Start with the school task
Describe what the child needs to do, the setting, and what currently limits participation.
PRESCHOOL • CLASSROOM • PARTICIPATION
PRESCHOOL • CLASSROOM • PARTICIPATION
School & Learning
School readiness, classroom participation, school-based OT, handwriting, fine motor accommodations, and practical educator resources.
A parent-friendly starting point
School & Learning: Explore this topic
School-based occupational therapy supports access and participation in educational routines. The question is not whether a child performs every skill perfectly, but whether motor, sensory, self-care, or regulation needs limit meaningful participation at school.
Adjust the environment
Seating, visual supports, tool choices, time, and movement opportunities can improve access.
Work as a team
Families, teachers, therapists, and the child bring different information to educational planning.
Practical articles
School & Learning
12 articles available
Fine motor & bilateral coordination
7 Clothespin Games That Build Hand Strength and Bilateral Coordination
Seven playful, OT-informed clothespin activities for preschoolers that support hand strength, pincer grasp, visual-motor skills, and two-hand coordination.
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Fine motor & preschool readiness
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Use a Glue Stick Safely and Independently
An OT-informed craft routine for children ages 2–5 using a stable setup, two-hand coordination, simple visual steps, and close adult supervision.
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Mealtime routines & independence
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Clear Their Place After Meals
An OT-informed mealtime cleanup routine for children ages 2–5 using safe dishes, two-handed carrying, small wiping jobs, and graded help.
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Preschool routines & independence
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Pack and Carry a Backpack Independently
An OT-informed preschool routine for packing a small backpack, using two straps, and building independence without overloading little bodies.
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Play routines & independence
How to Help Your Preschooler Put Toys Away Independently
An OT-informed cleanup routine for children ages 2–5 using small jobs, picture cues, simple sorting, movement breaks, and calm practice.
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Dressing & motor planning
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Put On a Pullover Shirt Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to help children ages 2–5 put on a T-shirt using easy clothing, a simple sequence, and graded practice.
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Dressing & bilateral coordination
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Take Off a Pullover Shirt Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to help children ages 2–5 take off a T-shirt or sweatshirt using stable positioning, a simple sequence, and graded practice.
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Self-care & sensory comfort
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Brush Their Hair Independently
A gentle, OT-informed way to help children ages 2–5 learn hair brushing through child-friendly tools, detangling from the ends, sensory support, and graded practice.
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Self-care & sensory comfort
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Wash Their Face Independently
A gentle, OT-informed way to help children ages 2–5 learn face washing through a simple routine, sensory comfort, and graded practice.
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Self-care & toileting readiness
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Pull Pants Up and Down Independently
A respectful, OT-informed way to help children ages 2–5 manage elastic-waist pants for dressing and toileting through stable positioning, simple cues, and graded practice.
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Self-care & bilateral coordination
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Pour a Drink Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to teach children ages 2–5 to pour from a small pitcher using two hands, graded control, and spill-friendly practice.
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Self-care & motor planning
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Put On Shoes Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to teach children ages 2–5 to put on and fasten shoes through simple steps, backward chaining, and playful practice.
Read article →LELEKA PLAY
Practice this skill at home
Explore OT-designed guides, printables, and interactive books that turn ideas into hands-on practice.
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Recommended next steps
Educational information only. This page does not diagnose a condition or replace an individualized evaluation. If concerns affect daily activities, discuss them with your pediatrician or a pediatric occupational therapist.