Book Logo Social-Emotional Learning icon.

Social-Emotional Learning

Materials:

Purple flower

Bottle of bubbles or home-made bubble mixture from dish soap

Your Child Will Learn

to pause and wait when an adult gives a signal before acting.

waiting-for-the-bubble-pop

Waiting for the Bubble Pop

Here's What To Do

1

Play a bubble popping game with your child to practice waiting.

2

Blow bubbles into the air, and use a hand signal or gentle words or touch to model waiting.

3

After a moment, give your child the go-ahead to pop the bubbles. Play a few rounds and gradually increase the wait time.

4

Switch and take turns with your child, allowing them to guide you to wait and pop, wait and pop!

Mother and child play together (animated).

Put PEER Into Action

P

Pause:

  • Find a space inside or out and stand with your child, facing one another.
E

Engage:

  • “What do you think will happen to the bubble if we wait?”
  • “Can you show me how you wait before popping the bubble?”
E

Encourage:

  • “You are so good at waiting! That was hard, but you did it!”
  • “I love how you listened and waited for my words before popping!”
R

Reflect:

  • “How did you feel when you had to wait?”

Not quite ready?

Start with a very short wait time (just one second) before saying “Pop!” and gradually increase the time.

Ready for more?

Let your child be the leader from the start of the game, directing you to wait and start! Invite others to join!

Variable color muffin tins (animated)

As your child masters this skill...

Pause and wait in everyday situations, like before crossing the street or starting a new game.

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