Three Ways to Use a Small Ball for Sensory Therapy

Since we are always on the lookout for sensory input in our household, we love turning common objects into ways to strengthen and challenge our son on an occupational level. We really love our exercise ball, but sometimes we take it down a notch and use a much smaller ball to work on all sorts of great sensory therapy.

 

1. Roll the Ball Up the Wall

Using alternating hands, slowly roll the ball up the wall without it being dropped. What may seem simple for us, can be a struggle for those with SPD and poor body awareness. This exercise is a great way to get both sides of the body working together (bilateral integration). It takes quite a bit of motor planning and but the feedback is immediate which helps them learn quickly.

 

 

2. Partner Passing (Back-to-Back)

Sit on the floor with your child, backs up against each other. Have the child use the arm closest to you to grab the ball from you. As they bring it in front of them, instruct them to switch arms. Their second arm will reach around them, passing it off to you who will do the same. And around and around it goes. Same advantages of bilateral coordination and motor planning.

3. Rolling the Ball in a Circle around Themselves

This activity is similar to rolling the ball up the wall but with the added difficulty of changing position in relation to the child’s body. Anything my son has to do behind his back is a challenge. And this task was no exception. But I did manage to get a movie of him doing it the right way. Enjoy!

 

 And here’s 6 awesome ways to use an exercise ball to get loads of sensory input!

Looking for a way to explain Sensory Processing Disorder to your Child’s Care Givers. Check out the details of this printable brochure!