It must be said, that I adore bubbles! Both types are equally as pleasurable, and with a little one to love them, they are even better. This article will focus on the bubbles found at bath time; bubble bath. But don't stress, there's sure to be an article on 'backyard bubbles' in the near future!
So, bubble bath has to be my daughter’s favourite part of bath-time! We don't use bubbles everyday, as you have to be careful with little ones and too much bubble bath on their delicate skin. But when we do use them, the joy of bath time is even more special! And I know many other children who feel the same way. Bubbles are fun to play with but also provide endless opportunities to learn through play.
Bubbles at bath time can create the basis for a variety of play for children. Creativity and imagination may be highlighted as children create beards, eyebrows and 'funky 'do's out of the white foamy substance. Voices drop, and characters are created as these tiny babes role-play being men, dwarfs, or even santa. Arms of 'robots' covered in a 'protective shield' right down to the wrist. Hair covered in bubbles leads way for punky rockers; one little boy I know does impressive Elvis impersonations 'thank you very much'.
The five senses are utilised when a child listens to the bubbles crackle, watches them as they fade back into the water, feels them squash between their fingers, and rub them on their body, taste them with surprise as they discover their air-like density, and smell the aroma that bubbles give to bath time. Even a little game of peek-a-boo as ducky is swallowed under the bubbly water. They create curiousity about how they float effortlessly when you blow them, why they stick to your legs when you try to get out, and how you can never quite catch them before they dissolve in the water.
Bubbles are soothing, relaxing, and are also emotive. They can captivate your child, and you should teach them words and feelings that help them to express this.
Isn't it funny how something as simple as bubble bath can have so many teaching opportunities! If we think for a second about the foundations for families, you can see how 'bubble bath' supports the idea of child focused play. Bubbles are an open-ended phenomena, and children can and do play with them in a way that suits their learning style.
You can also create learning opportunities for language development by scaffolding children's play. At bath time this might include using terms used in the bath such as wash, wet, slippery, splash, dry, and naming objects (soap, washer, towel, ducky, bubbles, bath tub.) You can discuss routine (such as washing hair or scrubbing feet) with your child, or through the use of song "This is the way we wash our face"
Due to the fact that children should never be left alone unsupervised in the bath, take this time to practice positive attachment. Whether bath time at your house is quiet and relaxful, creative and imaginary, or full of giggles and laughter, cherish this time as you delight in your children. And just for fun, once in a while, why not add some bubbles.
So, bubble bath has to be my daughter’s favourite part of bath-time! We don't use bubbles everyday, as you have to be careful with little ones and too much bubble bath on their delicate skin. But when we do use them, the joy of bath time is even more special! And I know many other children who feel the same way. Bubbles are fun to play with but also provide endless opportunities to learn through play.
Bubbles at bath time can create the basis for a variety of play for children. Creativity and imagination may be highlighted as children create beards, eyebrows and 'funky 'do's out of the white foamy substance. Voices drop, and characters are created as these tiny babes role-play being men, dwarfs, or even santa. Arms of 'robots' covered in a 'protective shield' right down to the wrist. Hair covered in bubbles leads way for punky rockers; one little boy I know does impressive Elvis impersonations 'thank you very much'.
The five senses are utilised when a child listens to the bubbles crackle, watches them as they fade back into the water, feels them squash between their fingers, and rub them on their body, taste them with surprise as they discover their air-like density, and smell the aroma that bubbles give to bath time. Even a little game of peek-a-boo as ducky is swallowed under the bubbly water. They create curiousity about how they float effortlessly when you blow them, why they stick to your legs when you try to get out, and how you can never quite catch them before they dissolve in the water.
Bubbles are soothing, relaxing, and are also emotive. They can captivate your child, and you should teach them words and feelings that help them to express this.
Isn't it funny how something as simple as bubble bath can have so many teaching opportunities! If we think for a second about the foundations for families, you can see how 'bubble bath' supports the idea of child focused play. Bubbles are an open-ended phenomena, and children can and do play with them in a way that suits their learning style.
You can also create learning opportunities for language development by scaffolding children's play. At bath time this might include using terms used in the bath such as wash, wet, slippery, splash, dry, and naming objects (soap, washer, towel, ducky, bubbles, bath tub.) You can discuss routine (such as washing hair or scrubbing feet) with your child, or through the use of song "This is the way we wash our face"
Due to the fact that children should never be left alone unsupervised in the bath, take this time to practice positive attachment. Whether bath time at your house is quiet and relaxful, creative and imaginary, or full of giggles and laughter, cherish this time as you delight in your children. And just for fun, once in a while, why not add some bubbles.
A.S.
Project Development Worker
Communities for Children
Tell us your bubble bath stories, or fill us in on your families bath time rituals. We would love to hear them!
