Why Bubbles are beneficial for early childhood development

(Photo Credit to Third Eye Chic Photography)

First of all, who doesn't LOVE bubbles? We can't deny we smile (or at least become somewhat entranced) when we see shiny bubbles floating in mid-air around us. We also know the thrill is about twice as strong for our little ones. Did you ever wonder, WHY bubbles are so effective in engaging us all? Well the truth is, it's no coincidence. Here are some reasons:

Visually appealing - For babies especially, focusing on the motion of bubbles helps with eye-tracking which is a skill that will aid in their depth perception and ability to connect what they see to what they know in the world. Eye-tracking is a critical skill that also helps work the muscles and brain functions that will allow babies to read later in life. Starring a bubbles can also be a way to help tots and young children re-focus their attention and self-regulate after a high-energy or less-structured activity.

Physically unique (based on the laws of physics) - Bubbles are sort of like a baby's first lesson in physics, they are mezmorized by the unique effect a light, weightless substance has in the air verses most objects we see which typically fall when straight to the ground with the weight gravity. This is a unique spectacle and helps us observe the movement concept of floating which is later practiced in dance class when children learn to use their body to express different ideas.

Motor development: Trying to pop, blow, swat, or catch bubbles takes physical control that all levels and can be practiced in different ways for all ages. Whether you catch a bubble for your baby to pop with theif inger (fine motor skills!) or whether your pre-schooler is flailing their arms trying to pop the bubbles in mid air, this is motor skill practice!

Social learning - In a classroom setting like Little Beats, bubbles are a shared experience that children and caregivers enjoy together. Being able to marvel with friends helps little ones create bonds with each other. You will often see children bringing bubbles to each other, or pointing to show their caregiver the bubbles they've seen. And as adults, we help our children learn how to regulate and control their bodies when in close proximity to other children during bubbles. "Livy, do not hit the bubbles in the air, you could accidently hurt one of the friends around you!" OR "Charlie, we don't pop bubbles that land on our friends' heads!"