Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. How many times have we been delighted with the magic of making bubbles? Think how our children love them, and then we think of how expensive the bubbles-by-the-bottle can be.
Next, we think of the mess made when fluids are spilled and wasted. Then we decide not to invest in bubbles or to bother because of the mess. This is especially sad because bubbles are not only a source of delight but also can be a wonderful learning experience as well as a way to help children learn to behave.
So read on, and see how you can use bubbles, bubbles, bubbles without all the mess, without the expense, and have fun along with your children.
Using liquid detergent to make your own bubble solution is the best way to save money and to have unlimited bubbles. This simple recipe mixes 2/3 cup of liquid dishwashing detergent with one gallon of water. You can make extra strong bubbles if you add 1 tablespoon of glycerin (which can be bought in a drug store). Storing the mixture for about a week lets it work better but it can be used immediately.
Almost anything can be used to make bubbles. Old thread spools, tops from detergent and shampoo bottles, slotted spoons, small tin cans with both ends cut out (be careful to make the edges smooth) and even blowing through your closed fist. Use coat hangers to make large loops and dip into the solution for larger bubbles. Drinking straws can be threaded onto a string, formed into a square, tied, and dipped into the solution to make large bubbles.
The ultimate bubble-making activity is to pour bubble solution into a wading pool and use a hula-hoop to dip into the solution and pull it up over yourself as you build a bubble around you.
Containing the messiness of bubble making is not such a problem when done outdoors. However, blowing bubbles inside can be done in the tub with the shower curtain pulled to keep the bubbles away from floors and furniture. Spills can be minimized in any setting by using a try or cat litter pan to hold the containers and blowers.
Children learn best when they enjoy and are interested in what they are doing. However, we can help them learn things by offering some reward for their efforts.
Most of the adults I know work for some reward. Few of us would go to our workplace without the reward of a paycheck, and a feeling of doing our job well. Children also need a tangible reward along with our praise, especially when learning new tasks.
Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles is a way for adults to reward children for their efforts. Instead of saying, “If you don’t finish your job, you will not go outside,” try “When you finish your job, we will blow bubbles for 10 minutes,” or “When you have finished your lunch, we will blow bubbles.” Bubbles can be the way to have fun with children as well as to help them learn to finish their tasks.
Remember that just as we tire of a steady diet of one food, so will children want more activities than bubbles. Plan to have special days for bubbles or use them a bit each day. To put out the mixture but leave the child and utensils unattended without being close enough to offer encouragement and praise their efforts can make a mess of the best planned activity.
Children need your attention, your words, and your interest, no matter what they are doing.
Darby Kethan has a master's degree in child development, and has experience as a social worker, educator of young children, educational consultant, and as a professional trainer for a national educational foundation providing professional development to teachers. Visit her website at darbykethan.com.
