Cool Down Jugs
Created by Meghan Montgomery, February 2017
Applies To: Self-Awareness, Creative Expression
Purpose: To build a Cool Down Jug to use as a sensory-rich metaphor for dysregulation and re-grouping
Objectives:
- Follow step by step visual directions to build the Cool Down Jug
- Discuss ways in which the Cool Down Jug can be used and for specific reasons
Materials needed:
- iPads or computer
- Plastic bottles (Jars break, hence Jug)—8-12 ounce size works perfectly
- Glitter glue
- Warm water
- Food coloring
- Dry glitter
- Glue gun
- Sharpie
- Instructions (provided) (also attached below)
Activity Steps:
- Refresh 3LPlace’s COOL DOWN protocol followed by watching a video on how to make Cool Down Jugs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW-9uVAKumY
- Follow the step by step visual directions either in the video or on the instruction sheet for making the Cool Down Jug finalized with a staff glue gunning the tops of the water bottle to prevent leaking or temptations to open/spill (Food Coloring!)
- Encourage everyone to shake the Cool Down Jug at the same time. Practice a few times (ex. 3 2 1 Shake the Cool Down Jug!) After people practice the collective shake, do it one time and then set them down and use the timer to see how long it takes for the glitter to settle. Talk about this length of time and use it as a reference for when we are dysregulated, “How long does it take each of us to calm down?”—as in longer, shorter, in between, etc., emphasizing that as humans we are all individuals with varying experiences and response times.