This month, School-age 1 embraced the beautiful signs of spring with a hands-on outdoor experience. The sun was shining brightly, after many chilly days, it truly felt like the season was changing around us. The children were excited to be outside enjoying such lovely weather. To celebrate the sunshine, we didn’t bring bubbles outside, we made our own bubbles solution together outdoors. The children helped measure and mix the ingredients, carefully pouring dish soap into water and stirring gently to combine. The group worked collaboratively, taking turns pouring and stirring. We also talked about why we need to mix slowly to avoid too many early bubbles forming. Once the mixing was done and wands were dipped and the first bubbles floated into the air, joy spread across the playground and some children were laughing and chasing the bubbles and trying and catch the bubbles before they touch the ground. They observed how the bubbles were moving in the direction of the wind. The children began experimenting, some blew softly to create bubbles while some waved quickly to produce a stream of bubbles. This playful chasing supported their gross motor development while enjoying outdoor space. We saw problem solving in action. When the bubbles were not forming as expected, children were adjusting their blowing or dipping and trying different ways like blowing slowly or not shaking it too hard. Through this experience, children practiced cooperation, patience, observation and early scientific thinking. They explored cause and effect as they noticed how air movement, and wind changed the size and direction of bubbles. As we wrapped up, many children were asking if they could do bubbles again on another sunny day.
