Welcome to this week’s creative and educational project: painting with bubbles! This activity is not only visually exciting but also provides a unique way to practice and model AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) core words. Before we begin, a quick note: this project can stain clothes, so wear something you don’t mind getting food coloring on or opt for white shirts to create a bubble tie-dye effect.
If you don’t want to make your own bubble solution you can use pre-made colored bubbles and skip directly to the painting section. We like these to add our own colors to!
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DIY Colored Bubble Solution
-**Materials Needed:**
– Light corn syrup
– Measuring cup
– Large mixing bowl
– Container (with lid) for storing leftovers
**Directions:**
1. Mixing the Solution:
– Pour 6 cups of hot water into a large mixing bowl.
– Add 2 cups of clear dishwashing soap to the bowl and stir well.
– Add 3/4 cup of corn syrup to the soapy water and stir thoroughly. Expect bubbles to start forming.
2. Adding Color:
– If making multiple colors, separate the mixture into small cups.
– For a single color, add food coloring directly to the large bowl. Use 3-5 drops of food coloring and stir well.
Words to Model:
– *Pour in*: While adding soap, corn syrup, and food coloring.
– *What color*: When deciding on colors to add.
– *Stir* or *Turn*: While mixing the solution.
– *Pick up*: Picking up ingredients or tools.
– *Pick out ____ (color)*: Choosing a color.
– *Hot*: When referring to the hot water.
– *Look out*: Being cautious with ingredients.
– *Pour here*: Directing where to pour.
– *More _____ (stir, cups, colors)*: Requesting more stirring, cups, or colors.
Painting with Bubbles
**Materials Needed:**
– Straws or bubble wands
– Cardstock (best) or paper
– Masking tape (optional, for creating designs)
**Directions:**
1. **Prepare Your Paper:**
– If creating a design, use masking tape to outline it on the paper. Press the tape down firmly to seal the edges.
2. **Paint with Bubbles:**
– Dip a straw for bubble wand into the colored bubble solution.
– Blow bubbles onto the paper, creating vibrant patterns.
- I found it easier to use bubble wands to get the round bubble shape. The straw worked well for adding a drip effect.
– For brighter colors, use a generous amount of food coloring in the solution. ( I used 5 drops in mine)
**Words to Model:**
– *What shape*: When deciding on shapes to create or use with tape.
– *What color*: Choosing colors for bubbles.
– *Need that*: Indicating a need for materials.
– *Look*: Directing attention to the bubbles or designs.
– *Blow*: The action of blowing bubbles.
– *Ready, set, go*: Starting the painting activity.
– *Beautiful*: Commenting on the artwork.
– *Wait* (to dry): Reminding to wait for the artwork to dry.
– *Look out* (don’t spill the bubbles!): Being cautious with the bubble solution.
Why Use AAC Core Words?
Incorporating AAC core words during activities like painting with bubbles offers practical, engaging contexts for language practice. These core words are versatile and can be used in various situations, helping to build a strong foundation for communication skills.
Final Thoughts
Painting with bubbles is not only a delightful and creative activity but also a wonderful opportunity to practice and model AAC core words. By integrating these words throughout the process, you can create meaningful learning experiences while having a blast with colorful bubbles. So gather your materials, mix your bubble solution, and let the fun and learning begin!
Happy painting!