Your child will practice chasing, popping, and blowing bubbles with you while learning vocabulary words to describe these experiences.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Physical Development
MATERIALS
- Bubble solution (commercial or homemade)
- Variety of bubble wands
LET'S PLAY
As you blow bubbles, demonstrate to your toddler how to chase, catch, and pop them. Let your child try to blow bubbles as well, explaining that blowing bubbles is like blowing out candles on a birthday cake. While playing with bubbles, talk to your child about what he is doing and encourage him to respond verbally. Use specific words to name, describe, and explain bubbles—how they look, feel and pop. For example, you might say, “You caught a bubble on your finger!”, “Can you pop a bubble? You popped two bubbles!”, or “Does it feel wet?”
TIPS
- Use different kinds of bubble wands to produce different sizes and quantities of bubbles.
- Encourage your child to try to blow his own bubbles—use hand-over-hand technique if necessary, meaning place your hand over your child’s hand to help him dip the bubble wand into the bubble solution and position the bubble wand in front of his mouth in order to blow bubbles.
- Expand your child’s vocabulary by adding specific keywords, such as: bubbles, blow, chase, catch, circle, pop, float, wet, soapy.
- If blowing bubbles inside, be aware of your floor surface. Bubbles can become very slippery on smooth surfaces and chasing them can cause accidents.
- To make your own bubble solution, slowly mix together 2 cups warm water, ⅓ cup liquid dish soap (e.g., Dawn), and 1 tablespoon glycerin or corn syrup.