Occupational Therapy Newsletter
Volume 18
Happy Spring
Did you know that April is National
Occupational Therapy Month?
As part of this observance, we would like to
thank each of you for your continued support
of Occupational Therapist and
our services in your school.
Role of OT in District 196
The role of the school-based occupational
therapist has changed considerably over the past
few years. Some of these changes include:
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Provide services based on student needs
Collaborate with educational team
Adapt the educational environment
Train and assist staff to implement strategies
and techniques for improved functional
independence.
Focus on student needs in the educational
environment
Focus is not on “fixing” the child, but adapting
the task, expectations, and environment
Services change as the students’ needs change
Rather than rehabilitate a deficit, the school
OT may adapt or modify the environment or
offer the teacher strategies to implement on
a daily basis to promote student success.
Does not imply student is pulled out of natural
learning environments
Often includes a face-to-face interaction
between the therapist and student
By: Sara Wahlstrom and Connie Van Note, OT’s
April 2011
Testing Time
It’s that time of year again, test, test, test… MCA
and MAP testing is happening in April and May.
Students, as well as teachers start to feel the
anxiety and tension that comes along with
standardized and timed testing.
As OT’s we thought some sensory tips might help
alleviate some of the stress, tension and anxiety
students and teachers face.
STUDENTS
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Brain Gym exercises (available from OT’s).
Stretching breaks
Computer Stretch Breaks- shoulder shrugs,
neck rolls, side bends, wrist extensions.
10-Minute Workout- Increases energy level &
reduces stress
o 1 minute warm up – march in place or
walk around
o 2 minute lunges
o 1 minute- squats
o 2 minute- push-ups
o 2 minute - abdominal crunches
o 2 minute- stretch
Hydration: Improves concentration, stress
release, enhances communication and social
skills
Water bottle preferred – drinking from a straw
helps calm and organize the brain
Crunchy snacks- help wake up the body
Gum – mint, tart, cinnamon
Hand fidgets
TEACHERS
Stretches
Crunchy snacks
Water
Gum
Coffee/Soda
• Tylenol?
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