Remember the joy of blowing bubbles when you were a child? Now that the weather is getting warmer take this opportunity to share some bubble blowing with your little one. Along with blowing bubbles outdoors I’m going to share some fun bubble activities to do with your toddler that will help her to develop skills along with having some entertaining fun.
We all know that blowing air into a liquid forms bubbles, and these round shapes travel in the air. When a bubble expands too much or touches a hard surface it pops. As you play with the bubbles your toddler is developing eye-hand coordination. If you blow a bubble, ask your youngster to run and catch it on a square of cardboard. Then, change roles and let your child attempt to blow the bubble.
Sure, we can go to the store to purchase bubble solution, but why not make a homemade version instead? In a shallow pan, mix one cup water, two tablespoons liquid dish detergent, and two tablespoons glycerin, sold at drugstores. Glycerin strengthens the bubbles. See how many household objects you can use to make bubbles in the air. Make sure your child understands to blow out to avoid tasting the soap. I like to make a ring wand from pipe cleaners or dip the plastic rings from a six-pack of soda into the soap and wave it to make giant bubbles. Inside the pan of solution, try using an eggbeater (if you have one) or a whisk. Watch the mound of bubbles rise.
If it’s a sunny day, ask your child if he can see rainbow colors in the bubbles. Discuss why this occurs as light is broken into different colors when it passes through the water. Talk about what colors you see together. Believe it or not, toddlers pick up knowledge by listening and observing.
While you are still outdoors, add some drops of food coloring to your bubble water. As you whisk up some bubbles, invite your toddler to gently lay a piece of white paper on top of the mound. Carefully lift it to find the bubble print on the paper. Let this dry and your youngster will have a piece of art from your bubble play today.
Inside the house, enjoy the wordless picture book, Round and Round and Round by Tana Hoban, which shows photos of circular objects. Then, play a game, “round as a bubble”. Ask your toddler to touch something in the room that’s round like a bubble. Become a bubble detective and explore the house to find lots of round objects. Where else can your toddler find bubbles? In the bath? In a soda? And, how about in the washing machine? Your everyday life has plenty of options. Have fun exploring and learning together today!