Blowing soap bubbles is a fun way to learn new vocabulary or practice common words in a new context. Here are a few activity ideas and the vocabulary you need to play with bubbles in Spanish.
Below you will find general vocabulary related to playing with bubbles in Spanish, that is, blowing bubbles with soap solution and a wand. You can download a printable version of the list.
When we blow bubbles, we use a limited set of vocabulary and repeat the same words and phrases. The activity has a narrow focus, so blowing bubbles in Spanish gives kids context to understand and practice new language.
You can also practice lots of Spanish playing with water. Read Water Games: Spanish Vocabulary for common phrases and a printable list. Find more Spanish summer activities here, including nature walks and activity books.
Bubbles for Vocabulary Activities
You can also use bubbles to practice different vocabulary, not related to the bubbles. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Set out pictures or objects. Blow the bubbles toward them, and name what the bubbles touch (pictures, numbers, letters, words). Remember that bubbles float a long way, so it is best to do this inside or outside on a still day. You can also do this with sidewalk chalk drawings.
- Practice numbers by count as many bubbles as you can.
- Practice size vocabulary by popping bubbles as you say pequeña or grande
- Practice body part vocabulary as you pop bubbles. Say Rómpelas con la mano, con el brazo, con la cabeza, con la nariz, etc.
- Practice colors as you paint with bubbles.
- Practice shapes by making your own bubble wands.
- Make a bubble snake or dragon (search online for examples). Decorate the bottle to practice parts of the face.
- As you blow bubbles, sing the song Burbujas by Music with Sara. You can listen to Burbujas, see the lyrics and purchase it here.
Playing with Bubbles in Spanish
Bubbles are burbujas or pompas in Spanish. I have used burbujas in the examples below.
Download a printable version of this Spanish vocabulary for playing with bubbles.
bubbles – las burbujas
wand – la varita, el palito
soap – jabón, jabón para hacer burbujas
bottle – botella
to blow – soplar
Blow a bubble. – Sopla en el aro (de la varita) para hacer una burbuja.
Blow gently. – Sopla despacio.
Blow harder. – Sopla más fuerte.
Blow again. – Sopla otra vez.
Dip the wand in to get more soap. – Mete la varita en la botella para sacar más jabón.
Wave the wand. – Mueve la varita (en el aire).
Look at all the bubbles. – Mira todas las burbujas.
Look at the colors. – Mira los colores.
to catch – atrapar
Catch the bubbles. – Atrapa las burbujas.
Try to catch one. – Intenta atrapar una.
Let’s catch them. – Atrapémoslas. Vamos a atraparlas.
Try to catch them. – Intenta atraparlas. Hay que atraparlas.
to pop a bubble – reventar, romper
Pop the bubbles – Revienta las burbujas. Rompe las burbujas.
Pop it. – Reviéntala. Rómpela
The bubbles pop when they touch the ground. – Las burbujas se revientan cuando tocan el piso.
Oh no, it popped/broke. – Ay no, ¡se reventó/se rompió!
Count the bubbles. – Cuenta las burbujas.
Chase the bubbles – Sigue las burbujas.
Look how high they go. – Mira qué alto van.
Look how far they go. – Mira qué lejos van.
Look, that one is double/triple. – Mira, hay dos/tres burbujas juntas.
Look, there are lots stuck together. – Mira, hay muchas burbujas/burbujitas pegadas.
That’s a big one! – ¡Esa es grande!
You can break up class routines and make language learning more fun at home by playing with bubbles in Spanish. So get creative, and be sure to follow the kids’ lead. They will find new ways to learn and play with bubbles in Spanish.
