by Anne Zachry, OTR/L
I keep a spill-proof bottle in my therapy bag at all times. Here are just a few of the benefits of using bubbles during therapy.
-Watching and popping bubbles requires sustained attention
-Following the bubbles with the eyes is good for visual tracking
-Popping the bubbles with a swipe of the hand is good for eye-hand coordination
-Popping bubbles with an index finger requires finger isolation
-Encouraging the child to ask you to blow the bubbles promotes language
-Blowing bubbles is requires breath support
-Blowing bubbles works oral musculature which can help with feeding and speech
-Address taking turns by alternating blowing and popping the bubbles with the child
-The child can practice counting by counting the bubbles as he pops them
-Touching the bubbles is a sensory experience
-Teach your child about circles by explaining that bubbles are round
-Have the child spell the word bubble using finger paint or by sequencing letter stickers
Therapy on a shoestring budget: Make your own bubbles!
Mix these ingredients together in a container:

• ¼ cup of baby shampoo
• ¾ cup water
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup

Featured Contributor: Dr. Anne Zachry, OTR/L PhD

Dr. Anne Zachry is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She has over 20 years experience providing quality OT to children along with caregiver instruction and support. She is the author of “Retro Baby: Cut Back on all the Gear and Boost Your Baby’s Development with over 100 Time-Tested Activities,” a parenting book published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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