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FOR PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS Practice Self-Help Skills At Home Encourage independence in: Putting on and taking off jackets and shoes Zipping backpacks and lunchboxes Opening snack containers or food wrappers These tasks help build confidence and readiness for the classroom. Support Sensory Needs Before School Incorporate morning movement: jumping, swinging, wall pushes, or animal walks Use calming strategies if your child is anxious: deep breathing, squeeze hugs, or quiet music Practice Pencil & Scissor Skills Use short, thick crayons or broken crayons to encourage a proper tripod grasp Start with snipping paper strips, then move to simple shapes for scissor practice Draw basic shapes and practice tracing to build control Use Play to Practice School Expectations Role-play classroom routines like lining up, raising hands, or sitting in a circle Let your child “play teacher” to build confidence and social understanding OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TIPS Build Fine Motor Strength Set aside a few minutes each day for: Playdough play (rolling, pinching, cutting) Stringing beads or lacing cards Tearing and gluing paper for art Using tweezers or tongs to pick up small objects These activities prepare little hands for writing, cutting, and classroom tasks. Build Attention & Listening Skills Practice listening games like “Simon Says” or “Red Light, Green Light” Read books together and ask simple questions after Encourage your child to follow 1–2 step directions during daily routines Establish a Predictable Morning Routine Use a visual schedule (with pictures) to help children follow the morning steps Practice the school routine ahead of time (getting dressed, packing bag, walking to the car/bus) Keep a consistent wake-up time to reduce stress and improve regulation Create a Calm Goodbye Ritual Develop a consistent and short goodbye routine (a hug, a phrase, or a special handshake) Avoid lingering, as it can increase anxiety—help your child feel secure with predictability
FOR PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS Encourage Back-and-Forth Conversations Model simple conversations and give your child time to respond. This helps develop expressive language and turn-taking. Try open-ended questions like: What was your favorite part of the day Tell me about what you made at school Visual supports (like picture cards) can help start conversations or offer response options. Read Together Daily Read aloud with your child and pause to talk about the pictures, make predictions, or retell the story. Ask “wh” questions—who, what, where, when, why—to build comprehension and vocabulary. Use gestures or toys to act out parts of the story Boost Vocabulary During Everyday Routines Label and describe items during regular routines This is your green shirt. It has long sleeves. Let’s put it on Some children benefit from learning words in categories (animals, foods, feelings) with visuals or matching games. Practice Following Directions Play games that include 1- and 2-step directions: Touch your nose, then clap your hands Put the ball in the box and close the lid Break directions into small steps, and use visuals or pictures to support understanding. SPEECH THERAPY TIPS Encourage Asking for Help Practice simple scripts like: I need help, please. Can you open this? Use visuals or sign language to teach functional requests. AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tools can be powerful! Sing Songs and Use Rhymes Songs like “Wheels on the Bus” or nursery rhymes help with language rhythm, memory, and early literacy. Add gestures for even more engagement! Rhythmic and musical patterns can be calming and help with routine transitions. Play Pretend Together Pretend play promotes imagination, sentence- building, and social interaction. Let your child lead the play to expand their expressive language naturally. Follow your child’s lead. Even if their play looks different, you can build language by narrating actions and offering choices. Support Articulation Gently If your child struggles to pronounce certain sounds, repeat the word back correctly without pressure. Modeling correct pronunciation without correction keeps communication positive.
FOR PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS Practice Backpack Safety Choose a lightweight backpack with wide, padded straps. Keep the load to less than 10–15% of your child’s body weight. Strengthen Core Muscles Encourage games like animal walks, wheelbarrow races, or crawling through tunnels. Strong core muscles help with sitting posture and stability during classroom activities. Use visual cues or obstacle courses to make movement predictable and engaging. Promote Self-Care Skills Practice putting on coats, opening lunch containers, and managing zippers or buttons. Build Endurance for the School Day Practice walking to the bus stop, around the block, or doing short nature walks. Tip: Pair movement with music or a favorite activity to increase motivation. PHYSICAL THERAPY TIPS Work on Balance Skills Try standing on one foot while brushing teeth, hopping games, or walking along a taped line. Provide stable surfaces or gradual challenges to prevent overwhelm. Encourage Cross-Body Movements Play games that involve reaching across the body (e.g., “Simon Says” with opposite hand to opposite knee). Cross-body coordination helps with reading, writing, and ball skills. Tip: Start slow and model the movements to reduce frustration. Encourage Daily Movement Breaks Build in short bursts of physical activity before and after school to help with focus and regulation. Tip: Use predictable movement routines (like jumping jacks, wall pushes, or stretching) to support sensory needs.
