Mind Jars

Because I have a child with ADHD, which comes with some anger issues, I was searching for ways to cope when he gets angry. A few weeks ago I came across the Mind Jar over at Here We Are Together and thought it was an amazing idea! This afternoon was our first parent/teacher conference with Lawson's Kindergarten teacher and I happen to mention the idea to her - she loved it and asked me to make one! So, I went to the store tonight and made two to take her tomorrow so she can try them out in the classroom.

The idea behind the jar is to use it as an alternative to time out, though it really is a time out in itself! When the child starts to feel angry or overwhelmed, he/she can get the mind jar and shake it as hard as they can; the time out part comes after the shaking because they then sit and watch the glitter settle in the jar. This gives them a chance to get the angry out (shaking the jar) and then time to reflect and calm (watching the glitter settle) before they re-join their classmates. Brilliant if you ask me!

So, I bet you are wondering how to make them...

I found all the items I used at the Dollar Store (except for the jars and food coloring - I had those items on hand) and purchased it all for less than $10.

• Elmers Glitter Glue Tubes
• Loose Glitter Tubes
• Food Coloring
• Light Corn Syrup
• Pint Jars - these are glass but plastic would be best

Mind Jar Ingredients

• Fill the jar with approximately 1 1/3 cups hot water. 
• Add one full tube of the glitter glue (you will not get all of the glue out, but most of it).
• Add 1-2 drops of food coloring - this should match the glue color. 
• Add in a few sprinkles of glitter. I used the same color as the glue/food color and then added in some silver for a bit of contrast.
• Add 3-4 tablespoons of Light Corn Syrup.
• Place lid and shake hard. This is where you will play with the ingredients to get them exactly where you want them. The glitter should move easily but not settle too fast; you want the child to be able to watch it settle for at least 2-3 minutes!
• Once you have the liquid/glitter to the consistency you want it, super glue the lid to the jars so they do not leak and they cannot be removed by the child.

These can be made in any size/color you choose. If using a different size jar, adjust the ingredients to the specific size jar. 

 Finished Mind Jars

I will be taking these to Lawson's teacher tomorrow for her to use in the classroom!

Weekly Bible Verse

I decided today I would like to start having a weekly Bible verse for Lawson to learn and do a nightly Bible story/study with him before bed time. I have felt more convicted lately about being more God-centered with him and being sure he is completely aware of why we trust in God for our answers. He is so smart and loves going to Sunday school; his teachers are always telling me about the questions he asks/answers and how much he wants to learn. So, I have to make sure that happens!

Right now I am on the search for the perfect way to do this. I am looking for the verses I want to use for the next few weeks and how I want to go about it each evening. I will definitely let you know how it goes and, hopefully, I can post a weekly study here to go along with our verses!

A Kindergarten Field Trip

Lawson has officially gone on his first field trip - Farm Day 2011! His favorite part of the trip...getting to ride the school bus there and back. Apparently this was a highlight for a lot of the children in Kindergarten :)

I, of course, decided to go on the field trip too! I went to the school and followed the bus over to our county fair grounds for this event...as did a lot of other parents. We looked like a bunch of Kindergarten groupies driving down the road behind the bus - it was great!

Once there, the kids were first told about the tractor and asked how many of them had tractors at their home or grandparents. Lawson promptly told them his Paw has a tractor and they ride it while bailing hay...and some other stuff in the middle of all that I wasn't able to catch! Then, we all walked down into the barn and walked around to the different stations, learning about aspects of farming along the way. They were also introduced to different animals and allowed to pet many of them as they walked through. Their day ended with a great snack of cookies and milk before loading back on the bus and heading toward school!

My plan was to take Lawson with me from the fair grounds and run some errands. I was quickly begged to let him ride the bus back to school and told I did not need to pick him up until it was time to go home...bittersweet! I really wanted to spend the afternoon with my little man but am very happy he enjoys school that much. He has an awesome Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Cline, and I know she is making all the difference in the world by making his year successful and fun!