Soapy Bubbles

    What you need:
   
    *    Liquid dishwashing soap
    *    Wide-mouthed cup or bowl
    *    Food coloring
    *    Straw
    *    Scissors (for adult use only)
    *    Paper
    *    Old newspaper

    What to do:

    1.   Line your work area with old newspapers.
    2.   Have your child squeeze a squirt of dishwashing soap to a cupful of water.
    3.   Add one drop food coloring into the cup.
    4.   With the scissors, cut a small notch on the side of the straw about half and inch down from the top.  This will prevent your child from swallowing the bubble solution while she is blowing.
    5.   Show her how you blow into the straw to make bubbles in the soap solution.
    6.   Add other colors, blowing into the straw to make bubbles in between each addition.
    7.   Place a sheet of paper over the bubbles.  Lift it off and let it dry.

    *Remember to talk with your child while doing the activity, pointing out what happens when you change how you blow into the straw, and what happens when you add the different colors to your soapy water.

    *You can also ask your child to tell you what she sees in the various pieces of bubble art.  WHile she tells you, you can write her "story" down on her artwork.

    *These pictures make great greeting cards and gift wrap.

This project is found in the Learning To Grow Activity Book for Young Preschoolers.

Enjoy National Ice Cream Month with a healthy alternative:

    Watermelon Popsicles

    Ingredients:
    1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
    1 cup unsweetened orange juice
    1 cup water

Blend all ingredients together in a blender. Pour into small paper cups. Place in freezer and, when partially frozen, insert Popsicle sticks or small plastic spoons for handles. When completely frozen, unmold by pouring hot water over bottoms of cups.