Using Water Beads in Play Therapy

When I entered into the blogging world in the summer of 2011 I was first introduced to the world of water beads.  An amazing substance of gel-like beads that grow or shrink depending how much water they are with … wonderful for sensory play.

I just had to try it out!  I picked some up at Michael’s (they call them water gems) … in the flower and vase section.  I bought a couple different colors of the already hydrated beads and was excited to try them out with my kids.  Both of them thought they were really cool … but my then 2 year old LOVED playing with them.  And still, now almost 4, will play for an extended period of time (WOOT!) with a large bowl filled with the water beads, a couple small cups, and/or a spoon!  We have found tons of different ways to play with them (but that’s another post for another time).

I think they are way too cool … they feel so amazing in your hand.  Very relaxing. Soothing.

However … they are also messy and can be VERY dangerous.  They are messy because they are like small little bouncy balls that WILL bounce off the table onto the floor and then who knows where.  (and, of course, this bouncing is extremely entertaining to your children … so some limits may need to be set, like “The water beads need to stay in the bowl.”)  They can be dangerous because they are small and could be very tempting to put into your mouth if you are a young child.  Not only can they be a choking hazard if swallowed … but they can cause life threatening blockages in someone’s digestive system. So … take care and as ALWAYS supervise children during play!

That being said I have LOVED introducing water bead play during play therapy.  I believe it to be very safe because I’m not using it with children under 4 years of age AND I am there playing one-on-one with them.  The way I have introduced water beads is as a part of child-centered play therapy where the water beads have become just another option of a resource they children can use (just like the dollhouse, sand tray, blocks, etc).  I use a shoe box size plastic bin (with a lid to cover up when the play is done) for one container of the “water gems” from Michaels.  

It has been interesting to see what this different type of play has elicited …

• Organization and control based play.  One client chose to use the water beads by separating them by size into different plastic cups demonstrating her need to feel in control and reduce chaos in her life.
• Anger Management.  Another client created a game with the water beads where he would squish/destroy the water bead while telling me something he was angry about.
• Soothing and Calming.  Several clients have agreed with my sentiments that if is very relaxing to just run your fingers through the beads.  The sensory experience can have a calming effect.  I have found that allowing the children to play with the water beads sometimes helps them to open up and talk more freely.
• Triggering.  Although some find the sensation soothing, other clients may find the experience to trigger past trauma (particularly sexual abuse).  This is true for a variety of sensory experiences that therapists should always be cautious.
• Small World/Imaginary/Representative Play.  Water beads are an excellent medium for imaginary play or recreating one’s world.  Just like sand tray, clients can use water beads and miniatures to “play out” what is happening in their lives, past events, fears, and hopes for the future.
• Confidence building/Mastery Play.  Some children found being able to crush the water beads very powerful.  One child created a mastery game of bouncing the water beads off the carpet to see if he could get them back into the bin.

And finally, here’s what one of my clients had to say about playing with the water beads (it’s just so cute, I had to share!) … “This is the BEST ever!  I’d give up all my toys for these!”

If you’d like to know more about water beads and how kids can play with them, check out these great posts ….

• Teach Preschool:  The Wonderful World of Water Beads
• Teach Preschool:  Water Beads and Shave Cream
• The Chocolate Muffin Tree:  32 Ways to Play with Water Beads
• Nurturestore: Water Bead Science
• Nurturestore: Space Play with Water Beads
• Playful Learners:  Water Bead Mini Beast Play
• Taming the Goblin:  Water Beads- No, we don’t love them
• Taming the Goblin: Garden Kitchen
• Glittering Muffins: Square Water Beads
• Life with Moore Babies: Icy Water Bead Cubes
• Growing a Jeweled Rose: Glowing Water Beads
• Caution: Twins at Play – Water Beads and Tonic Water
• I Can Teach My Child: Monster Sensory Tub
• Train Up a Child guest post: Frozen Water Beads
• Kids Activity Blog: Water Bead and Flower Sensory Tub
• Experimenting Mom: Water Bead Play Ideas
• Dirt and Boogers:  Water Beads and Parenting Woes
• Dirt and Boogers:  Water Beads and Shaving Cream
• Dirt and Boogers:  Water Beads and Glass Gems
• Dirt and Boogers:  Water Beads and Water
• The Golden Gleam:  Messy Play in the Sink
• The Educator’s Spin on It:  Water Bead Fun
• Fun-A-Day: Exploring Water Beads
• Fun-A-Day:  Water Beads Part Deux
• Fun-A-Day: Discovery Table “Disasters”
• The Boy and Me: Lights & Water Beads
• Nothing if not Intentional: Gel Balls
• Simple. Home. Blessings.: Water Beads used in learning colors
• PreK and K Sharing:  Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Fun with Printables, Water Beads, & Glass Gems
• 123 Homeschool 4 Me: Water Bead Sensory Science
• Mess for Less: Creative Play With Water Beads
• Connecting with Family & Seoul: Practicing Fine Motor Skills
• Connecting with Family & Seoul:  Small World Ocean Play
• Creekside Learning:  Water Bead Science

Also, if YOU have used water beads in play therapy I’d LOVE to hear how you have used them.  Please leave a comment or email me!!!

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