Balloon - OTPlan

The Prone Balloon Target Bop

Steps:

Tape the butcher paper to the floor so it stays still.
Blow up a bright balloon and tie it securely.
Use your markers to draw three large circles at the far end of the paper.
Ask your child to lie on their tummy at the start of the paper.
They must keep their chest up and use both hands to bop the balloon toward the circles.
Challenge them to land the balloon inside each circle without their belly leaving the ground.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when playing with balloons. Broken balloon pieces are a serious choking hazard.

The Floating Balloon Anchor

Steps:

Fill a large bucket halfway with water.
Blow up a balloon and tie it tightly.
Cut a piece of string about one foot long.
Tie one end of the string to the balloon knot.
Tie the other end to a single paper clip.
Place the balloon in the water so it floats.
Ask your child to link more paper clips onto the first one.
Watch as the chain grows longer and heavier.
Keep adding clips until the balloon starts to sink!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during water play. Paper clips and balloons are small parts. They can be a choking hazard. Pick up any popped balloon pieces right away.

Balloon Bead Balance Mission

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
Place a bowl of beads and an empty basket on a stable table.
Ask your child to stand in front of the materials.
Have them rest the balloon on the flat palm of their non-dominant helper hand.
Use the tweezers in their other hand to pick up a single bead.
Carefully carry the bead and drop it into the basket while keeping the balloon balanced.
If the balloon falls, return the bead and try again from the start.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Small beads are a significant choking hazard. Ensure the balloon is handled carefully to avoid popping near the face.

Sensory Balloon Squeeze Pairs

Steps:

Fill two balloons with dry beans, two with rice, and two with oats.
Squeeze some water into two final balloons and tie all of them securely.
Place all the textured balloons inside a large bowl.
Have your child close their eyes and pick up one balloon.
Ask them to squeeze it gently with their hands to feel the texture.
Challenge them to find the matching balloon in the bowl using only their sense of touch!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during balloon play. Uninflated or broken balloons can be a choking hazard. Keep materials away from mouths.

The Balloon Tongs Catch

Steps:

Blow up a bright balloon and tie it securely.
Place an empty basket on the floor across the room.
Give your child a pair of sturdy tongs to hold.
Toss the balloon gently into the air for them.
Challenge your child to squeeze and catch the balloon using only the tongs.
Have them carry the balloon carefully and drop it into the basket.
If the balloon drops, they must start over from the beginning.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Discard any popped balloon pieces immediately to prevent a choking hazard.