Bubbles for Language
Who doesn’t love bubbles? They're not just fun; they're also an incredible tool for teaching language to children. When it comes to playing with bubbles, the possibilities for teaching concepts like requesting, open/close, in/out, vocabulary, turn-taking, body parts, and pronouns are endless.
Requesting: Begin by blowing a few bubbles and then return the wand back into the container (even better if you can screw the cap on). When you notice your child wanting more bubbles, take this opportunity to model phrases like “more bubbles,” “I want bubbles,” or simply “more.” Even if they don’t repeat immediately, no sweat! Keep blowing bubbles while consistently modeling the desired phrases. By doing so, you're showing them that making that request results in more bubbles.
Open/Close and In/Out: Introduce the concepts of open and close by narrating each action as you open and close the container. The same can be done for in and out every time you insert or remove the wand.
Vocabulary: Increase their word bank by labeling every action and describing the bubbles—whether it's blowing them, popping, identifying big and small bubbles, the more words, the better!
Body Parts: Teach body parts by blowing a bubble, catching it with your wand, and asking where you should pop the bubble. You can pop it different body parts such as their nose, hands, feet, shoulder, fingers, toes, or their head!
Turn Taking and Pronouns: Share the joy of blowing bubbles by taking turns. With each turn, demonstrate the appropriate use of pronouns such as “my turn” and “your turn.”
Author: Danica Federe M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC