As summer comes to an end and families begin preparing for a new school year, many parents are focused on school supplies, new shoes, and getting back into a routine. But school readiness is about more than having a backpack packed and a lunchbox ready.
For some children, returning to school can bring challenges with attention, coordination, handwriting, sitting for long periods, navigating the school environment, or keeping up with physical activities. Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) can help children build the skills and confidence they need to participate more fully in their school day.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapy focuses on helping children participate in the activities that are important to them—including learning and playing at school.
An OT may help children with:
- Handwriting and fine motor skills
- Cutting, coloring, and using classroom tools
- Managing clothing, shoes, and other self-care tasks
- Attention and organization
- Sensory processing challenges
- Following routines and transitions
- Visual motor and coordination skills
- Building independence with everyday activities
Small challenges can sometimes make a big difference in a child’s school experience. Improving these skills can help a child feel more confident and independent in the classroom.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy can also play an important role in helping children participate in school and recreational activities.
A PT may work with children on:
- Balance and coordination
- Strength and endurance
- Gross motor skills
- Walking and mobility
- Playground and sports participation
- Safe movement and body mechanics
- Physical activities and age-appropriate development
Whether a child has difficulty keeping up with peers, struggles with balance, or is recovering from an injury, PT can help support safe and successful participation.
What Does the Research Say?
Research supports the role of therapy in helping children improve skills related to school participation.
A 2020 systematic review published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy examined 46 studies involving children and young adults. The review found evidence supporting occupational therapy interventions aimed at improving children’s participation and learning in school. The review also found strong evidence supporting therapeutic practice for handwriting interventions. (PubMed)
Research also supports interventions focused on children’s motor skills. A systematic review published in Child: Care, Health and Development examined school-based motor-skill interventions for children ages 3 to 12. The review highlights the potential benefit of targeted interventions to improve motor skills and supports the importance of addressing motor development to help children participate in daily activities. (White Rose Research Online)
These findings reinforce an important point: therapy is not just about practicing isolated skills. OT and PT can help children develop functional skills that support participation in real-life activities—including learning, playing, moving through the school environment, and completing daily routines.
Simple Ways Parents Can Help at Home
Preparing for school can begin before the first day. Parents can help by:
Practicing routines: Start gradually returning to regular bedtimes, morning routines, and mealtimes.
Encouraging independence: Allow children to practice tasks such as opening lunch containers, zipping backpacks, tying shoes, and organizing their belongings.
Making movement fun: Encourage outdoor play, climbing, jumping, bike riding, sports, and other activities that help build strength and coordination.
Practicing school-related skills: Coloring, drawing, playing with blocks, completing puzzles, and practicing handwriting can all help support important developmental skills.
Watching for ongoing challenges: If your child consistently struggles with activities that are expected for their age or has difficulty participating in school, sports, or everyday routines, it may be worth speaking with your pediatrician or a therapy professional.
Every Child Learns and Grows Differently
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping a child succeed. Some children may need extra support with movement, while others may benefit from help with fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention, or independence.
The goal of therapy is to help children build the skills they need to participate in the activities that matter most to them—at school, at home, on the playground, and in the community.
As a new school year begins, remember that small improvements can lead to big changes in a child’s confidence and independence.
Ready to help your child start the school year strong?
Research Articles
- American Occupational Therapy Association. Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy to Improve Children’s Academic Participation: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020.
- Eddy, L. H., Wood, M. L., Shire, K. A., et al. A systematic review of randomized and case-controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of school-based motor-skill interventions in 3- to 12-year-old children. Child: Care, Health and Development, 2019