There is just something about easy sensory play that makes mom and kids happy. Balance beams are a way to incorporate vestibular sensory input into a child’s day, allowing them to refocus, improve behavior and impulsivity, regulate arousal levels, improve attention, better balance, and help with posture.
Children with vestibular problems might seem inattentive. These are the kiddos that appear lazy, showing excessive movements, anxious, or attention seeking. They might have trouble walking on uneven surfaces, changing positions, or resist certain positions.
One way to address these needs is with a balance beam, like this Shamrock St. Patrick’s Day balance beam.
A while back we shared a snowflake balance beam for indoor vestibular sensory input…And we’ve been on a balance beam kick ever since!
Add these resources to the ones you can find here under sensory diet vestibular activities to meet the sensory needs of all kids.
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Activity
This post contains affiliate links.
For our balance beam, we used foam shamrocks along the floor. Position them as close to each other as your child needs. To extend the activity a bit, move them further apart or add curved and turns to your balance beam.
Vestibular Sensory Balance Beam
Walking along a balance beam can be a challenge for some kids with vestibular sensory needs. To further challenge your child, try some of these ideas:
- Add arm motions.
- Ask your child to look up at a fixed point instead of down at their feet.
- Add curves and turns to the balance beam.
- Position the shamrocks on pillows for an unsteady surface.
- Raise the surface with a long board.
- Try walking on tip toes, balls of the feet, or heels.
- Walk the balance beam backwards or sideways.
- Hop along the balance beam. (Be sure to tape the shamrocks to the floor.
