Bubbles provide a calming, engaging and fun experience. Tamariki explore science (chemistry and physics), have fun with maths (estimating or counting how long before a bubble pops) and learn new words. Blow bubbles together and feed your inner scientists.

Why do it?

  • Blowing bubbles is a very soothing activity, and can be a way for a child to become calm again.
  • It can be enjoyed inside and outside.
  • It’s a fun activity to do with groups of children.

How to do it

You'll need:

  • one cup of water
  • 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid
  • (optional) 2 teaspoons of corn syrup or 2 tablespoons glycerine (from chemist),
  • a clean container
  • a pipe cleaner or some bendy wire.

Steps:

  1. Gently stir the water, dishwash and syrup together, then pour the mix into your container. (Some people recommend keeping the mixture overnight before using it.)
  2. Bend one end of your wire so that it forms a small circle. Or find something with a closed circle, like scissor and whisk handles, or a tea strainer. You could even use rings off milk bottles with a peg for a handle.
  3. Dip the wand into your bubble mix. Can you see some in your circle? If so, gently blow through the circle… bubble magic!

Using more te reo Māori

Te reo Māori English
Bubbles
Water
Hopiwē, hopi teretere Detergent
Round
Float
Reach out
Fly about
Blow gently
Enjoyable, fun
Burst, pop
Run
Jump
Chase
Catch
Kia tere Be quick
Kei te oma tere koe You are running fast
Ka taea e koe te hopu? Can you catch it?
Excellent
Awesome!
Horoia ō ringaringa ināianei Wash your hands now