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Overview of the challenge

This challenge allows makers to reflect on their own physical and visual preferences in
creating an item that is individualised to their needs. They will explore the sense of
touch and sight to determine what sensations provide them with pleasure and can be
used to sooth.

Materials and Resources Required

No-tech materials Low-tech materials High-tech materials

Felt Glitter Fabric Digital Resources: 3-D Printing

Bubble Wrap Paper Sandpaper Tinkercad Woodworking
Tinfoil Bottles Wood SelfCad Metalshop
Stickers Balloons Pipe Sketchup
Rocks Rice cleaners 3DSlash
Paint Glue Clay Blender
Pom Poms Tape Beads
Power tools
Wire Cardboard Thread
String Vials Needles

TinkerCad SelfCad SketchUp 3DSlash Blender

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Inclusive Maker Challenge Instructions
You are going to create a small item that has the capability of being carried around
with you, either in a bag or in your pocket. This will be your soothing item, or sensory
item. The purpose is to be a focus for you when you need to self-regulate.

Take a moment to look through the materials provided to find inspiration for your
item. Touch everything. Find supplies that you are drawn to visually and/or enjoying the
feeling of most - is it something soft and smooth? Maybe something hard and rough?
An item with defined edges or something squishy? Bright, dull, shiny or matte?
Whatever it may be, choose materials that appeal to you the most and that you can
make something with.

With the materials in front of you, begin to imagine what item you can create with it.
Perhaps while you were going through the material, an idea already popped into your
head. Sketch out a plan for your item on a blank piece of paper, and then start building.

Once your soothing item is complete, carefully examine it. Notice the colours, the
angles, and the way the light plays on the material. Allow yourself to enjoy the sight of
your item.

Close your eyes and explore your creation with your sense of touch. Take some time
to feel it and imagine it in your mind’s eye. Note its weight. Feel its texture. What is its
temperature? Is there a spot that is your favourite to touch? Get to know your item.

Then, place your hand over your heart and with your item pressed to your chest,
repeat a phrase that is soothing like:

● May I give myself the gift of Peace.

● May I give myself the gift of being present and breathing.
● May I give myself the gift of _____________________.
○ To fill in the blank, imagine a person close to you is having a difficult time -
what is something that you might say to them to help them work through
this? We must start giving ourselves the same compassion that we show
others.

Noticing that when you are focused on your soothing item, with appreciation, there is
little room for regret or worry, for the past or the future. You are “at home” in the present
moment.

Going forward, feel free to keep using your soothing item as needed.

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Challenge Objectives
1. I can use the five senses to determine what material I like most.
2. I can create an object to help me self-regulate.
3. I can develop strategies that help counteract the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Critical Questions for Consideration

A. How might an object like a soothing item be used in other situations than a grounding
activity?
B. Why does triggering other senses help calm the mind?
C. What other objects could be used?
D. Can this object be combined with other strategies?
E. Why is it important to develop strategies to self-regulate?
F. How does breathing help calm the mind?
G. Why are mantras used in self-regulation?
H. What other mantras could I use to help me regulate my emotions?

Background/ Additional Information

The Window of Tolerance, a term coined by Dr. Dan Siegal, is the visual representation
of what happens to our brains when we are in a moment of panic, stress, anxiousness,
depression or have experienced trauma. In the diagram, our window refers to our
amygdala - the part of our brain that controls our emotions. When we are triggered by
negative situations and/or triggers, our amygdalas send off a signal to tell us that we are
not safe - the window is now blown open. This is when our body naturally reacts and
goes into a hyper- or hypo-arousal state, also known as fight, flight, freeze or fawn
response.

Inclusivity Focus
A critical component to this challenge is self-reflection and personalization. There is no
correct way to make an item that is meant for the use of its creator - the design can be
as simple or complex as the maker wants. Students are invited to bring their own items
in for this challenge, and can incorporate different facets of their lives into the design.

No-tech, Low-Tech, High-Tech Options

See materials list for no-tech, low-tech and high-tech options for this challenge.

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Extensions
● Maker Faire - host an entrepreneur show and encourage students to create items
that can be sold. Portions of the profit can go to a charity of the maker’s
choosing.