Bubbles . . . do kids ever stop going crazy over them? I like to stock up on the refill containers at the end of the season because we go through SO MUCH BUBBLE SOLUTION. I know, we could make it ourselves, but I can never quite master the recipe. If you have one you love that is foolproof, please share it in the comments!

Aside from the fact that bubbles are so fun and provide lots of opportunity for movement and giggles, we also love how easy it is to use bubbles for language opportunities! Regardless of the age of your little one, bubbles are a sure bet with promoting language.

Infants/Babies

Show your baby how to pop the bubbles with their finger! If they are still too young to do this independently, then place your hand over theirs and help them pop the bubbles! Pointing is an important communication skill for babies to learn before they are able to talk and bubbles are a fun way to practice this gesture. You can also show your baby how to clap their hands together to smash bubbles!

Since ‘p’ is an early developing sound, saying the word “pop” is a great way to model a word with this sound! Every time you pop a bubble with your finger, say, “pop!” and see if baby will try to copy you! You can also practice making popping sounds with your lips to imitate the sound of popping bubbles!

Toddlers

There are so many words we can say while playing with bubbles! Let your little one have fun popping and playing, while you talk about what they are doing!

Single words: “Pop! Splash! Jump! Stomp!”
Use verbal routines, such as, “One . . . two . . . three . . . GO!” or “Ready . . set . . . GO!” Or, instead of saying “go,” use the word “pop!” For example, “Ready . . . set . . . POP!!” Try pausing after a while and see if your little one will fill in the last word by saying, “Go!” or “Pop!”
Putting words together: “More bubbles! All gone! Stomp your feet! Pop the bubbles!”

Preschoolers:

“Let’s count how many we can pop!”
“Let’s say the alphabet while popping bubbles!”
“Maybe we can GUESS where the bubbles will land!”

Choose the bubble container with a wand!

As much as the standard container with the bubble wand can be such a pain , you know, it’s like we can never blow bubbles fast enough and they ALWAYS, ALWAYS get spilled . . . there are benefits to using the wand versus a bubble machine!

Using a container with a wand creates opportunity for your child to request. “More!” “Again!” “Bubbles!”
Your little one may have difficulty blowing bubbles or getting the container open. This creates an opportunity to ask for help! “Open?” or “Help?”
Bubble containers create an opportunity for taking turns! “First mommy gets to blow bubbles, then you!” “Now it’s your turn!”
Bubble wands help your little one practice blowing and rounding those lips . . . a skill that will eventually contribute to making speech sounds!

We also know that there are times when you just need a break and you want to use a bubble machine. We love those too! Bubble machines create tons of bubbles and opportunities for language! TALK ABOUT what your little one is doing and turn off the machine periodically to create opportunities for requests!

Does your little one love bubbles? Tell us about it in the comments!