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Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course for Educators and Therapists
School is about to start for many families, so today’s podcast episode is all about how to create effective occupational therapy sessions in the school setting.
If you’re a therapist working in the schools, this episode is full of tips and strategies for implementing sensory integration and primitive reflexes into your weekly treatment sessions.
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Brainstorming Session with a School-Based OT
Sensory Products Every Classroom Should Have
Accommodations for Students with Retained Primitive Reflexes
In today's educational landscape, providing optimal support for students, especially those with sensory processing challenges, is paramount. A deep understanding of the sensory system and reflexes is essential for educators, therapists, and parents to address the root causes of a child's difficulties and help them thrive academically and beyond.
A student's sense of safety and connection within their learning environment—at school, home, or during therapy sessions—is crucial. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and security, which is foundational for their emotional well-being and academic success.
It is vital to create a supportive, understanding environment where students are eager to engage with their teachers and therapists. When children look forward to attending occupational therapy (OT) or speech therapy, they view these sessions as positive experiences that can significantly enhance their progress and overall development.
Occupational therapy in schools is designed to help students function effectively within their academic environment. To qualify for school-based OT services, a student must have significant educational challenges, such as difficulties with handwriting, fine motor skills, sensory processing, or executive functioning.
OTs work on underlying skills like posture, balance, and coordination and address retained primitive reflexes, which impact a student’s success in school. For example, if a child struggles with handwriting, the OT digs deeper to determine whether the issue arises from hand strength, visual perception, or retained primitive reflexes.
Sensory processing difficulties can manifest in various ways, affecting a student’s ability to self-regulate, maintain attention, and interact socially. OTs work on these underlying skills to help students manage their emotions, communicate their needs effectively, and achieve success in the classroom.
Techniques such as the Zones of Regulation or sensory-based emotional intelligence strategies equip students with the tools to identify their emotions and choose appropriate actions to manage them. This self-awareness and regulation are critical for maintaining focus and achieving academic goals.
A key aspect of school-based OT is collaborating with educators to implement accommodations and modifications supporting student learning. This may involve adjusting the classroom environment or adapting teaching strategies to meet the student’s sensory needs.
Providing in-service training for teachers is an invaluable way to disseminate this knowledge. By educating teachers about sensory processing, reflexes, and other underlying factors, OTs empower educators with the tools to support their students.
A typical OT session in a school setting might begin with a sensory circuit, such as frog jumps or activities that involve blowing objects across the floor. Incorporating outdoor activities or conducting sessions in rooms with natural lighting can further enhance sensory regulation.
OTs should also focus on underlying skills and functional academic activities. For instance, if a student struggles with handwriting, the session might include strength-building exercises, visual-spatial activities, and actual writing practice in various positions, such as on a whiteboard or while lying on the floor.
It's essential to include regulation activities at the end of each session that help the student feel calm and ready to return to the classroom. Techniques like deep breathing, heavy work, and metronome activities can help ground the student, preventing overstimulation or understimulation.
Effective communication between the OT and the classroom teacher is essential to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing support for the student’s needs and progress.
Supporting students with sensory processing challenges requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By understanding the sensory system, addressing underlying skills, and working closely with teachers, OTs can help students function and thrive in their educational environments.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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