Back-to-School Success: OT Tips for a Smooth Transition

September 16, 2025

Here are some tips to help:

1. Practice Routines Ahead of Time

Consistency creates comfort. Start practicing school routines like waking up earlier, picking out an outfit, getting dressed, packing a backpack, and eating breakfast, before the first day. This helps ease the morning rush and sets a positive tone for the day.

2. Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

Many school activities depend on hand strength and coordination. Encourage fun activities at home to build these skills, such as:

Playing with Play-Doh or therapy putty
Building with Legos or blocks
Cutting shapes or coloring within lines
Using clothespins, tweezers, or tongs to pick up small objects

3. Support Sensory Needs

Classrooms can be busy and full of stimulation. Providing sensory input at home can help children regulate and focus:

Morning movement (bike ride, yoga, animal walks)
Heavy work (carrying a backpack, pushing laundry baskets, climbing at the playground)
Quiet downtime after school in a cozy, low stimulation space

4. Build Independence

Practicing self-care skills boosts confidence and reduces stress. Before school starts, encourage your child to:

Open their own lunch containers and snacks
Manage zippers, buttons, velcro, and shoe laces
Organize their backpack with what they’ll need for the day

5. Promote Confidence & Resilience

Remind your child that it’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how we learn! Celebrate small successes and encourage positive self-talk, especially when facing challenges like new routines, handwriting tasks, or making friends.

6. Partner with Teachers

If your child benefits from strategies such as sensory breaks, specialized seating, or handwriting tools, share this with their teacher early on. Collaboration between home, school, and therapy supports success.

Our team at Allcare is here to help!
If your child is struggling with routines, attention, handwriting, or sensory regulation, occupational therapy can provide the tools and strategies they need to thrive this school year.