Tag Archives: teaching

Why Routines Are So Important for Children

As parents and caregivers, we all want children to feel secure, confident, and ready to take on the world.

One of the most powerful ways to support a child’s growth is surprisingly simple: establishing consistent routines.

Why Hand-Over-Hand Assistance Doesn’t Work for Teaching Kids New Skills (And What to Do Instead)

While. hand over hand assistance may feel supportive, research and clinical experience show that this method is not the most effective way to teach kids.

In fact, it can slow skill development and reduce independence.

10 Calming Strategies for the Classroom

As teachers know, managing a classroom is about much more than academics.

For many students, the classroom can feel overwhelming—whether from sensory input, social interactions, or the pressure of learning itself.

That’s why having a toolbox of calming strategies for the classroom is essential for teachers, support staff, and even students themselves.

Meaningful Inclusion of All Students in the Classroom: Why Everyday Inclusion Matters

Inclusion is more than just a policy—it’s a practice that shapes the culture of a classroom.

For all students, meaningful inclusion goes beyond physical placement in a general education room.

It’s about ensuring all students have the tools, supports, and opportunities to truly participate in daily classroom life.

When classrooms embrace inclusion, everyone benefits.

Sensory-Friendly Classroom Ideas

A sensory-friendly classroom is more than just a calm space—it’s a learning environment intentionally designed to support students with a wide range of needs.

Five Signs Kids Display When Overstimulated at School (and How to Support Them)

Here are five common signs that a child may be overstimulated at school—and how to help them find calm again.

How an Occupational Therapy Consultant Can Help Your School Thrive

Unlike a full-time school-based OT, a consultant often focuses on big-picture strategies, staff training, program development, and problem-solving for individual students or classrooms. In this post I look at the benefits of an occupational therapy consultant.

How to Write Effective Goals as a School-Based Occupational Therapist

Writing measurable, meaningful, and functional goals is one of the most important — and often challenging — responsibilities of a school-based occupational therapy (OT) practitioner. Well-written goals drive intervention, guide progress monitoring, and support student success within the educational environment. Whether you’re a new OT practitioner navigating your first Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or aContinue reading “How to Write Effective Goals as a School-Based Occupational Therapist”

Why Every New School OT Needs This Beginner’s Guide

If you’re a new occupational therapy practitioner entering the school system, you’ve probably already realized there’s a steep learning curve. Transitioning from grad school, clinical placements, or other settings into schools is a shift in both mindset and practice. That’s why I created A Beginner’s Guide for School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Here’s why every newContinue reading “Why Every New School OT Needs This Beginner’s Guide”