FOR PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS Morning Stretch Routine Wake up the body, improve flexibility, and prepare muscles for the day. Movement: Reach up to the sky, touch toes, side stretch to each side, gentle neck rolls. Tip: Use a visual chart or favorite song to guide each stretch. Wall Push-Ups Strengthen upper body while providing calming deep pressure. Movement: Stand facing a wall, place hands on it, bend elbows to bring nose close, push back. Tip: Try with a weighted lap pad or favorite sensory fidget nearby for comfort. Balloon or Scarf Toss Improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Movement: Toss a balloon or scarf in the air and keep it off the ground. Tip: Use slower-moving items (scarves) to allow more processing time. Chair Twist & Stretch Relieves tension from sitting & improves spinal flexibility. Movement: Sit in a chair, place hands on the seat, twist gently to look over one shoulder, then the other. Tip: Offer a wiggle cushion or fidget band for the chair to keep the body engaged. MOVEMENT TIPS Superman Pose Strengthen core and back muscles for better sitting posture. Movement: Lie on tummy, lift arms and legs off the ground, hold for 3–5 seconds. Allow short holds and gradually increase time to avoid overwhelm. Cross-Crawl March Boost coordination, brain-body connection, and focus. Movement: March in place, bringing opposite elbow to opposite knee. Tip: Practice slowly first with a steady beat to make it predictable. Animal Walks Build whole-body strength, coordination, and provide sensory input. Crab walk, bear crawl, frog jumps, and penguin Tip: Let your child choose the animal to keep it fun and predictable. Wiggle Dance Break Burn energy, increase heart rate, and boost mood. Movement: Play an upbeat song and move freely —dance, jump, spin.
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Strengthen Hand Muscles for Writing Squeeze stress balls, use clothespins to pick up pom-poms, or roll playdough into snakes. Tip: Use favorite textures (slime, kinetic sand) for extra sensory interest. Morning Movement Before School Activity: 5–10 minutes of jumping jacks, wall push-ups, or bear crawls. Purpose: Prepares the body for sitting and improves attention. Tip: Create a visual checklist or use a timer to make transitions smoother. Develop Pencil Control Trace mazes, draw shapes, or copy simple designs with a marker or chalk to improves precision and fine motor coordination for writing. Tip: Offer choice of tools—some may prefer a weighted pencil or soft-grip pen. Practice Self-Help Skills Activity: Zipping, buttoning, tying shoes, opening snack containers. Tip: Use adaptive clothing or zipper pulls if fine motor tasks cause frustration. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TIPS Build Core & Postural Control Practice wheelbarrow walks, yoga poses (tabletop, downward dog), and “superman” holds to improve sitting posture and endurance for desk work. Organize the Backpack Together Activity: Color-code folders, use pouches for supplies, and pack items in order of need to builds executive function skills and reduces morning stress. Tip: Use visual labels or picture checklists to support memory and organization. Practice Visual Scanning Play “I Spy” games, hidden picture puzzles, or scavenger hunts at home to improve attention to detail and reading readiness. Tip: Start with fewer visual distractions and gradually increase complexity. Support Sensory Regulation Practice deep breathing, chair push-ups, or using a fidget during transitions to help manage big feelings and maintain focus. Tip: Provide a small “sensory toolkit” (fidget, chewable pencil topper, noise-reducing headphones).
