OT Recommended Christmas Gifts: Meaningful Presents That Support Your Child’s Development
Why do some children struggle with going back to school, and how can occupational therapy help?
For many kids, returning to school means adjusting to routines, managing emotions, following instructions, and coping with sensory demands. When these skills aren’t fully developed, school can feel overwhelming. Occupational therapy supports children by building the foundational skills needed for a confident return to school including routines, emotional regulation, and school readiness activities that help children feel prepared and capable.
The transition from holidays back to school is a big shift. Children are suddenly expected to wake up earlier, follow structured routines, sit for longer periods, manage social expectations, and complete tasks independently.
Some common challenges families notice include:
These challenges don’t mean a child isn’t “ready” for school, they simply indicate that some underlying skills need support.
School readiness activities are practical, play-based ways to help children develop the skills they need for learning, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Occupational therapists use these activities to target the foundations that support success in the classroom without pressure or overwhelm.
At IMTT, our therapists tailor school readiness activities to each child’s strengths, needs, and environment, helping them feel more confident as the school year begins.
School readiness isn’t just about knowing letters or numbers. It includes a wide range of skills that allow children to participate fully in a school environment.
These include:
Many of these skills are developed through targeted school readiness activities supported by occupational therapy.
Strong fine motor skills are essential for school tasks like writing, colouring, cutting, and using classroom tools.
Some effective fine motor skills activities include:
Using fine motor skills toys at home can make practice feel like play while supporting classroom success.
Starting or returning to school can bring up big emotions. Children may struggle with separation, transitions, or coping when things don’t go to plan.
Occupational therapists support emotional development using emotional regulation activities for kids, such as:
These strategies help children feel more settled and able to engage with learning.
Classrooms can be noisy, busy, and unpredictable. For some children, this can lead to sensory overload and difficulty focusing.
Children experiencing sensory issues in preschool or early school years may struggle with:
OT-led school readiness activities often include sensory strategies that help children regulate their bodies and attention before challenges arise.
Executive functioning plays a huge role in school success. These skills help children plan, organise, remember instructions, and transition between tasks.
If you’d like to understand this concept more deeply, this article provides an excellent explanation: What is executive function? – Understood.org
Occupational therapists support executive functioning through routine-building, visual supports, and step-by-step learning.
A school readiness checklist can help parents identify areas where their child may need support before the school year begins.
Common checklist areas include:
An OT can help interpret a checklist and design school readiness activities to address specific needs.
Occupational therapy for kids focuses on helping children participate in everyday activities including school with confidence and independence.
At IMTT, our paediatric occupational therapists work with families to:
With a fully equipped clinic in Wyong and flexible therapy options, we support families across the Central Coast through every stage of development.
Preparing for school doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right strategies, tools, and support, children can feel confident and capable as they return to the classroom. School readiness activities guided by occupational therapy help bridge the gap between where a child is now and what school expects in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
If your child is feeling anxious about school, struggling with routines, or finding classroom tasks challenging, early support can make a big difference. The team at IMTT is here to help children build the skills they need for a smooth and confident start to the school year.
Contact us today or book an appointment to learn how occupational therapy can support your child at our Wyong clinic.
