Visual perception is one of those foundational skill areas we feel  the impact of in school-based OT every single day, even if students can’t quite put words to what’s challenging them. When a child struggles with copying from the board, identifying letters, forming legible handwriting, or keeping their place on a worksheet, visual perceptual skills are often at the center of the puzzle. Let’s break down the visual perceptual components most connected to handwriting and lette

The new year (or even just the mid-year point) is the perfect time for a reset. As school-based therapists, we juggle so much: student progress, meetings, paperwork, and collaboration with teachers and parents. It’s easy for our goals and routines to get lost in the chaos, especially as we count down the days until the holidays. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and reset can help you finish the year strong and create sustainable systems for both your students and yourself.

When we think about school-based occupational therapy, our minds often jump to direct services: helping a student with handwriting,...

Be honest... How many times have you sat down at the end of a long day, stared at your planner, and thought: “What in the world am I...

As school-based OTs, we wear a lot of hats... detective, problem-solver, collaborator, and sometimes paperwork wizard. Our work isn’t...

When I first started working as a school-based occupational therapist, the pressure to collect data was overwhelming. I knew how...

The back to school season can feel like a war-zone, can't it? We've all been there, attempting to organize our space while rounding up...

Handwriting is more than just forming letters—it’s a complex skill that relies on several underlying motor abilities. For children to write legibly and efficiently, they need to develop a strong foundation of motor skills that support hand function, control, and coordination. In this post, we’ll explore key motor skills essential for functional handwriting and provide practical strategies to help children develop them. The Motor Skills Behind Functional Handwriting Several mo

As we step into the month of October, the excitement of Halloween often fills the air—costumes, decorations, and all things spooky! But when it comes to sensory processing, it's important to remember that sensory isn’t scary . For many students, especially those with sensory processing differences, the hustle and bustle of a typical school day can be overwhelming. The good news is that with the right support, students can learn to regulate their sensory needs and feel more co

In school-based therapy, success is not only measured by the progress students make but also by the strength of the relationships we...