Zoom Ball: A Fun and Therapeutic Toy For Kids
The summer has passed and now your children may be getting bored of the same toys they have been using. Are you looking for a new fun toy for your kid that is also therapeutic?? Then the ZOOM BALL is the toy for you! I love to use the Zoom Ball with kids and they love it too! You can use it in so many different ways to keep it fun and more challenging depending on your child’s skill level. Plus, it is a cheap toy that you can find on many different online sites, including Amazon.
All you need are the Zoom Ball, two people, creative minds, and you can use this is many different ways! This toy is sure to make your child smile and laugh as the ball zooms between you both.
5 Benefits of the Zoom Ball:
- Improves Bilateral Coordination
- Improves Hand-eye Coordination
- Improves Strength
- Improves Balance
- Improves Motor Planning
5 Ways to Use a Zoom Ball:
1. While standing:
This is the best way to learn how to use the Zoom Ball. Two people stand apart from each other with the strings tight while each holds two handles. Move your arms out wide while keeping your elbows straight and then back together. The key here is to keep your elbows straight and move your arms out to the side – try not to pull your arms back!
2. In a half-kneel position:
This makes it more challenging for their balance! Continue moving your arms out wide and back together and switch which leg is up.
3. While standing on one foot:
If your child thinks the first two ways are too easy, then try using the Zoom Ball while standing on one foot! See how many times your child can do it before putting their foot back on the ground.
4. While standing on an uneven surface or a small surface:
Another way to challenge balance while using the Zoom Ball is standing on a very small surface or uneven surface. You could find a small board (like a balance beam) and stand on it while using the Zoom Ball. Or stack up some pillows and blankets and stand on those while using the Zoom Ball.
5. Move your arms in different directions:
Finally, if moving your arms back and forth is too easy, try moving your arms up and down or in a diagonal motion. Once your child learns up and down or diagonal movements while standing, they can then try the other three ways to challenge their coordination, strength, balance and motor planning!!
-Kelly Raines, PT, DPT