The development of fine motor, sensory processing, and self-regulation skills during early childhood is crucial for long-term success in the classroom. A variety of factors, including missing in-person schooling due to the covid pandemic, has impacted the ability of young children to fully participate in activities that facilitate the development of these skills. Although some children receive occupational therapy intervention, many children do not despite difficulties with classroom tasks. Strategies used in occupational therapy sessions can be used to facilitate development of motor, sensory and self-regulation skills in all young children, including those in general education settings. Collaboration between the occupational therapist and classroom staff and/or other related service providers can facilitate the opportunity for the development of motor skills through the day for ALL children.

This presentation will discuss typical development of fine motor and visual motor skills, strategies to address specific skill deficits, and ideas to enrich the classroom environment to benefit all children. Participants will learn how to apply strategies used by occupational therapists with all students across a variety of academic and non-academic areas (e.g., writing, art, reading, story time, math). Age-appropriate developmental milestones and expectations will be reviewed, with a focus on proactive strategies to facilitate motor development. Simple modifications to materials and presentation to address specific concerns will also be described.