A few years ago I was excited to make color mixing sensory bottles for my preschool class, but my boss was not so excited. A teacher years earlier had made one it broke, and the oil forever stained the carpet. I get it. If you have ever had an oil and water sensory bottle break you are well aware of why I couldn’t make one for my class; they really can be a nightmare.
No worries because I got a great idea and better than that IT works! These color mixing sensory bottles really do mix to make new colors, you do need a good number of bingo chips, but since it’s just water and a little glycerine if you want in it the bingo chips can be washed, dried, and used for bingo again!
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Gather your materials. You will need some bingo chips and sorting bowls if you are going to have your students help with sorting. If you have the children sort, remember only kids who will not try to eat these chips. I got these bingo chips on Amazon here and the bowls here. In addition to these colorful materials, you will also need water bottles, some glue ( epoxy works best for keeping lids on), and some glycerine. I swear the glycerine helps the chips float down but some teachers think it’s just a myth, use it if you want!
Start by sorting the chips.
Next put red and blue in for purple, yellow and blue in for green, and of course yellow and red to make orange.
What I love about this is that you see all three colors in the bottles.
I don’t know which is my favorite.
They are all so pretty and calming.
For more fun ways to teach basic concepts check out my Build Preschool Curriculum Thematic Units – the fall themes are ready to download!
Amy says
Where do you get the bottles from?
Allison McDonald says
Grocery stores, world market, Target oh and I think Walmart in our area has them too!
Heather says
How much glycerin do you add?
Allison McDonald says
About a tablespoon.
Nancy Curtis says
Where can you purchase glycerin
Diane says
What type of bottles are they?
Plastic?
Thanks
Allison McDonald says
Yes plastic VOSS bottles.
Angie says
About how many chips per bottle did you add? Could you add glitter?
Allison McDonald says
maybe probably 30 of each color and sure why not?!
Angela says
Great idea and easy!
Amanda Teague says
So you fill with water and then add the tablespoon of glycerin?
Allison McDonald says
Exactly
Carrie Carlson says
how do you keep them from sticking to each other in the bottle
Allison McDonald says
The glycerine should help with
Donna says
Going to make these for a high school counseling office. Seems things like this calms kids of all ages, and adults! Thank you for sharing!
Sheri says
What size are the Voss water bottles?
Allison McDonald says
The smaller voss bottles, I’m sorry I don’t have the ml off hand, maybe 300ml