Under the Giant Bubble
The teacher makes giant bubbles with a string wand and the children run underneath before they fall. It builds reaction speed, decision-making, and joy in outdoor play.
How to play
- Seated in a line, we watch the teacher make a giant bubble with the sticks and string (2 min).
- One at a time, when the bubble appears, we run under it before it falls (4 min).
- Now two at a time, holding hands (3 min).
- Each child chooses how to go: running, ducking, or circling around it (3 min).
- We all touch the last giant bubble with one finger at the same time (1 min).
Rules
- I wait my turn sitting in line.
- I run under when my teacher says "go."
- I go back to the line around the outside, not across.
- Only the teacher uses the soapy water.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, they walk through holding an adult's hand.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, running one at a time and in pairs.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, each child chooses how to go through and says it before starting.
Adaptations
- Motor-impaired: the teacher makes the bubble over them in the wheelchair or sweeps it alongside.
- Autism: may watch several bubbles before trying and go through with a buddy.
- Hearing impairment: the start signal is a tap on the shoulder or a gesture.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a visual cue.
- Decide how to move.
- Wait for a turn calmly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- palos con cuerda para pompas gigantes: 1
- cubo con agua jabonosa: 1
- conos: 6
Teacher tip
Make the wand with two dowels and a loop of cotton string. Play with the wind at your back and keep the line away from the bucket, since soapy ground is slippery.
PatioLab has "Under the Giant Bubble" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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