Bunny Popper

Popper toys come in many different characters.

 In the package: Plastic bunny, 6 hard foam balls

Bunny Popper is just one of many different character poppers that are available. I have also found a slightly smaller version of this popper at Target during the holidays. Same company, although the balls from those are just a little bit smaller than these and there are four balls instead of six.

To play, set up targets for something to aim at. Then push a lightweight ball into the popper's mouth, aim, and squeeze the popper's belly to launch the ball. Balls can travel up to about 20 feet or so, depending on how hard you squeeze. The plastic is stiff and it will take hand strength and two hands to put the ball into the mouth and to squeeze. Those with weak hands would have difficulty with this toy. 

Try this:

• Measure the distance you can pop the ball.  Go again and see if you can beat your distance.
• Make a large round target and tape it to the door. Divide the circle into several sections (like a bullseye) and assign points to the sections. Aim for the middle, and give points for wherever the ball hits. Play again and try to beat your score by getting closer and closer to the middle on most balls.
• Set up small targets and see if you can knock them over.
• Take the popper outside and aim for targets where you won't accidentally hit and break something (keep away from dogs or animals who might chew and/or swallow them).
• Set up targets on a level plane at equal distances, then a variety of elevated planes at equal distances, then at different distances. You could use stuffed toys, empty water bottles, whatever you have handy.
  
• Hang (or hold up) a hula hoop and see how far back you can stand and still pop them through the hoop.
• Set up empty pop cans on the picnic table or ledge and see how many you can knock over. Stack several cans in a tall tower and see how many balls it takes to knock them all down.
  
• Tell the individual which color to use before each pop.
• Verbally state two colors. Ask the individual to launch those two balls in that order. Then state three colors, etc.
• Ask the individual to track the ball with his eyes to see if it hit its target.
• Work on hand strength, grading pressure, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, spatial relations, using both hands in a coordinated manner, visual tracking, visual discrimination, process skills, executive functioning skills, socialization skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

If you are interested in purchasing a popper/extra balls/target, or just want more information, click on one of the images below.