The boundaloon or hand trampoline
Author: Hanneke Geerts
Founder of brainstimuli
Children can have tons of fun with the Boudaloon (also called a "hand trampoline"). Besides the fun, it also provides excellent motor skills training. Below, we explain how:
Symmetry
From the ages of two and a half to about six, symmetry is crucial. During this phase, children practice working together with both legs and both hands by making simultaneous, consistent movements with their arms or legs. Even after this period, it's advisable to continue practicing symmetry. The Boundaloon is a great tool for this!
Important for development
Symmetry is crucial for the development of the central nervous system. The right side of our body is controlled by our left brain, and the left side of our body is controlled by our right brain. When both hands make the same movement at the same time, these left and right brain hemispheres begin to work together. Through frequent collaboration between the two hemispheres, an increasingly strong connection develops between them.
Strong connections
The stronger this connection is made, the more comfortable a child will feel and the easier it will be for them to learn. Children are also more stable socially and emotionally when the collaboration between both hemispheres of the brain is well-established.
Practicing with the Boundaloon really gets these two hemispheres of the brain working, and they have to work together!
Eye motor skills
Playing with the Boundaloon also trains your eye movements. Your eyes must constantly follow the ball up and down.
Variation
Once children have practiced, it's also fun to play with the Boundaloon in pairs, facing each other; it's a bit like playing tennis.
We are fans of the Boundaloon!
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