Feed the Ball
- Play time:
- 5 to 10 minutes
- Setup:
- 5 minutes
- Where:
- Table
Why it helps
This activity is designed primarily for hand strengthening. Choking risk: beads, dried beans, and coins can be a choking hazard. Stay within arm's reach, and keep them away from children who still put things in their mouths.
Cut a 3-inch horizontal line across the tennis ball (so when you squeeze the ball, it looks like the tennis ball is opening a mouth). Put the coins (beans or beads can be used as well with older kids) on the table, in front of the child.
First, show the child how to squeeze the ball with one hand so it opens its mouth. Then have the child hold and squeeze the ball with his non-dominant hand, and use his dominant hand to pick up the coins one at a time with a pincer grasp and “feed” them into the mouth.
To work on finger translation, ask the child to pick up 2-3 coins at one time and "feed" the tennis ball one coin at a time.
For a touch challenge, put the coins in a small bag and ask the child to find each one by feel before feeding the ball. This works on stereognosis, recognizing objects by touch.
Need personalized support?
While these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Bilateral Hand Use, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.