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Build Vocabulary Through Everyday Talk Narrate daily routines (“First we pour the cereal, then we add milk”) or name items at the grocery store to expand vocabulary and comprehension for classroom discussions. Tip: Use visual supports (picture cards, real objects) to reinforce new words. Practice Conversation Skills Take turns asking and answering “Would you rather…?” or “What if…?” questions to improve social communication and turn-taking. Tip: Provide a visual conversation guide or “topic choice” cards to reduce anxiety. Strengthen Speech Sounds Practice tricky sounds during a game (say the word before taking a turn) to improve articulation and speech clarity Tip: Keep practice short and low-pressure, using favorite characters or themes for engagement. Support Storytelling Skills Have your child retell a short story, show-and-tell about their day, or create a “story box” with random objects to develops sequencing, memory, and expressive language. Tip: Use visual story maps or first/next/last cards to support sequencing. SPEECH THERAPY TIPS Expand Sentence Length Play “add-on” storytelling—each person adds one more detail to the sentence (“The dog… ran fast… in the park… chasing a ball”) to build grammar, sentence complexity, and descriptive language. Tip: Offer sentence starters or model expanded sentences for them to repeat. Practice Following Directions Give multi-step instructions (“Touch your nose, then clap twice”) to your child to practice listening comprehension and working memory. Tip: Pair verbal instructions with visuals or gestures; give extra processing time. Strengthen Pragmatic (Social) Language Role-play classroom situations (asking to join a game, requesting help, greeting a teacher) to build confidence and social competence. Tip: Use scripts or social stories to rehearse situations before they happen. Encourage Self-Advocacy Practice phrases like “Can you please repeat that?” or “I need more time“ to help children communicate their needs to teachers and peers. Tip: Create a “help card” system so they can indicate when they need support without verbal stress.
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Build Core Strength for Classroom Posture Practice animal walks (bear, crab, frog jumps) for 3–5 minutes a day to support sitting upright at a desk without fatigue. Tip: Turn it into a themed obstacle course for sensory engagement and motivation. Strengthen Upper Body for Writing & Carrying Supplies Practice wheelbarrow walks, climbing playground equipment, or carrying groceries in from the car to improve shoulder stability for fine motor tasks and backpack carrying. Tip: Use weighted items cautiously for calming proprioceptive input. Develop Balance for Recess & PE Stand on one foot while counting or tossing a beanbag back and forth to enhance coordination and body awareness. Tip: Incorporate music or favorite characters to keep the child engaged. Boost Endurance for a Full School Day Go on daily family walks or short bike rides to build stamina for walking to specials, recess play, and longer school routines. Tip: Offer predictable routes or visual maps to reduce transitions stress. PHYSICAL THERAPY TIPS Practice Functional School Skills Rehearse opening lunch containers, zipping jackets, or managing backpacks to build independence. Tip: Use the exact items they will use at school to increase comfort with transitions. Support Sensory-Motor Regulation Practice short movement breaks like wall push- ups, stretching, or jumping jacks before homework to help manage restlessness and improve focus. Tip: Incorporate predictable movement breaks throughout the day to maintain regulation. Encourage Self-Awareness of Body Signals Teach children to notice when they feel tired, tense, or need a break to build self-advocacy and helps prevent meltdowns or fatigue. Tip: Use visual emotion/movement charts to help them identify and communicate their needs. Improve Coordination for Playground Play Practice Hopscotch, jump rope, or ball-catching games to support timing, rhythm, and peer play participation. Tip: Break games into small steps and celebrate small successes to reduce frustration.
