Whether your family is doing virtual school or homeschooling, here are some best practices from Occupational Therapy that can reduce unnecessary challenges for your kid and help them focus on meeting their potential.
Learning Space
Schools and OT gyms have furniture that fits the size of the child. At home, we tend to have furniture that fits adults. For kids, trying to work in a space that is too big can cause lots of squirming and wiggles and promote poor posture that impacts their handwriting. The obvious but most expensive solution is to get a table and chair that fits your kid. You can also give them a clipboard and have them sit on the floor with their back against the wall or sit at a coffee table on a pillow. Or do all of these because one of the benefits of learning at home is that your child will be able to change positions frequently!
Look for:
-feet flat on the floor or grounded on a step-stool, footrest, stack of books, etc.
-back rests on the back of the chair (use a pillow if the chair is too big!)
-knees & hips are bent at 90-degrees
A lot of kids transition better when there is a dedicated space for schoolwork. They know when they are in the space, it is time for learning. Your workspace should ideally be well defined, well lit, free of distractions, and have ready access to all the supplies needed.
If you don't have the ability to make a dedicated space here are some creative ideas:
-use tape on the floor to give a visual clue of where to stay
-use a special school time only placemat
-use a rolling cart with all the supplies that only comes out during school time
Suggested Supplies
Pipsqueak Markers
The smaller size allows less room for mistake and awkward grasp patterns.
https://www.amazon.com/Crayola-58-8146-16-count-Pip-squeaks-Markers/dp/B0015IN0XK/ref=sr_1_7
Scissors
Small, lightweight, and with an easy squeeze these training scissors work well for preschoolers & for building confidence while developing fine motor skills.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6R8RFQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_BqrwFb367X5PZ
Short Pencils
Short sharpened pencils with erasers - are a very easy way to minimize mistakes with grip and allow for more pencil control for small hands.
https://www.amazon.com/Madisi-Pencils-Eraser-Pre-Sharpened-Count/dp/B07HFQFF72/ref=sr_1_2_sspa
Slant Board
Using a slant board helps kids for a variety of reasons-- but mostly it puts the wrist/hand in an optimal position for writing-- and helps reduce visual fatigue.
https://www.amazon.com/Superficie-para-%C3%B3ptimo-aprendizaje-escritorio-portapapeles/dp/B01BZI4BU0/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0
This year is going to be challenging in new ways for all of us. If your child has difficulty paying attention, sitting still, staying focused, or getting upset easily, OT has the potential to help. We can work with you and your child to set up a program to meet your child's needs either through OT sessions in person or via telehealth consultations.