Pediatric Interactions is an LLC partner. This post is part of their partnership with Little Lake County. Written by Clinical Director and Speech-Language Pathologist, Sarah Rosten; all thoughts and opinions belong to her.
Bubbles are an image of summer fun. But they can be more than just a toy, they can be a great teaching tool to help your child learn new skills.
Benefits of Bubbles
“More, more, more!” Because bubbles pop, they are a great reinforce that your child has to keep asking for (unlike a toy that you would have to take away to get them to repeated request more). After it pops, WAIT, and as you’re your child reaches for it or vocalizes, say “more” and even model the sign (on each hand, bring your fingertips and thumb together and then touch the tips the other finger’s hands repeatedly). If your child is saying “more” model two word phrase, such as “more bubble”. Expand your child’s vocabulary with words like: pop, wet, up/down” and turn taking (my/your turn).
When your child really wants something, that is when they are most likely to talk more. Let you child know you are going to play with bubbles, even give them the container (but don’t open it). This will create the opportunity for your child to request “help” or “open”. Create more problems around the activity for your child, ask “How should we open it?” and give some choices, “turn or tap”. Don’t immediately take the wand out, let them try and if they struggle, put your finger in and give some suggestions “wand out or stir”. Do what your child says (even if it’s wrong) and let you child experience the power of communication.
Blowing from a bubble wand requires a child to round their lips and use graded breath. This skill is the foundation of producing speech sounds, such as “ooo”, “oh”, “ow”, “w” (you also use your lips together to make other speech sounds like “p, b, m”. It can be frustrating for a child when the bubble won’t blow. Make sure your child is sitting up straight and supported for the best breath support. Cut a straw to 2-3 inches in length and place it in your child’s mouth to get his/her lips rounded. Place the wand in front of the straw and model blowing slow. As your child becomes successful, remove the straw once he/she starts blowing or gets the movement down without it.
Pediatric Interactions
15 Commerce Dr #116, Grayslake
(224) 360-2542 | [email protected] | Facebook
Pediatric Interactions and WeeBits invite families to these upcoming events:
Singing and Signing Class
Tuesdays, July 12 – August 2, 2016 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Pediatric Interactions West, 665 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
Childcare may available for older/younger siblings: $5/class (registration necessary, but pay as needed) Class is free but registration required. For more information contact [email protected] or 224-360-2542.
4th Annual Used Treasure Sale
Thursday July 21 an Friday July 22 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. and Saturday July 23 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Pediatric Interactions Office, 15 Commerce Drive, Suite 10, Grayslake
All proceeds from the sale will help WeeBits provide FREE Family Enrichment Classes and Workshops to families in our community! Sale will have gently used Children’s, Women’s and Men’s clothing and accessories, Children’s toys and games, books, DVDs, housewares, small appliances, electronics and more! Donations are also still being accepted contact Ally at 224-360-2542
Downs Syndrome Developmental Council Monthly Playgroup
Meets the Third Tuesday evening of the month at Pediatric Interactions.
Led by developmental therapists all family members are invited for an interactive group play therapy session. This is a FREE event and Spanish interpreters are available. RSVP to Kathy Murray 847-630-4991.
Baby Led Weaning Parent Workshop
Tuesday, September 27 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
State Bank of the Lakes, 50 Commerce Drive , Grayslake
Pediatric Speech Pathologist and Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Jill Rabin will be hosting a presentation that examines the transition from breast and/or bottle feeding to solid foods and how the use of the Baby-Led Weaning approach can impact overall health, oral structural development and overall developmental abilities in at-risk and typically developing babies. Registration Required, event is free.
Pediatric Interactions is a Speech and Language Clinic located in Grayslake and McHenry that supports independence and self-esteem using creative therapy approaches. Pediatric Interventions provides FREE developmental screenings, individual and group therapy, classes, workshops and other resources to help children better communicate.
WeeBits is a non-profit organization bringing awareness and guidance to those families with infants/toddlers who fall outside the boundaries of existing child developmental programs.
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