Skills:

Physical: Controlled breathing
Cognitive: Breath pacing, regulation
Social: Group play

Number of participants:

1

Equipment:

Bowl of water, straw

Description:

Children practice blowing bubbles into water using a straw. Focus is on slow, steady exhalation rather than force. This supports breath control and underwater comfort for swimming.

Wheelchair friendly?

Yes

Adaptations for Wheelchair Users:

  • Seated at table with stable trunk support
  • Cup positioned at midline to reduce excessive trunk rotation
  • Use shorter, wider straw if oral motor fatigue present
  • Provide visual cue card for inhale through nose, exhale through straw

Modifications to make the activity easier:

Change the equipment:

  • Use shallow bowl with minimal water depth

  • Provide elbow support on table

Change the task:

  • 3-second slow exhale target

  • Blow bubbles without straw first

Modifications to make the activity harder:

Change the equipment:

  • Increase water depth in container

  • Remove elbow support

Change the task:

  • 10-second steady exhale

  • Maintain consistent bubble size

Goal examples:

  • I will blow bubbles for 5 seconds.

  • I will breathe in through my nose and out through the straw.

Video coming soon!