For many kids, the lazy days of summer are coming to an end, and the routine and rigor of the new school year is right around the corner. While exciting, this seasonal shift can also be stressful with the demanding schedules, new environments and expectations that autumn brings.
The occupational therapists at BUILD Pediatric OT in Cincinnati, Ohio, understand the difficulties this transition poses, especially for children with sensory needs, attentional issues, physical disabilities or other developmental challenges. We're sharing our top back-to-school tips to help make this period as smooth and successful as possible.
Get Back into Sleep Routines
Adequate, consistent sleep is critical for a child's cognitive performance, behavior, emotional regulation and overall occupational participation. Two weeks before school starts, begin resetting bedtimes and wake-up schedules to ensure enough hours of sleep.
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, elementary students need 9-12 hours and teens 8-10 hours per night. Establish calming evening and morning sensory routines to help regulate sleep cycles.
Prep Necessary Physical Skills
The school day requires many physical abilities like sitting upright, properly holding pencils or utensils, carrying items, transitioning between locations and more. An OT can identify any fine motor, gross motor or postural skill deficits to target before classes commence through activities, equipment or accommodations.
Work on Executive Functioning Skills
Children with attention, organization and follow-through difficulties may benefit from reinstating visual schedules, checklists, rules, timers and other executive functioning supports used during the school year. Involve your child in redesigning/updating age-appropriate organizational systems.
Gradually Reintroduce Demands
Cognitive fatigue is common from the increased academic load after a free-flowing summer. To rebuild stamina and focus, thoughtfully reintroduce desk work time, homework completion and other demands gradually. Use frequent brain breaks and prioritize critical tasks first.
Visit Campus Early
Schedule time to visit your child's new school and classroom spaces. Acclimate them to the environment, accommodations and expectations. Consider meeting teachers and practicing routes between classrooms to ease anxiety. Take photos of key areas to reference.
Maintain Established Therapy Routines
Contact your child's occupational therapist, physical therapist or other provider to resume clinic visits or adjust home programs for back-to-school carryover. Solidify communication methods with teachers and school staff regarding any needed services or accommodations.
The BUILD 2024 Back to School Guide has more back-to-school strategies from an OT perspective. Consistent sleep, established morning and homework routines, balance between demands and rest, and home-school coordination can greatly smooth this annual transition. Have the ease of our therapeutic strategies right in your home!
If you have any other questions or occupational therapy needs as the school year approaches, our compassionate team at BUILD is always here to support your family. Contact us for a school-aged evaluation today!
Comments