Category: Uncategorized

For years, occupational therapy IEP goals have focused on one thing: writing with a pencil.

“The student will write a sentence.”

“The student will write their name.”

But are we really measuring handwriting, or are we measuring a student’s ability to communicate?

That simple question changed the way our occupational therapy department wrote many of our IEP goals. Instead of asking students to write, we began asking them to generate text.

It may seem like a small change in wording, but it represents a much bigger shift in thinking. By focusing on communication rather than the tool being used, we opened the door for more students to participate meaningfully in literacy while still supporting handwriting development. Sometimes a single phrase can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever watched a student stare at a blank page during writing time, you know that getting started is often the hardest part. For

Homework has changed over the years.

Many schools have moved away from traditional worksheets, and for good reason. Families are busy, students spend long days at school, and many educators are looking for meaningful ways to reinforce learning without adding unnecessary stress.

One approach that can work is using homework calendars.

Instead of sending home another worksheet, a homework calendar encourages children to practice important skills through simple, everyday activities. Better yet, it gives families opportunities to spend time together while supporting their child’s development

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

Where did you get that?

After 28 years as a school-based occupational therapy assistant, the answer is simple…

Most likely either Dollar Tree or Amazon! Ok, well, sometimes a yard sale.

Each has its strengths, and over the years I’ve figured out which items are worth hunting for at the dollar store and which ones I prefer to order online.

Occupational therapy supports more than academic skills. For neurodivergent students, including students with autism, identifying hobbies and leisure interests is an important part of communication, self-regulation, autonomy, and participation—making January’s National Hobby Month a meaningful time for reflection.

Help your kindergarten or first grade child build writing confidence using creative picture prompts! Discover simple ways to support early writing skills at home, even if your child struggles with executive functioning or can’t picture events clearly. Learn how to use story cubes, family photos, and visual writing games to make sentence writing fun and effective. Plus, get an easy, printable picture prompt workbook with 88 seasonal images to inspire storytelling all year long.

Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of year for occupational therapists working in schools. With changing schedules, new caseloads, and lots of transitions, it’s important to have quick, effective activities ready to go—especially when you’re traveling from school to school like I do.