Activity
Bouncing on a Ball
Stimulate the vestibular system while working on trunk control and balance!
This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and Monica Allon and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
The vestibular system functions in developing good balance and contributes to the ability to focus and attend to a task. This is a great activity to improve balance and spatial awareness, as well as the ability to catch oneself when off balance. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility, and Recreation and Leisure.
Materials
Exercise ball – choose a size appropriate for each student (he should be able to sit comfortably with his feet on the floor)
Procedure
- Have the student sit on an exercise ball with his feet flat on the floor and his hands at his sides, resting on the ball.
- Encourage him to bounce up and down for five to ten minutes without falling off the ball.
- Have the student shift his weight and rock the ball side to side.
- Play hand-clapping games while he sits on the ball.
Hints: Guard the student against falling off the equipment while moving, as well as from bumping into obstacles. Watch for any adverse responses, such as avoidance, grimaces, withdrawal, or verbal outbursts. Stop the activity if any of these reactions occur. Reintroduce the activity slowly with the student in control. Let him be the guide for how much vestibular stimulation he can tolerate.
