October 2025

Why Collaboration Matters

Studies published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy show that collaborative goal setting between therapists, educators, and families leads to higher engagement, faster progress, and more meaningful outcomes for students.

OTs are most effective when their strategies are reinforced in everyday environments.

A pencil grip introduced in therapy sessions works best when also encouraged in the classroom and supported at home.

Ways to Build a Strong OT Team

SHARED GOALS
Start with clear, observable goals that matter across settings. For example, “Use two-step directions independently” or “Write first name legibly.”

REGULAR CHECK-INS
Establish a rhythm of short updates via email, notebook, or monthly meetings. Share successes as well as challenges.

CONSISTENT TOOLS
Use the same language, visuals, or strategies across home, therapy, and school. Consistency builds

Tips for Parents Working with School-Based OTs

• Ask questions: “What skill are you working on?”
• Follow through at home: “Can I try that strategy here?”
• Share insights: “She seems more regulated after jumping on the trampoline. Could we use that before writing tasks?”

The more you share what works–and what doesn’t—the better the OT can individualize support.

Tips for Teachers Supporting OT Goals

• Embed OT strategies in your routine (like movement breaks or hand warm-ups)
• Create an inclusive classroom culture where all learners can use tools
• Communicate small wins: “She used her timer today without prompting!”

Small classroom adaptations, when used consistently, can significantly support OT goals and student confidence.

Challenge 1: Time constraints make communication difficult.

Strategy:

Use quick methods like a shared journal or a monthly photo update of student progress.

Challenge 2: Unclear roles or expectations.

Strategy:

Define what each person will support.

“I’ll use the visuals; you’ll reinforce at home.”

What The Research Says

Research in The Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention shows that school-based OT significantly improves student performance in fine motor, behavioral, and attention-based tasks when embedded into routines.

When OT strategies are integrated into everyday classroom and home life, students build skills more quickly, with less frustration, and often more fun!

Strategies for Fine Motor Development

Fine motor skills are the small muscle movements required for writing, cutting, tying, and manipulating tools. Support these skills with activities like:

• Tweezers or tongs to pick up pom-poms
• Playdough rolling and pinching
• Tracing mazes and shapes
• Clothespin clipping or bead stringing

In classrooms, offering different pencil grips or slant boards can make writing more accessible without drawing attention to the child.

Tools for Sensory Regulation

Children who struggle with sensory processing may have difficulty sitting still, managing noise, or staying calm. Try:

• A sensory corner with noise-canceling headphones or soft textures
• Movement breaks every 20–30 minutes
• Chewelry, fidget tools, or desk foot bands
• Heavy work activities like wall push-ups or carrying books

When children are taught to notice what helps their bodies feel calm and alert, they gain lifelong self-awareness skills.

Supporting Executive Function and Routine

Executive functioning skills help children plan, focus, and complete tasks. OT strategies include:

• Visual schedules and step-by-step instructions
• Color-coded materials for organization
• First-Then boards (“First math, then snack”)
• Sand timers to support transitions

These scaffolds create predictability, reduce anxiety, and support independence across ages and needs.

Challenge 1: Overwhelmed by tools and materials.

Strategy:

Start small.

One or two consistent supports (like a visual schedule or movement break routine) can make a big difference.

Challenge 2: Worried about singling out a child.

Strategy:

Normalize OT tools by offering them to everyone.

“We all learn in different ways, and everyone can choose a tool that helps them.”

What does “Occupation” Mean in OT?

In pediatric OT, “occupation” refers to the everyday activities a child needs to perform: getting dressed, holding a pencil, sitting at a desk, or playing with peers.

These tasks require a combination of motor coordination, self-regulation, sensory processing, and executive function.

When any of those areas are challenged, OT can provide direct intervention and accommodations to help a child fully participate in school and home life.

Who Benefits from OT?

OT is especially helpful for children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, motor coordination difficulties, and emotional regulation needs.

But many students, even without formal diagnoses, can benefit from OT’s tools and strategies.

Early identification and intervention are key. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), students who receive OT support are more likely to show gains in engagement, confidence, and academic readiness.

Building a Strong Foundation for Learning

Children’s academic performance is built on physical and sensory readiness.

For example, before a child can write a sentence, they need posture control, fine motor coordination, visual perception, and sustained attention.

OTs often assess the whole child to understand what’s impacting learning.

This could include helping a student who tires easily from writing, feels overwhelmed in noisy environments, or struggles with transitions between activities.

Sensory Systems and the Learning Brain

Many children with learning challenges also have difficulty processing sensory information.

Loud sounds, bright lights, itchy tags, or crowded spaces can all dysregulate a child’s nervous system.

OTs help children regulate their bodies and minds using tools like movement breaks, weighted materials, sensory play, and breathing exercises.

When a child’s sensory needs are met, they’re more available for connection and learning.

Challenge 1: Not understanding what OT actually addresses.

Strategy:

Think of OT as helping with the “how” of learning: how a child writes, attends, moves, organizes, and copes.

Challenge 2: Concern that OT is only for kids with special needs.

Strategy:

Normalize support.

Explain that OT is like tutoring for life skills, and many children benefit from occasional scaffolding.

Balancing High Expectations with Emotional Support

Grit doesn’t mean ignoring stress or pretending everything is fine.

Kids with high emotional support from adults are more likely to persevere, not because they’re tougher, but because they feel safe trying.

Use statements like, “This is hard, but I’m right here with you,” to show that struggle isn’t something they face alone.

Rest Builds Resilience

Burnout isn’t just for adults. Children need play, movement, and downtime to recharge. Just as muscles need rest between workouts, so does the perseverance “muscle.”

Incorporate breaks into long tasks, encourage screen-free rest time, and model work-life balance by taking care of your own well-being, too.

The Power of Encouragement Over Pressure

Encouragement fuels effort without demanding perfection. Say:

● “I noticed how hard you tried.”
● “You stayed calm even when it got tricky.”
● “You figured it out by sticking with it.”

Avoid: “You always do well” or “You have to get this right.” These can lead to fear-based motivation rather than true resilience.

Long-Term Goal Setting

Help children create long-term goals that reflect their passions. Break big goals into smaller, achievable steps so they can experience progress along the way.

Use visual tools like charts, timelines, or stickers to track effort. Let kids revisit and revise goals. It’s part of learning!

Challenge 1: Children tend to resist long-term effort.

Strategy:

Tie effort to values. “You want to be good at piano! That’s why we practice, even when it’s hard.”

Challenge 2: Adults worry about pushing too hard.

Strategy:

Watch for signs of burnout and adjust.

These may be irritability, exhaustion, or avoidance.

Rest is not quitting, it’s part of growth.