04/22/2026
Inexpensive, versatile, and high-impact.
Pool noodles are a staple for motor planning and body awareness.
The Balance Bridge: Slice them in half lengthwise and tape them to the floor for a "wobbly" balance beam to challenge the vestibular system.
Bilateral Batting: Have the child hold the noodle with both hands to hit a balloon, encouraging the two sides of the brain to work together.
Noodle Horse: Use the noodle as a "horse" for galloping or jumping over obstacles to work on rhythmic movement and coordination.
Feed the Wiggly Worm: As parent moves the noodle in front of child, have them try to follow it to put small beads to "feed the worm" or place small rings on it to encourage visual tracking, visual and fine motor skills and bilateral integration.
Do you want our Dollar Tree OT tools shopping list? Visit our blog here:
https://learningonacurve.org/blog-posts/occupationaltherapyonabudget-copy
Bilateral Coordination | Vestibular Input | Motor Planning Activities | Gross Motor Hacks | Occupational Therapy Palmetto | Step Up For Students Provider | Body Awareness | Learning On A Curve | Pediatric OT Palmetto | Sensory Integration
