Summer break has come and gone, and now it is time for the school year to start back up again! New grade levels, new teachers, and new friends can seem scary for some or exciting for others. As an occupational therapist I have navigated this time of the year frequently so here are some strategies and tips to try out before the school year officially starts again to make sure it runs smoothly.

1. Manage sensory needs

Right now is the perfect time to explore different sensory strategies and tools your child might benefit from at school while you are still at home. These tools may assist with maintaining calm or sustain their attention while in the classroom at school. Trying these in advance will assist with collaboration with your child’s school team. Your child’s current occupational therapist can help you determine the best tools and assist with educating others about your child’s sensory needs; this optimizes their ability to apply the learned strategies once the school year starts.
Potential Strategies: 
Finding the tools that work is the key! Practice applying the strategies throughout the day at home so your child can implement/advocate for them when needed at school.

2. Get prepared and organized

Organization is extremely important once your child reaches elementary school and up, and this skill will continue to be beneficial throughout their life. You can teach your child organizational skills by creating a specific workspace within your home setting to complete their homework assignments or projects. You can also provide them with options for organizing their backpack, by using colored folders for arranging classes by a certain color.
Potential Strategies: 
  • Backpack tag (list of items that stay in the backpack)
  • Use an assignment notebook to track assignments 
  • Homework folder
  • Collect required supplies and find a designated area for them in a backpack or desk
If you have questions about organizational or executive functioning skills, a pediatric occupational therapist is an amazing resource. If you are already working with one, make sure to discuss this during your back to school preparations.

3. Practice self-advocacy skills 

Changing classrooms and learning new rules can be overwhelming. It is very important that your child is able to ask for help or questions when at school. Questions can be simple such as asking to use the bathroom or get a drink of water. They can also be more complex like asking a question about a school assignment. Practice is essential for any learned skill and this is no different!
Ways to work on this at home: 
  • Rehearse how to ask to go to the bathroom while at school
  • Role play interactions with others to explore different reactions to the questions
  • Schedule play dates at other friend’s houses to work on advocating for self 
  • Ordering their own meal in a restaurant 
  • Practice using visual supports if needed
Practicing within different environments, from home to many others will help your child build confidence in this area.

Conclussion

Going back to school will be here in no time-and preparing now will make for better success!  If you have questions or concerns about any of the above strategies or how to apply them, our pediatric occupational therapists are here to help. If you already work with us, make sure to ask your therapist all of your questions now.  If you are curious or looking for support, contact us at Good Beginnings Therapy.  Have a healthy and safe back to school season!
Written By: Kiersten Robertson, MOT, OTR/L
Edited By: Amy S. O’Malley, PT, DPT, PCS