One of our favorite tools for sensory processing therapy at home is our exercise ball. We use it to get much needed proprioceptive input. We also use it to challenge and strengthen our son’s core and balance.
I wanted to show you ways to utilize the prone position on the therapy ball today!
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This post will focus on different ways to use an exercise ball while your child lays on their tummy. This is called the prone position and has so many benefits! (Check out this article for why this position is so important for brain and body development!) Ever wonder why they always push tummy time in infancy? Now you know.
Sort Objects
My mom came up with the idea to place a bunch of small objects directly in front of Loopy. We arraigned two bins on either side and placed a sheet of colored paper in them since Loopy doesn’t know his left from right yet. This really help Loopy work on listening to instructions. And of course, there was a lot of crossing the midline!
Draw While on the Ball
Get on your child comfortable on their belly and have them draw something that will challenge them. I had Loopy do a simple maze of sorts. Encourage your child to hold their head up and balance themselves as much as possible.
(Pardon the blur in these pictures. It’s hard to get a shot while not dropping your own kiddo. Thanks for the grace.)
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Scooping Objects
Young kids have a fascination with scooping and dumping. For this activity, I had Loopy scoop pom poms from one bin to the next. The scoop helps him learn scissor skills. And I love any activity that requires Loopy to cross the midline of his body. That’s a major struggle for him and the more he does it, the more connections him solidifies in his brain.
Want to discover more versatile sensory tools for your kids? This is the ultimate list of sensory toys for kids.
Do a Puzzle
One of Loopy’s favorite activities are puzzles. Asking him to do a puzzle while in the prone position is a great way to distract him from the muscle building he is busy doing. Ok, the following picture is Loopy on our ottoman, since apparently, I didn’t get one of him on the ball.
Want more ways to get sensory input??? These six help the vestibular AND proprioceptive senses.
Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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Jennifer Rezeli says
What’s the name of those scissors? Where can I find them?
ZACHERY ALDERTON says
HOW BIG IS THE BALL DID IT POP HOW OLD IS HE HOW TALL IS HE HE CAN’T SIT ON BALL AND BOUNCE ON HIS OWN
Julie says
It is a medium size for an exercise ball. No, the ball did not pop. He definitely wasn’t tall enough to sit on it by himself, his feet wouldn’t have reached the ground.