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Morning Stretch to Wake Up the Body Reach arms high to the sky, then slowly fold forward to touch toes (repeat 5–6 times) to improve flexibility and increase blood flow. Tip: Add a song or countdown to make the stretch predictable and engaging. Wall Push-Ups for Strength & Focus Stand arms’ length from a wall and push in and out 10–15 times to builds upper body strength and calming proprioceptive input Tip: Let the child choose a “push target” picture to tape on the wall for extra motivation. Animal Walks for Core & Coordination Practice crab walks, bear crawls, and frog jumps for 2–3 minutes to strengthen core muscles and improves motor planning. Tip: Turn it into a themed story (e.g., “Let’s cross the jungle!”) to encourage participation. Cross-Crawl Marches for Brain Activation March in place, touching right elbow to left knee and left elbow to right knee for 30–60 seconds. to activate both sides of the brain for focus and learning. Tip: Keep rhythm with a metronome, drum, or favorite music to make movement easier to follow. MOVEMENT TIPS Desk Break Wiggle Jumps Do 10–15 jumping jacks or “star jumps” to shake out energy to increase alertness and burn off extra wiggles. Tip: Offer a visual “movement break card” so they know when and how to use this strategy. Hallway “Tiptoe Sneaks” for Quiet Transitions Walk on tiptoes with arms out for balance for 30– 60 seconds to improve balance and coordination while keeping transitions calm. Tip: Use it as a fun sensory-motor reset between activities. Seated Stretch for Classroom Calm Sitting on a chair, reach one arm overhead and gently lean to the opposite side, hold for 5 seconds each side to relieve tension from sitting. Tip: Pair with deep breathing to help regulate emotions. Superhero Holds for Strength & Confidence Lie on stomach, lift arms and legs off the floor, and “fly” for 5 seconds. Repeat 5–10 times to strengthen back and postural muscles for better classroom sitting posture. Tip: Let them pick their superhero name or theme to increase engagement.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Create a Consistent Daily Routine Predictable schedules reduce stress and improve focus. Set a consistent wake-up, homework, and bedtime routine. Tip: Use visual schedules or phone reminders to make routines easier to follow. Organize Backpacks and Lockers Knowing where things are prevents lost materials and last-minute stress. Try this: Color-code folders for each subject. Keep only what’s needed for the day in the backpack. Neurodivergent Tip: Add picture labels inside lockers to show where items belong. Strengthen Fine Motor Skills for Writing Reduce fatigue when writing Do hand warm-up exercises like squeezing a stress ball or using putty before writing. Tip: Consider using pencil grips or alternative writing tools for comfort. Support Sensory Regulation Help your child stay calm and focused during the day. Teach calming strategies like deep breathing or stretching between classes. Tip: Offer discreet sensory tools like fidgets. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TIPS Encourage Healthy Posture & Movement Prevents muscle strain from heavy backpacks or long sitting periods. Adjust backpack straps so the load rests high and close to the body. Tip: Incorporate short movement breaks into homework time. Promote Stress-Relief Activities After School Balance academics with mental and emotional well- being. Encourage a hobby, physical activity, or downtime before starting homework. Tip: Use calming sensory activities like weighted blankets, drawing, or quiet play. Practice Time Management Skills Keeps projects and assignments from piling up. Use a weekly planner to break big assignments into smaller steps. Tip: Digital timers or alarms can give visual/auditory cues for transitions. Build Self-Advocacy Skills Encourages independence and confidence. Role-play with your child about how to ask teachers for help or clarification. Tip: Provide scripts or cue cards when practicing.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Practice Clear Speech in Everyday Conversations Strengthens articulation and confidence in speaking. Encourage slow, clear speech at the dinner table or during car rides. Expand Vocabulary with Real-Life Connections Improve comprehension and makes academic language less intimidating. Link new words from class to personal experiences or favorite topics. Tip: Use visuals, color coding, or picture dictionaries to reinforce new terms. Support Reading Aloud Skills Builds fluency and confidence for classroom reading. Read together, alternating sentences or paragraphs. Tip: Allow choice of reading materials to increase interest and engagement. Organize Thoughts Before Speaking Improve oral presentations and class participation. Teach students to jot down 3 key points before answering or presenting. Tip: Graphic organizers