Occupational Therapy Tips for School Success:

Starting school or adjusting to a new school year can be an exciting yet challenging time for children. Occupational therapy (OT) can offer essential tools to support their success, helping them manage sensory, motor, and emotional challenges that might arise in the school environment. Whether it's providing your child with a calming sensory kit, using visual schedules, or working on fine motor skills like opening lunch containers, these OT tips are designed to boost your child's confidence, independence, and overall well-being.

Here are some simple strategies to help make school a positive and productive experience for your child:

1) Sensory Calm Down Kit - items such as a squishy ball, fidget ring, and noise cancelling headphones may help your child regulate during the busy environment at school.

2) Visual Schedules - predictability can support regulation, create a schedule of your morning or after school routine - get your child involved in the creation!

3) Task Initiation - encourage your child to focus for a few minutes (set a timer) and then reset and see where they are at. This can feel less overwhelming.

4) Pay attention to your child’s behaviour - do they need lower stimulation activities after school (i.e., reading, colouring) or do they need to move their bodies (i.e., running, jumping)?

5) Water Bottle with a chewable top - provides oral sensory input to your child’s mouth to support body regulation. Check out these ones that have a chewable top and a fidget popper strap.

6) Talk About It - talking about what to expect at school, and what they can look forward to afterschool!

7) Elastic Brain- Encourage and remind your child, their brain is growing and it’s okay to make mistakes. For older learners there’s a lovely book you can read to reinforce this concept!

8) Fine Motor Function - practice opening lunch containers, doing up zippers, and using scissors with your child. This will help build confidence and independence.

At Elemenoe, we believe that every child has the potential to thrive with the right support and tools. By incorporating these occupational therapy tips into your child's routine, you'll help them navigate school with confidence and ease. Our clinic is here to provide personalized guidance to help children and families succeed in every stage of development. Together, let's empower your child to achieve their fullest potential both at school and beyond!

If your child would benefit from a strategy above and you’d like some support, contact us today for a free initial consultation!