The Easy Way to Integrate Therapy into Your Classroom Without Extra Work
Teachers, This is For You!
You’re teaching a classroom full of awesome kids. But some of them might be facing a few extra challenges - like struggles with communication, sensory stuff, or even motor skills.
There’s so much you can do to help them thrive. Here are some ideas that can make a big difference in your classroom.
The Real-Life Challenges Your Students Face (And How to Help)
It’s really important to understand the things your students might be dealing with outside the classroom.
Occupational therapy and speech therapy aren’t just “therapy” in the traditional sense.
These are real-life challenges your students might be facing, and you can help make things easier for them.
For example, a student might have trouble speaking in front of the class, but it’s not just about being nervous – it might be harder for them to have a chat with a friend or even order food in the canteen.
Or a student might struggle with something simple, like holding a pencil or using scissors. These challenges affect more than just their classroom tasks – they can impact their confidence, too.
So, if you get where they’re coming from, it makes it easier to help. You can start thinking of small, simple ways to support them in daily activities.
Real-World Learning Helps Students Connect What They Learn to Their Lives
Children learn best when they can use what they’re learning in the real world. It’s not just about what they’re taught in class.
Therapy helps them take on real-life challenges, and you’re in the perfect place to make it happen. Let them chat about their favourite game or weekend plans. It makes it feel more natural.
Collaborate for Success
People don’t have to do everything alone. Working together with their therapist or support team helps figure out what’s best for them. This collaboration helps develop realistic strategies and plans. Together, they can create a path to get where they want to be. - Zac
Working Together - Be a Partner in Their Learning Process
You’ve got therapists and families in your corner. By teaming up, you’ll make sure the therapy goals align with what’s going on in the classroom.
Therapists work alongside families to create meaningful goals, but those goals need to show up in your classroom, too.
If you're collaborating with a therapist, you’ll learn how to incorporate therapy into your daily routines.
Let the kids practice communication during snack time or work on motor skills through a fun game. It all counts and adds up in the long run!
The Power of Collaboration - How Teachers and Therapists Can Make a Difference
You don’t have to do all of this by yourself. Therapists can offer you tips on what works best for each student.
They’ll share ways to make learning easier and more fun, while you get to put those strategies into action in the classroom. It’s a team effort that really pays off!
Create an Inclusive and Supportive Classroom Environment
Let’s talk about the classroom space. If a student has therapy goals, they might need some extra support to feel comfortable. A few little changes can go a long way.
Setting up a quiet corner for kids who get overwhelmed can make a world of difference for them and for you. Or, if a student needs to move around a lot, allow some breaks during the day.
Small changes like that can make them feel more at ease, and they’ll be more likely to jump in and participate.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces in the Classroom
A sensory-friendly space is a game-changer for kids who get overstimulated. If you create a calming corner where they can go to reset, they’ll be able to focus better when they come back to class.
A cozy nook with soft lighting and comfy chairs could be just what they need to chill for a few minutes before jumping back into the action.
We also encourage and show teachers how to use sensory strategies and tools in “regular” classrooms. This can look like discrete leg bands and fidgets or even fun movement breaks for everybody.
Don’t just focus on the perfect solution
Sometimes, people just want others to understand what they need. Prioritize communication over perfection. Everyone has unique needs, and perfection isn’t always the goal – understanding is. - Daniel
How You Can Build Skills in Your Students Every Day
You can work on speech, motor skills, and more during your everyday classroom activities. And the kids won’t even realise they’re practising!
If you’re drawing in class, that’s a great way to help them work on fine motor skills. Or, if you’re reading together, get them to share their thoughts about the story – it helps with their communication.
It’s about integrating therapy into their day in ways that don’t feel forced.
The Easy Way to Incorporate Therapy Goals into Your Classroom Routine
You don’t need to set aside extra time for therapy – just fold it into the regular classroom routines.
You can have students practice new speech sounds while drawing, or have them talk about what they’re learning during lunch.
The more natural you make it, the easier it is for them to work on therapy goals while still having fun.
Encourage Family Involvement
Therapy doesn’t stop when the school bell rings.
Parents and families play a big role in keeping things moving forward.
Staying in touch with families and sharing what’s going on in the classroom can help reinforce the progress children are making.
Talk to the parents about things they can do at home – like practising a speech sound while cooking or helping their child express feelings through games.
It all works together to create a strong support system.
Building a Support Network Around Your Students
When families are on the same page, everything clicks. Keep the lines of communication open with parents so they know what’s happening at school.
This way, the kids get consistent support at home and school, making it easier for them to hit their goals.
Support Emotional Wellbeing
Therapy can be tough, and some students might get frustrated or down on themselves. That’s why it’s important to create an environment where they feel safe and supported.
Celebrate the little wins! Whether it’s a student making eye contact or starting to speak in front of the class, these are big steps. A little encouragement goes a long way in boosting their confidence.
How to Help Your Students Build Emotional Confidence
Building emotional confidence in the classroom is just as important as academic support. When kids feel safe to express themselves, they’re more willing to take risks and try new things.
Keep encouraging them to share their thoughts and be open about what they’re feeling. This builds trust and helps them feel more confident in their progress.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s better to get clarification early on than to struggle later. Your team is there to support you. - Gabby
Building Confidence Through Small Wins
Therapy isn’t always about big, instant results. It’s about those tiny moments that add up to something bigger.
Celebrate those wins with your students – it could be something as simple as them speaking up in class or mastering a new motor skill. These wins are what build their confidence and drive them to keep going!
By making small adjustments and keeping things natural, you can really help your students meet their therapy goals. You’ve got this, and your students will thank you for it!