In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make bubble foam, the benefits of sensory play and simple clean-up tips.
Bubble foam is SO MUCH FUN. It is a perfect activity to take outside on a warm day or to save in your back pocket for a long rainy day inside.
It is a sensory lover's DREAM come true. It is soft, squishy, bubbly and wet. You can squeeze it or smoosh it or blow it away. You can scoop it. You can pour it. You can mix colors or add more water or just simply splash away. The texture is amazinggggg and it truly is magical every single time.
My children range in ages from 2.5-9.5 and all four of them love to explore bubble foam. This is one of the major reasons that sensory play resonates so much with our family, it is truly ageless. Even adults can gain benefits from sensory exploration and children of all ages can play together at their own developmental level.
Activities like this sensory bin are also SO calming. They can help a child (or adult) strengthen their self-regulation skills, focus and attention, all through play! They can also provide a safe outlet for those experiencing big emotions.
Sensory bins also help to activate the senses. We used a scented bath soap to add an extra layer of sensory goodness in. These bins look like Halloween but smell like fall, using a sweet apple soap!
We went with a Halloween theme this time, but typically when we make it, we pick one color and stick with it. That being said, you can easily make several batches and mix them together for some hands-on exploration of colors!
This is also a great activity to create with your kiddos. They can assist with the steps in the directions, making in two-for-one activity! You spend time together making it, which is great
It can be done with multiple ages and lend itself to any theme or color scheme. It is NOT taste-safe, so do keep that in mind when setting this activity up.
Sensory Play Supports:
Language development & vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
Storage:
Bubble foam is not a sensory bin that can be stored and used for later. It is best immediately after it has been blended. Discard after use.
Do the colors get on kid's hands or surfaces?
NO! Once the food coloring is mixed into the soap and water it does not come off on hands. That being said, you are still working with food coloring, so be mindful when you are first squirting and mixing it. If it spills on surfaces, wash immediately with soap and water.
Materials:
(2) part Water
(1) part Tear-free bath soap
Food coloring (optional)
Blender or hand mixer
Mixing bowl
Sensory tray or bowl
Step 1: Measure the water and soap and pour them into a sensory tray or bowl. If you are using a blender, add ingredients in there now!
Step 2: If you are using food coloring, add now. Blend all of the ingredients together until it becomes very foamy, this can take several minutes.
Step 3: If you are making multiple colors, repeat the above steps.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into a sensory tray or bowl and PLAY!
Step 5: If you want to extend your play once the bubbles dissolve, blend it back up again.
This is a one-time use sensory bin. It is best when used immediately after blending. It cannot be stored for later use.
This looks super messy, but I promise it's not that bad! If you are able to take it outdoors, that will make the clean-up that much easier.
If not, here are a few tips to keep the mess to a minimum:
Put an old blanket or beach towel underneath the bins to catch spills.
Wear older "play" clothes or a bathing suit.
Bring the bubble foam into the tub and wash it away when you're done.
Make a small amount of bubble foam and put it in a big container. This helps to minimize spills and set a boundary on the play.
Set out wipes and a trash can or plastic bag next to your sensory bin to help with quick clean-up.
If outdoors, hose everything down when you are done playing.
Ways to extend your learning and play:
Add in plastic letters, numbers or shapes and work on identifying them as you play.
Add in your favorite trinkets and play search and find.
Discuss color names and color theory: "what happens when we mix yellow and blue?"
Add in measuring cups and spoons: discuss the names of each and how they are used.
Write down the recipe and have the child follow the directions to make it. Work on measuring, mixing and following directions.
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children in or around water.