Carmen Knight, M.A.T., Early Childhood and Special Education

Did you realize that bubbles can aide in a child's overall development? However, children do not view them as a therapy tool, they simply see them as a fun and exciting activity. Some key developmental skills to focus on when using bubbles are below.

Oral Motor Development:

Bubbles are so much fun and they also help a child coordinate important movements in their lips and their airflow (check out SmileMakers ice cream cone bubbles). Lip movement is important so that children can form their lips in the necessary way to create different sounds.  Airflow is important for speech production. Good airflow improves the accuracy and rate at which a child produces sounds and clarity of their speech. Using bubbles will help children build their communication skills and confidence with their language. 

Joint Attention: 

Joint attention is an early form of social and emotional communication. It's when two people share attention and interest in something. Sharing time and attention on bubbles and watching them pop creates joint attention with a child. Focusing on bubbles as they float or pop and letting a child see your reaction helps them with non-verbal and verbal cues. This develops common interest and allows you to connect with the child on a deeper level.

Language development:

Language development is possible with this fun activity. Requesting that the child tell you what they are doing is a great way to create expressive language. Asking the child to say "Ready, set, blow!" or "Pop" will help develop language skills. It also allows you to assess their use of language and understanding.

Gross Motor Development:

You will be able to work on gross motor skills while using bubbles because the child will naturally chase after the bubbles to pop them. As the child attempts to reach each bubble you can assess their range of motion and gate all while the child is having a great time.

SmileMakers has affordable bubbles that will allow your patients to have a wonderful time out in the sun while you are working on so many different developmental areas. Language and gross motor skills will be natural during this fun activity. Joint attention will create a stronger bond between you and your patient. Take time this summer to have fun out in the sun with this simple and educational activity.