Incentive Spirometery

Pinwheels usually work well!

Another thing you could try is if they're allowed oral fluids, get them to blow bubbles in the fluid with a straw. Blowing a tissue away from their face is another game you can play. "See how high you can make the tissue float!"

This is what I was going to suggest! It works, too! You can also use cotton balls instead of tissues. Blowing bubbles with a wand also works.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I like the bubbles in the water idea! We did bubbles and I could tell he wanted to try but it hurt too much. It was hard to get his family on board as they were spanish speaking only and didn't really seem to understand what I was trying to get him to do (though the child did speak english). I had told them about it previously with an interpreter but the interpreter wasn't there with us at that moment so I don't know haha.

So demonstrate! Get your own glass of water and straw and make a contest to see who can blow the biggest bubbles/move the tissue the farthest/make the most noise. You have to let go of all reluctance to look silly when you work with kids.

I blew lots of bubbles! haha but didn't know of the other ideas but will definitely keep them in mind for next time!

In addition to the techniques above, we also use little party favors- the paper horns that roll up and straighten out when you blow on them. (They're called "blow-outs"). They work really well for toddlers.