Welcome back! In today's newsletter, we are diving into why bubbles are a fantastic $5 communication hack and shifting our mindset from testing to modeling language. You will also find a simple script for bath time and a 5-step guide to turning that routine into an impactful learning moment without the extra stress.
The Toybox: Bubbles 🫧
Bubbles are a “stop-and-go” toy - and that’s exactly why they’re amazing for early communication! They show up, disappear, and can’t continue without help… which naturally invites your child to communicate.
Why it builds communication
Every time the bubbles stop, your child has a reason to do something: look at you, reach, point, vocalize, sign, or try a word to get the fun back. Those repeated “again!” moments are where early communication grows.
Ways to use it to build language
Pause + wait: Blow 1–2 times, then stop and wait.
“More?” (pause)
Model simple words:
“Pop!” “Up!” “Go!” “Again!” “More!”
Add one helpful phrase:
“Help?” / “Help me.” (then immediately help)
Build anticipation:
Hold the wand near your mouth and wait before blowing.
Turn-taking:
“My turn… your turn.” Keep it quick and silly.
Similar toys that work the same skills:
Playing with balloons, wind-up toys, pull-back cars, spinning tops…. anything you can pause and restart.
The Speech Spark ⚡️
One of the biggest shifts I encourage parents to make is this: You don’t have to test your child to teach them.
Kids can learn language through questions, but they learn it best through models.
Try swapping questions for comments:
Instead of: “What is it?” → say: “Car!”
Instead of: “What color?” → say: “Red car!”
Instead of: “What do you say?” → say: “More bubbles!”
When you model the words while engaging with your child in play, your child hears language they can actually use in the moment.
The Mundane Moment - Bath Time
Bath time is a built-in language routine because the same actions happen in the same order every day, and kids are usually relaxed and playful.
What parents typically do:
Talk a lot, name everything quickly, and move through the routine without pauses.
Try this simple bath-time script instead:
Hold the cup or toy:
“Ready?” (pause)
Wait for any response - look, smile, sound, reach, word.
Model and act:
“Pour!” or “Go!” (then do it)
Easy words to model in the bath:
“In.” “Out.” “Pour.” “Wet.” “Splash.” “More.” “All done.”
Tip: Repetition matters more than variety. Hearing the same few words every bath helps your child connect language to action.
Survival Guide: The Bath-Time-Talk Guide
Turning a routine chore into a language win does not require a constant play by play. Follow these five steps to simplify your evening.
Select your core four: Pick four words to repeat every single night (e.g., in, pour, wet, out). Consistency builds the neural map faster than variety.
The "Gatekeeper" technique: Hold the bath toys or the soap just out of reach. Model the word "help" or "please" and wait five seconds before handing it over.
Narrate the sensory: Instead of asking "Is the water warm?", make a statement. "Warm water." "Splash!" "Wet hair."
Practice the pause: When the water is pouring, stop mid stream. Look at your child with an expectant face. This silence is an invitation for them to fill the gap with a sound or look.
Recognize "Micro-Talk": Remember that communication counts even without words. A sustained gaze, a point toward the faucet, or a vocalization like "ba" are all successful interactions.
Pro tip: Screenshot this guide and use it when it’s convenient for you!
A Meme
I’d love your feedback!
If there is a toy, book, or routine you want me to cover, reply to this email and tell me! I want to collect parent-requested ideas for future editions.
We are testing this new newsletter format. If you have feedback on what you want more of (or less of), I would love to hear it!
Thanks for reading! 😊
Casey
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