OT Handouts for Educators

Explore our collection of external resources designed to assist you in common OT areas as an educator. Resources listed under "Universal Design for Learning Modules" were provided by the John McGivney Children's Centre to be shared across Ontario with parents, caregivers and educators as they support child development. 

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Fine Motor

Visual Perception

Visual Motor

Self-Regulation

Preparing for School

Self-Care

 Fine Motor     

Fine motor skills are the ability to make movements using the small muscles in our hands and wrists. We use fine motor skills to perform tasks, like writing, using scissors, getting dressed, etc., that are important for school, work and everyday life.  

Universal Design for Learning Modules

In-Hand Manipulation

Finger Isolation

Pre-Cutting Skills (Learning to Use Scissors)

Development of Cutting

Crossing Midline

Video: Finger Control & In-Hand Manipulation

Video: Cutting Development

Video: Pre-Printing Skill

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 Visual Perception    

Visual perception skills help us obtain and organize visual information around us and interpret what is seen. Visual perception skills are essential for reading, writing and orienting letters and words properly.

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Visual Memory

Visual Closure

Visual Figure-Ground

Visual Sequential Memory

Visual Form Constancy

Visual Spatial Relations

Visual Discrimination

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 Visual Motor    

Visual motor integration refers to the ability to translate a visual into a motor action. In other words, it involves the coordination of visual perception skills and fine motor control, allowing us to use our eyes and hands together to perform tasks like copying letters, copying patterns, catching a ball, etc.

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Visual Motor Development in the Classroom

Letter & Number Formations

Journal Strategies for Pre-Printers

Written Work Modifications

Printing Lines

Pencil Grips

Alternative Pencil Grips

Weighted Pencils

Heavy Pencil Pressure

Light Pencil Pressure

Colouring

Draw these Lines

Draw these Shapes

Copy these Drawings

Drawing Challenge

Video: Pencil Grasp

Video: Printing

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 Self-Regulation    

Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage your own behaviour and reactions and includes being able to regulate one's reaction to strong emotions, calm down, focus on a task, control impulses, etc.

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Vestibular System

Proprioceptive System

Self-Regulation Strategies in the Classroom

Integrating Movement in the Classroom

Heavy Work Suggestions for the Classroom

Core Strength

Air Cushions

Body Socks

Rocker Seats

Wobble Stools

Weighted Animals & Lap Pads

Weighted Vests

Compression Vests

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 Preparing for School    

Here are some helpful tips to optimize your kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 classroom setup.

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Setting Up a Kindergarten Classroom

Setting Up a Grade 1 Classroom

Setting Up a Grade 2 Classroom

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 Self-Care     

Children's independence in daily self-care is important. It empowers them, gives them responsibility and fosters confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Button Skills

Zipper Skills

Shoelace Tying Skills

Toilet Training

Wiping after Toileting

 Feeding Resources    

Feeding is an important but challenging area of self-care. The resources below are here to guide you in supporting students to develop healthy feeding routines and address common feeding challenges.

External Feeding Resources
Nurturing Children Through Responsive Feeding

Strategies for Mealtime Success

Ways Educators Can Promote a Healthy Relationship with Food

Also, check out our collection of video resources related to feeding:
Self Care Videos

These resources have been curated solely for informational purposes. These resources should not be construed as endorsement by or medical advice from ErinoakKids. These resources are not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. Always consult your health care provider if you have a medical emergency, require consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment.

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These resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment, provided by a qualified health-care provider. ErinoakKids is not responsible for the content, privacy policies and terms of use of any external websites we link.