• Fantastic for teaching deep breathing: expand the sphere on an inhale and gently compress on an exhale for an easy visual cue.
• Magically expands: opens from about 9.5" to about 30"—kids love the “wow” factor.
• Engaging and calming: a great hands-on tool for coping skills, transitions, and sensory breaks.

The Original Hoberman Sphere (Rainbow) is a classic transforming toy that opens and closes smoothly, making it an instant favorite for kids and adults. Beyond being fun, it’s a simple, effective way to teach slow, paced breathing and support self-regulation—at home, in classrooms, or in therapy settings.

Why occupational therapists love it: The expanding motion provides a clear visual for “big breath in, slow breath out,” helping kids connect body awareness with a concrete action. It can also support:

• Self-regulation and coping skills (calm-down routines, transitions, breaks)
• Interoception and body awareness (noticing breath, heart rate, and calm vs. activated states)
• Motor planning and bilateral coordination (two-hand open/close movement)
• Visual attention and focus (tracking the expansion and matching breathing pace)

Why play therapists love it: It’s a playful, non-threatening way to practice co-regulation. Kids can “teach the sphere to breathe,” use it as a “feelings balloon” (big feelings / small feelings), or incorporate it into themed play about safety, control, and calming.

Easy breathing games:

• Balloon breath: open wide for 4 counts, hold for 1, close for 4–6 counts.
• Color breathing: pick a color and name something that color on each exhale.
• Freeze & breathe: do 3 slow breaths before starting homework, reading, or a transition.
• Group calm-down: one child leads the pace while others follow.

Great for: calm-down corners, counseling offices, OT sessions, classrooms, music therapy, and home routines.

Note: Adult supervision recommended for younger children.