or mind maps can help visually structure ideas. SPEECH THERAPY TIPS Build Social Communication Strategies Supports making friends and group collaboration Practice greetings, turn-taking, and conversation starters at home. Encourage Self-Advocacy in Communication Gives your students the confidence to ask for clarification or repetition. Teach phrases like “Could you repeat that, please?” or “I’m not sure what you mean.” Tip: Provide a list of go-to communication phrases they can keep in a notebook. Practice Nonverbal Communication Cues Enhances social understanding and connection. Play “guess the emotion” games using facial expressions and body language. Tip: Use explicit teaching and visual examples to explain what different expressions mean. Strengthen Listening Skills Supports note-taking, following directions, and participating in class discussions. Play short audio clips or read aloud and ask questions to check understanding.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Backpack Safety Matters Prevent strain on the back, shoulders, and neck. Choose a backpack with wide padded straps, keep weight under 15% of body weight, and wear both straps. Tip: Use color-coded folders or pouches to keep items organized and easy to find, reducing stress. Morning Movement Boost Wake up muscles and the brain for better focus. Do 5–10 minutes of stretches, jumping jacks, or wall push-ups before school. Tip: Create a consistent morning movement routine with visual cues or a checklist. Brain Breaks Between Classes Improves blood flow and focus. Stretch arms overhead, roll shoulders, or do ankle circles between classes. Tip: Incorporate sensory breaks with calming or alerting movement, depending on needs. Safe Technology Use Prevents neck, back, and wrist pain from devices. Keep screens at eye level and take breaks every 20 minutes. Tip: Use timers or visual reminders for breaks. PHYSICAL THERAPY TIPS Build Core Strength for Stability Supports better posture, balance, and sports performance. Encourage planks, bridges, or yoga poses 2–3 times a week. Tip: Turn exercises into short, fun challenges or games. Sports & PE Readiness Reduces injury risk and boosts performance. Warm up for 5–10 minutes before sports and stretch afterward. Tip: Use predictable, structured warm-up routines to reduce anxiety. Desk & Seat Posture Check Reduce fatigue and discomfort during long classes. Keep feet flat, back supported, and shoulders relaxed. Tip: Offer alternative seating (wiggle cushion, therapy ball, or footrest) for sensory regulation. Hydration & Fuel for Movement Supports endurance, concentration, and muscle recovery. Pack a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks like fruit or yogurt. Tip: Use a favorite water bottle with visual markers to encourage consistent drinking.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Wake-Up Stretches Loosens stiff muscles after sleeping, boosts blood flow. Reach arms overhead, stretch side-to-side, and gently twist your torso. Tip: Use a visual schedule with picture cues to guide the sequence. Morning Strength Circuit Activates core and major muscle groups for better posture all day. 10 squats, 10 wall push-ups, 20-second plank. Tip: Turn it into a timed challenge or pair with favorite music for motivation. Neck & Shoulder Reset Counters hunching over desks or devices. Roll shoulders backward 10 times, tuck chin gently, and stretch neck side-to-side. Tip: Offer quiet, structured time for this to avoid sensory overwhelm in noisy spaces. Brain Break Movement Bursts Re-energizes the body and brain between classes or homework. Jumping jacks, high knees, or march in place for 30 seconds. Tip: Let students choose from a menu of preferred activities to feel more in control. MOVEMENT TIPS End-of-Day Decompression Relieves tension after school and supports relaxation before homework. Cat-cow stretches, child’s pose, or gentle forward bends. Tip: Pair with calming music or a weighted blanket afterward for sensory regulation. Seated Core Engagers Improves posture and focus while seated in class. Sit tall, tighten abdominal muscles for 5 seconds, relax, repeat 5 times. Tip: Use movement-friendly seating like wiggle cushions or foot fidgets. Lower Body Flexibility Prevents tightness from sitting for long periods. Stand, place one foot forward, bend front knee slightly, and stretch calves and hamstrings. Tip: Give clear, simple instructions or mirror the stretch for easy imitation. Consistent Movement Routine Builds healthy habits that last all year. Set aside 5–10 minutes at the same time each morning and afternoon for movement. Tip: Use visual timers and keep the sequence the same for predictability.