Now that summer is (finally) coming around, it is the perfect time of year for children to explore, move, and learn indoors and out! Providing young children with visual impairments opportunities to use their senses in fun, simple, and engaging ways is a great way to keep the learning going all summer long.
One activity that requires few supplies and minimal prep time: Bubbles!
Bubbles give children an opportunity for a visual and tactile experience, which can stimulate their senses as they watch them float and feel them pop. Chasing, reaching for, and popping bubbles also helps develop hand-eye coordination, and using a bubble wand can help strengthen hand and finger muscles, which can also be helpful for pre-braille skills!
Tips for Bubble Play:
- Blow bubbles gently in front of your child, encouraging them to follow the bubble with their eyes and reach with their hands.
- Use different types of bubbles; bubble wands, bubble machines, colored bubbles, or even scented bubbles.
- Try using a “no-spill” bubble bucket with a handle and wand to increase success and decrease spills. These types of buckets typically have brightly colored wands, handles, and buckets, which can help with reaching and visual attention.
- Encourage exploration; have your child reach out to pop them with their fingers or use an object such as a small racket or spatula, stomp on them with their feet, or even turn their face to pop them with their nose or cheek!
- Using bubbles safely-supervise bubble use to ensure that bubbles do not end up in their mouth or eyes, provide sunglasses to protect from direct sunlight, and use bubbles in an obstacle free and safe space.
You can also create your own bubble solution:
- In a bottle with a cap, mix:
- 3 cups of water
- ½ cup dish soap
- Label bottle with a permanent marker for safety.
- Re-use a long, sturdy bubble wand that can fit in your bottle to dip into solution.
- Pour into a wide container, pie plate, or even a small kiddie pool and use hoops and large pieces of string with the ends tied together to make big bubbles.
- To make your bubbles stronger-add 4 tablespoons of sugar and let solution sit overnight!
The most important tip for bubble activities: have fun and enjoy your time with your child!
Did You Know?
Next month (July 2025), Future In Sight is starting an accessible playgroup for young children with visual impairments. Activities will include sensory exploration, music and movement, and art activities incorporating the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). This playgroup is also open to the siblings of and any young children needing socialization. Visit our website for more information and to register!
If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today!
About the Author: Lauren Baron, M.Ed., TVI is a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI) and an Early Supports & Services (ESS) Coordinator at Future In Sight