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Children learn through play. As an occupational therapist who works with children and youth, I use games and toys almost every day to help develop important cognitive, visual perceptual, motor, sensory, social, play and leisure skills. While many different types of activities can be used in therapy, this blog focuses on off-the-shelf games and toys that are accessible to most. Whether you are a therapist, parent, teacher, or a game lover like me, I hope you discover something useful while you are here. Learn a different way to play a game you already own or discover a new game for your next family game night. Either way, just go play. It's good for you!

The OT Magazine named The Playful Otter one of the Top 5 Pediatric OT Blogs.


Jul 4, 2016

Therapy Ball Activities Fun Deck

Therapy Ball Activities Fun Deck - 60 activity cards

In the box: 60 activity cards, introduction card, 2 table of content cards

If you use a therapy ball and are always searching for something new and fun, check this one out. I like this tool, a lot. The 60 activity cards are brightly colored and easy to use with kids. If you see someone once a week, there are more than enough activity ideas for a whole year.

Each card features an activity illustration on the front and therapeutic benefits, set up/materials, directions, and tips on the back. Here are two examples:





The border of the cards are coded for quick identification and sorting into four sections:
  • Purple - Sitting activities
  • Blue - Prone (tummy) activities
  • Green - Standing and other activities
  • Red - Stretching exercises

There are about 20 cards that require other materials besides a therapy ball. Most I had around or could adapt by using something similar. These include:
  • Balloon.
  • Plastic cones, or something else that you can kick over.
  • Hanging ring to throw things through. You could probably even use something like a hula hoop (I got one at the dollar store).
  • Small ball.
  • Football or other type of ball that you can balance on your stomach.
  • Any kind of card/paper. You will put one piece of velcro to that and then pick it up with your foot (will stick to socks). Step on it and bring leg up and take paper off without losing balance.
  • Bucket and beanbags. Could be anything that you want to put into something else. A cardboard box with small toys for example.
  • Small tables to place near the ball to hold items. Could be empty boxes, chairs, etc.
  • Felt board. Will attach cards with velcro to board on wall. Instead put tape on cards and stick to the wall without a board. 
  • Suction cup bowl. Don't know a substitute for this one. You will stick it on the side of the ball and reach to pick up things to place in the bowl.
  • Padded/yoga/gym mat.
  • Empty cardboard box.
  • Plate with small snacks.
  • Set of bowling pins and ball.
Nine of the activities will require a partner (could be a therapist) and 12 activities show an adult with a child (often there to help the individual balance).

The introduction cards offer a wealth of information including tips for safety, instructions for determining the size of therapy ball to use, general therapy ball guidelines for sizing pre-school through third grade, measuring the diameter of a ball, and inflating a therapy ball. Cards are plastic coated on both sides.

Super Duper offer a range of Fun Decks that have great time saving activities all planned out for you.
  • Check out my post on the Scooter Board Activities Fun Deck here
  • Check out my post on the Upper Body & Core Strength Fun Deck here
  • Check out my post on the Body Awareness Fun Deck here.

If you are interested in learning more, there are a few more examples of activities and a list of activity names on the Amazon site.

Work on upper body and core strengthening, motor planning, dynamic balance, endurance, oral-motor coordination, posture, supine flexion, grading force of movement, weight shift and pelvic mobility, bilateral hand use, crossing midline, visual perceptual skills, fine motor skills, and sensory processing 

 If you are interested in purchasing this game, or just want more information, click on the image below.


2 comments:

  1. Hi
    How do I purchase the theropy ball cards?

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are made by a company called Super Duper Publications. You can purchase them on either their website or on Amazon. Thanks for your question.

    ReplyDelete

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