I often use bubbles in my classes, especially in the summer. There is something magical about them...how there is nothing there and then you blow and, hey, bubbles. Plus they are great for practicing counting, identifying body parts (pop the bubble with your shoulder...use your elbow-- be careful with that one though!), talking about concepts like up/down, big/small, many/few, etc.
And of course it's great to be there when a child blows a bubble for the first time. Those "I did it!" moments are classic.
Turns out there is one more reason to break out the bubbles with toddlers. Researchers from Lancaster University have found that the ability to blow bubbles (among other skills such as licking one's own lips) is linked to language development.
Here are a few more ideas for helping your kids develop their oral motor skills.
--Make nonsense words. While playing make believe, introduce yourself and say your name is "Babibooboobabinaka". They'll crack up, ask you to say again 10 times, and then start saying it themselves over and over. Include some sounds that may be difficult for your kids. Maybe some Th-, V-, or L-blend sounds.
--Exagerrate your mouth movements when you speak. Not all the time, but sometimes really go for it...make a game of it. You'll be copied.
--Make faces in the mirror together. "Can you do this?"
By the way, don't wait until your kids are toddlers...you most likely do all of the above already when you talk to a baby in a stroller. Good. Keep it up. And get the bubbles out.
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