For Teachers & Educators

Helping Children Thrive at School

A Guide for Teachers & Educators

For Teachers and Educators — Helping Children Thrive at School

How OT supports learning at school

OT helps children develop the foundational skills needed for learning, participation, independence and confidence at school — including attention, pencil grip, coordination, posture, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and classroom participation.

Attention & Regulation — classroom red flags

Difficulty sitting still or remaining focused
Easily distracted or impulsive
Frequent emotional outbursts or frustration
Running to escape a distressing stimulus
Appears "zoned out" or daydreamy
Appears tired, lethargic or detached from lessons

Sensory Processing — classroom red flags

Covers ears frequently; distracted by sounds like a fan or ticking clock
Difficulty with focus in highly decorated rooms, squinting and blinking
Complains about smells; may demonstrate picky eating or food avoidance
Rocking, foot tapping, seeks excessive movement or crashing
Presses hard on pencil
Avoids messy play, certain clothing textures, or touch

Motor Skills — classroom red flags

Poor pencil grip
Avoids colouring, drawing or writing
Messy or slow handwriting
Difficulty cutting
Poor hand strength or endurance
Frequent falling or bumping into objects
Difficulty with balance or coordination
Avoids playground activities

Learning & Class Participation — red flags

Difficulty following instructions
Trouble copying from the board
Struggles to complete tasks independently
Difficulty organising belongings and completing tasks

"Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain — UNLESS it's done through PLAY. In that case, it takes 10–20 repetitions!" ~ Dr Karyn Purvis