Occupational Therapy Newsletter
Volume 1
April 2009
Welcom e…to th e First E dition
of o ur mo nthly OT Newsletter
With this newsletter, we hope to increase our
communication and form a connection with
school staff at each of our schools. In doing this
we hope to develop collaboration techniques,
offer ideas and activities, and develop a
community between occupational therapy and
teaching staff.
Did you know that April is National
Occupational Therapy Month?
ccupational therapy dates back to the early
1900’s as an organization for individuals
interested in “Occupation Work”. In 1914 it was
then named “Occupational Therapy” in response
to interest in learning about the human body and
the therapeutics of occupation.
In the school setting, occupational therapists
consider the child's occupations of play and
school. If a child is unable to fully participate,
the occupational therapist provides services to
increase the child's function and success.
Worth Quoting
“Tell me and I’ll forget.
Show me and I’ll remember.
Involve me and I’ll understand.”
--Confucius
Service Models
• Collaborate with staff on strategies and/or
techniques to be implemented with the
student
• Apply recommended strategies and/or
adaptations into the student’s day
• Modify and adapt environment,
equipment, and learning materials
• Monitor and adjust classroom
interventions
• Does not imply student is pulled out of
natural learning environments
• Often includes a face-to-face interaction
between the therapist and the student
• Services are most beneficial when
provided in a natural setting and when
goals and objectives are integrated into
daily routines.
Tips & Tidbits
The 3 P’s of Handwriting
1. Posture
- feet flat on the floor
- desktop 2” above bent elbow
- top of chair below shoulder blades
2. Pencil
- pinch and rest
- wrist resting on table
3. Paper Position
- align with writing arm
- steady with non-writing arm
Adapted from TRICS for Written Communication