Helping Your Child Succeed at School: Simple OT Tips for Parents
If your child comes home with messy handwriting, has trouble sitting still during homework, or finds it hard to open their lunchbox, you’re not alone. Many children need a little extra support when it comes to school skills—and that’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) strategies can really help. The good news is, you don’t need special equipment or hours of practice. With a few fun and simple activities at home, you can make a big difference in your child’s confidence at school.
✍️ Building Handwriting Skills
Handwriting takes more than just gripping a pencil. Kids need strong hands, steady shoulders, and good coordination.
Try at home:
- Roll, squeeze, and squish playdough or slime to strengthen little fingers.
- Use tweezers or tongs to pick up small items like beads or Lego pieces.
- Encourage drawing or colouring on a vertical surface (like a chalkboard, or even paper taped to the wall) to build shoulder and arm strength.
🧠 Supporting Focus and Attention
Sitting still for long stretches is tough for many kids, especially after a busy school day. Movement helps reset their brains and bodies.
Try at home:
- Add short movement breaks during homework (jumping jacks, wall pushes, animal walk or stretches) can help reset attention.
- Let your child do “heavy work” like pushing a laundry basket, carrying groceries, or helping move cushions.
- Create a calm, clutter-free homework spot away from distractions.
- Limit screen time before schoolwork: it can affect focus and self-regulation.
- Use timers: Break tasks into short chunks (e.g. 10–15 minutes of work, 5-minute break).
🎒 Encouraging Independence
School routines involve more than academics—children also need to manage daily self-help skills.
Here are some things to try at home:
- Practice zipping, buttoning, and packing bags during playtime.
- Choose lunch boxes and drink bottles your child can open easily.
- Encourage them to pack their school bag or lay out clothes the night before to build independence
- Let them learn to tie their own shoelaces.
- Teach them how to tie their own bows and hair ribbons.
✂️ Support Fine Motor Skills (writing, cutting, using school tools)
- Encourage play with small items: Use LEGO®️, beads, tweezers, or small puzzles to build finger strength and control.
- Practice writing in fun ways: Try writing with chalk, finger paint, or on a vertical surface like a whiteboard or window.
- Build hand strength: Activities like playdough, squeezing sponges, or using tongs help with pencil grip and endurance.
🪑 Posture and Seating
- Check desk setup at home: Feet flat, knees at 90°, elbows supported. A footstool or cushion can help.
- Try movement-friendly seating: A wobble cushion or sitting on a yoga ball can help kids who fidget.
- Let them lie on their tummy to write or read: It builds core strength and helps some kids focus better.
🏡 Create a Supportive Home Environment
- Set a daily routine: Consistent sleep, homework, meals, and screen time schedules help children focus and feel secure.
- Designate a homework space: A quiet, well-lit area with necessary supplies encourages concentration and productivity.
- Limit distractions: Reduce TV, video games, and mobile phone use during homework time.
📖 Support Learning and Education
- Read together daily: Reading boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and love for learning.
- Talk about school every day: Ask specific questions like “What was something interesting you learned today?” instead of “How was school?”
- Encourage curiosity: Help them explore topics they’re interested in through books, videos, or activities.
- Help with homework—but don’t do it for them: Offer guidance or tools to solve problems, not the answers.
📅 Teach Study and Organizational Skills
- Use planners or calendars: Help them track assignments, projects, and deadlines.
- Break big tasks into smaller steps: Teach them how to manage their time and reduce stress.
- Set goals and celebrate effort: Praise progress, not just results.
🤝 Be Involved and Communicate
- Attend school events and parent-teacher conferences: Stay informed and build relationships with teachers.
- Know their friends and peer groups: Social dynamics can influence academic performance and well-being.
- Communicate regularly with teachers: Ask for updates on academic or behavioural progress.
🧘♂️ Support Emotional Well-being
- Encourage a growth mindset: Teach them that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
- Model resilience and problem-solving: Show how to handle challenges constructively.
- Listen and validate their feelings: Emotional support increases confidence and motivation.
🍎 Promote Healthy Habits
- Ensure proper sleep (age-appropriate): Sleep improves memory, focus, and mood.
- Provide nutritious meals: A healthy diet fuels the brain.
- Encourage physical activity: Exercise helps reduce stress and improves concentration.
Blog written by Bahjo Hussien (Occupational Therapist).
Images by: Freep!k
If you’d like to find out more about One Central Health, give us a call today on (08) 9344 1318.