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Plan Your Day the Night Before Use a written or digital planner to map homework, activities, and self-care time. Tip: Color-code by subject or use icons for visual clarity. Sensory Start-Up Do 5 minutes of movement in the morning (stretch, walk, or dance) to prep for focus. Tip: Choose predictable, preferred sensory input— like deep pressure or heavy work. Screen Breaks Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Tip: Set an app-based visual timer as a cue. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TIPS Homework Station Setup Quiet, clutter-free space with needed supplies ready. Tip: Use noise-cancelling headphones or a privacy divider. Organize Your Backpack & Locker Keep frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots. Tip: Use labeled pouches or bins for predictable organization. Wind-Down Routine Stretch, journal, or do calming sensory activities before bed. Tip: Keep the bedtime sequence the same daily.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Morning Conversation Warm-Up Chat about plans for the day to get the brain in “language mode.” Note-Taking Strategies Use abbreviations, symbols, or color-coding for efficiency. Tip: For some, it may be helpful to try digital tools with text-to-speech or speech-to-text functions. Chunk Reading Assignments Break long passages into smaller parts and summarize each. Tip: Pair reading with visuals or audiobooks for multi-sensory support. Clarifying Questions Teach “Can you please rephrase that?” or “Can you give me an example?” Tip: Create a laminated card with question prompts. SPEECH THERAPY TIPS Social Scripts for Peer Interaction Role-play greetings, group project collaboration, and small talk. Tip: Include clear, step-by-step cues and visual reminders. Vocabulary Boost Pick 3–5 new words from class and use them in conversation that day. Tip: Use visual word cards or personal dictionaries. Reflective Conversation at Night Share highlights and challenges from the day to strengthen narrative skills. Tip: Use sentence starters like “The best part was…” Practice Presentation Skills Rehearse out loud in front of a mirror or with a trusted listener. Tip: Record and play back to reduce performance anxiety.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Morning Stretch Series Arm reach, side stretch, torso twist, hamstring stretch. Locker-to-Class Walks Take the long route when possible to get extra steps. Tip: Pair with a calming breathing pattern if hallways are overwhelming. Core Wake-Up 10 crunches, 20-second plank, 10 bridges. Tip: Play a short song as a timing cue. Posture Checks Shoulders back, chin tucked, feet flat during class. Tip: Use a discreet reminder bracelet or sticky note cue. PHYSICAL THERAPY TIPS Mini Movement Breaks Stand up, shake out arms/legs, walk to water fountain between tasks. Tip: Keep breaks short and predictable. After-School Reset 10–15 minutes of outdoor walking, biking, or stretching. Tip: Use consistent routes or routines to reduce unpredictability. Strength Building Squats, wall push-ups, step-ups 2–3 times a week. Tip: Track progress visually with a chart. Evening Flexibility Gentle yoga or stretching before bed to reduce muscle tightness. Neurodivergent Tip: Pair with calming sensory tools (weighted blanket, soft lighting).
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Morning “Wake-Up” Stretch Flow Begin each morning with 5–7 minutes of stretching: Neck rolls (slow circles) Shoulder shrugs and rolls Overhead arm stretches Standing side bends Tip: Use a visual schedule or calming music to make the routine predictable. Core Activation Before Class Do a quick plank hold (20–40 seconds) and dead bug exercise to engage core muscles, which improves posture and focus during long periods of sitting. Movement Sessions Between Homework Tasks Set a timer for 20–30 minutes while doing homework. When it goes off: Stand up, march in place, or do jumping jacks for one minutes Tip: Use a vibrating watch or phone reminder to make the break transition predictable. Leg Power Boost Before heading out the door, try: 10–15 squats or lunges to increase blood flow and wake up leg muscles for walking between classes. Tip: Pair movement with counting out loud or listening to a favorite upbeat song. MOVEMENT TIPS Shoulder & Upper Back Reset Between classes or at home before leaving: Squeeze shoulder blades together for 5 seconds, repeat 5–8 times. This counters forward-head posture from phone/laptop use. Tip: Use a stretchy resistance band for extra input if that sensory feedback is regulating. Seated Stretch Reset During Class Practice small, discreet stretches while sitting: Roll wrists and ankles. Extend legs under the desk and flex feet. Shrug and release shoulders. Evening Mobility Wind-Down Before bed, do gentle stretches for hamstrings, calves, and lower back to release tension from the day. Tip: Create a low-stimulation environment (dim lights, soft music) to signal it’s time to calm the body and mind. Build Movement Into the Commute If possible, walk or bike part of the way to school, or park farther from the entrance.