Using Sensory Balloons to Teach About Emotions

It can be hard to teach younger children about emotions and how to regulate them. These sensory balloons are an easy way to talk about emotions they experience. Plus they offer a way to help your child calm down when they are upset too.

You can make your own set of My Emotions Sensory Balloons using items you probably already have around the house.

Here’s what you’ll need to make My Emotions Sensory Balloons:

• Balloons that have not been blown up
• Sharpie
• Plastic water bottle
• Cutting shears or scissors
• Items to fill your balloons:
  • Flour
  • Water Beads 
  • Play Dough
  • Bird Seed
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Beads
  • Soap
  • Sand
  • Cotton balls
  • Lotion
  • Cornstarch

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Decide how many balloons you will be making. Then gather enough balloons and different supplies to fill each balloon.

It will make filling your balloons easier if you cut off the top third of an empty water bottle to use as a funnel.

Step 2: Prepare Your Balloons

Draw a different expression on each balloon to represent various emotions. Allow the marker to dry before you begin filling the balloons.

Step 3: Fill the Balloons

To fill a balloon, stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the water bottle funnel. Then slowly pour one of your fillers into the balloon. Be sure to leave the neck of the balloon free of contents so it can easily be tied.

Tips:

• If your material is getting stuck in the balloon and not going down easily, try using the handle of a spoon to poke it down gently.
• For play dough, roll the dough into small snakes before putting it in the opening of the balloon.
• Water beads make a really cool sensory balloon. Drop about 20 beads in dry. Then add some water and tie it closed. The beads will absorb the water and make an awesome texture.

Once you’re happy with the amount of filling in your balloon tie it closed.

Using the Sensory Balloons

Talk with your child about the different emotions the expressions represent. Then let them guess what is inside of each balloon based off of how it feels.

These sensory balloons are also a great way to teach your child to regulate their emotions. Encourage them to squeeze them when they are upset or use them as a redirection tool.

More About Emotions

Are you looking for more ways to teach your child to regulate their emotions? Click HERE for book recommendations, gross motor activities, fine motor activities, and even fun, snack ideas. You can also download a FREE Wheel of Emotions printable. Scroll to the bottom of this post for access.