The Bubble Power Road Trip

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5)
Play time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Wall or easel

Why it helps

This activity is perfect for building shoulder strength and stability. By working on a vertical surface, your child is using their whole arm. Popping the bubbles requires finger isolation and a bit of force. This helps prepare their little hands for holding a pencil later on. Following the line with the toy builds visual tracking skills. It is a fun way to practice focus and coordination together!

Steps

Use masking tape to secure a sheet of bubble wrap to a wall at your child's shoulder height.
Use a marker to draw a long, wiggly line from the bottom to the top of the bubble wrap.
Place a small stuffed animal at the start of the line.
Tell your child that the stuffed animal needs bubble power to move up the road.
Have your child pop one bubble on the line using their pointer finger.
Once the bubble pops, move the stuffed animal slightly forward along the path.
Continue popping bubbles one by one until the toy reaches the top of the road.
Try using the other hand to help the toy finish its journey!

Safety tip: Choking Hazard. This activity involves plastic wrap which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put bubble wrap in their mouth. Ensure the wall tape is secure.

Make it easier

Use bubble wrap with big bubbles, which pop with less finger strength than tiny ones.
Hold the stuffed animal against the wall for your child and move it each time they pop a bubble.
Let your child press with the thumb, which is stronger than the pointer finger, when a bubble will not pop.

Make it harder

Have your child hold the stuffed animal in one hand and pop with the other the whole way up.
Draw two crossing roads in different colors and call out which road the toy takes next.
Tape the bubble wrap a little higher so your child reaches above the shoulder to finish the road.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child presses with a straight pointer finger while the other fingers curl in, or uses several fingers together.
Watch how much force each pop takes. Some bubbles need a strong press, and a quick shake of the hand between pops can help.
If the popping sound bothers your child, offer ear muffs or let the toy move forward with a tap on each bubble instead of a pop.

Where this helps in daily life

Pressing with one strong, pointed finger is the same movement kids use to push elevator buttons, press keys on a keyboard, and poke a straw into a juice box.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.