Occupational therapy is more than just sitting at a table and practicing to write. Most of the session is spent enhancing the underlying components, such as postural control, core strength and proprioception. A therapy ball is an excellent way to incorporate all of these fundamentals.
Start with using a pump to inflate a round or peanut-shaped ball. A variety of therapy balls are available on Amazon for around $15 and it includes the pump! Inflating the ball requires coordination and strength for the entire upper body and core, especially when done standing as seen in the picture below.
Proper seated position is important for neat, legible writing. Using the ball as a chair incorporates a sensory experience that targets postural control. Balancing and bouncing on the ball provides proprioceptive input, which "wakes up" the core muscles so they are engaged and ready to work! Adding a painting project on a vertical surface enhances this strengthening/sensory activity and makes it fun.
Giving the ball a big "hug" to deflate the air is not only a fun and cool way to clean up, but also provides intense proprioceptive input.
Now it's time for a table-top activity. Origami is a unique way to work on motor planning, attention to task, visual-motor integration and fine motor skills without having to pick up a pencil. It's both challenging and rewarding. Children's origami kits are also available on Amazon for under $10. Worth every penny!
Notice her great posture with feet planted firmly on the ground, sitting up nice and tall after the peanut-ball painting activity.
After all of this attention to the underlying components of writing, it's time to practice some writing. Her body and mind are ready to work together to produce beautiful printing in her journal.
Multi-colored pen is fun to write with and it's the perfect thickness to promote a functional grasp. (Amazon, $5 for pack of 3) The notebook is from the $1 store and provides a padded surface for increased proprioception.