Playing with bubbles is a very satisfying sensory experience and has a distinct advantage, as baby shampoo can be used as a gentle substitute when the usual bubble liquids, washing-up liquid or soap flakes prove too harsh. However, as with all substances given to babies and young children, check for allergies first.
Organisation
Consider using a large container, such as a Tuff Spot builder's tray that children can crawl up to or sit next to. Better still, remove all clothing apart from a nappy and lift the children right into the container among the bubbles, so that they can explore with all of their bodies. Remember that bubbles are slippery, so ensure close supervision at all times.
Present the bubble mixture in one of the following ways:
- a thin bubble mixture made from washing-up liquid (or baby shampoo) swished around in warm water;
- a coloured bubble mixture made by adding food colouring to the original mixture;
- a thick mixture of soap flakes and water that can be picked up and manipulated easily.
There is no need to add utensils or extra items at this stage.
ADULT ROLE
Model: Model actions such as patting and lightly splashing the surface, repeating words to describe the actions and sounds that you are making - for example, 'Pat, pat, pat', 'Splash and float, splash and float'. Model new ways of exploring, such as putting bubble mixture on the palm of a hand and blowing it gently off again, or holding a blob of the mixture high in the air and letting it fall from your fingers back into the container.
Comment: Talk children through their actions with a running commentary to help them with the vocabulary needed to express their own ideas - for example, 'You are patting the top of the bubbles, Tom. Look, the bubbles are floating into the air.'
Listen: Recall the importance of silence when observing children, and always make time to listen to their comments.
Observe: Observe children and note any relevant comments they make so that you can record their learning afterwards. Take photographs of children engaged in the activity and display these with an appropriate explanation, and the children's comments, so that parents develop an understanding of the learning that has taken place. Encourage the parents to try a similar activity at home.
What next?
- Try blowing bubbles towards the children, taking care not to blow directly into eyes, so that they can reach out to catch them as they float past. Talk about them floating, popping and bursting.
- Add interesting objects to the mixture, such as wooden sticks, balls, spoons, bowls and whisks.
- Set up the activity outdoors on a sunny day and draw attention to the swirling colours in floating bubbles and on the top of the thick mixture.
- Invest in a bubble machine or battery operated hand-held bubble blower for added excitement (www.elc.co.uk).
