In all my years of being a Montessori directress and Head of School, I have never met a child who did not truly enjoy the Montessori pouring exercises.   What is unique in our Montessori programs is that children are not playing or pretending to pour tea or water, but they are actually pouring real water in pitchers that are just right for their small hands.  They pour their own water and juice for snack and lunch, and if they do happen to spill…well, it is a lesson in cleaning up!   These are real world lessons that build their hand-and-eye coordination as well as attention span. It is a wonderful lesson in independence and taking care of themselves; such simple experiences with such large gains.

In the summer, I like to do a little more with water, especially since we live in Texas, where it is extremely hot!  So, I am sharing one of my favorite indoor water experiences…making Cube Bubbles.  This is one that I do every summer and the parents enjoy it as much as the children!

Creating Cube Bubbles!

Things Needed:

• 6 Drinking Straws (cut in halves)

• 6 Pipe Cleaners (cut in halves)

• Large Bucket of Water

• Dish Washing Soap (do not use anti-bacterial)

• Glycerin is Optional (Found at any Drug Store)

• Scissors

Creating Your Cube Bubble Frame:

• Twist three of the pipe cleaners together to make a pyramid. (make four pyramids)

• Thread straws on each of the pyramids.

• Then connect the four straw pyramids together to form a cube.

DISCUSS with the children how it looks like a cube.  (Compare to the geometrical solids or a Pink Tower cube.)

Mixing Your Bubble Solution:

1. Fill your bucket with water

2. Add 1/4 a cup of dishwashing liquid, depending on the size of your bucket.

3. Add glycerin to make the bubbles last. Slightly stir to mix. (At least 3 tablespoons per gallon)

Making Cube Bubbles:

1. Lower the Bubble Frame into the bubble solution.

2. Slowly pull the Bubble Frame up and out of the bucket!

3. Slightly shake the Bubble Frame to create the Cube Bubble.

4. (If your bubbles burst to quickly or dissipate then try adding more soap or glycerin.)

Experimentation Fun:

Lay out some pipe cleaners and make different shapes to create Bubble wands.  Shape a triangle, rectangle, heart, etc. and allow the children to experiment with the bubble solution.

Have your camera ready because the children’s and adult’s reaction when the cube bubble is formed is priceless!   You can leave the bubble solution bucket on the patio or outside on a picnic table along with the Bubble Frame.  There will always be a line to do this activity.  You may want to make a Bubble Frame for everyone to take home or just one to put on the shelf as a work to be chosen.  Again, this is a simple activity, but one that builds an inquisitive mind.  I love to begin this exercise by asking…..  “Have you ever seen a cube-shaped bubble?  Do you think we can make one?”  When you ask the questions, it becomes more of a Science experiment rather than just a water experience.  Happy Bubble Making!!