teach about the neuroscience of the brain, learn communication skills, and utilize a snow globe to practice breathing and self-regulation.
THERAPY: Individual and Family.
SYMPTOM REDUCTION: Fear, worry, depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
SYMPTOM INCREASE: Patience, control, self-reliance, self-confidence, and inner-relief.
MATERIALS:
Finger Animal Puppets assortment
Washable markers or Finger Paint See photos below Finger Ring Googly eyes (Party City) or Use a Q-Tip, mark both ends with black circles for eyes and wrap around finger like a ring!
Empty large water bottle, stickers off Glitter in Blue, Red, Yellow, Purple, Gold (1 pack at CVS Store in the CRAFT Section) Glitter Glue is EASIER TO MANAGE also at CVS Store
Glycerin from a drugstore
METHOD:
Explain to the child they are going to learn about how “our” brains work so they can understand what drives “our” feelings and what we “can” do to help ourselves. Have them draw an animal on their thumb with markers or place a finger puppet on their thumb and google eyes.
Watch 4 minute Video on YouTube, Hand Model of the Brain for Kids
Teach and practice “I messages” holding the finger puppet and google eyes.
“I FEEL …” basic feelings…
Say “I FEEL …” SAD, MAD, SCARED, or GLAD
“I NEED …” 5 basic needs…the 5 A’s…
Say “I NEED….” AUTONOMY OR ALONE TIME, AFFECTION, ATTENTION, APPRECIATION, AND/OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Watch 4.5 minute Video on YouTube Just Breathe made by Kids
4. Explain to the child they are going to get to make a “Feelings Snow Globe” practice slowing down, taking their time to breathe to calm down their brain. The water bottle is filled up with water leaving some room at the top.
Instructions/Ingredients:
Clear Bottle (I used a 1L bottle)
Glycerin (I used about 20ml)
Food coloring (Just a few drops)
Sequins Glitter Water beads Lego or other small toys (optional)
Each color represents a feeling, Blue is sad, Red is mad, Yellow is happy, Purple is scared and Green is irritated. For reach glitter tube, ask the child to tap their feelings into their globe, one by one. I encourage children to share that feeling and put words to it.
“I FEEL …” basic feelings…
Say “I FEEL SAD When.......___________" Pour in Blue Glitter representing how sad they are
Say “I FEEL MAD When.......__________" Pour in Red Glitter representing how mad they are
Say “I FEEL SCARED When.._______" Pour in Red Glitter representing how scared they are
Say “I FEEL GLAD When.......________" Pour in Red Glitter representing how glad they are
Say “I FEEL _______ When.......___________" Create a new colors for different feelings
After all feeling colors are placed in the bottle, the therapist/parent places 2 teaspoons of glycerin, which is a thick liquid that will allow the glitter to move slowly. The top can be sealed with glue. Practice shaking the snow globe, have the child sit, watch the feelings settle and practice breathing. Either using lavender oil to breathe in or have them imagine breathing in the smell of their birthday cake.
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