Occupational Therapy with Children

Explore the field of occupational therapy.

Overview

  • Essential Question: What is occupational therapy (OT) all about?
  • Area(s) of Study: Health Sciences
  • Amount of credit earned: one elective credit
  • Community Partner: occupational therapists

Competencies

  • Observation and confidentiality – respect information acquired and understand the link between therapist/patient relationship and student confidentiality.
  • Medical conditions – understand the connection between various medical condition and the benefits of OT services.
  • Skill sets and strategies – Demonstrate understanding of of how a child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills impact their engagement in daily living.
  • Problem solving – Understanding therapy language. Maintain focus on short and long term goals when working with children.

See the detailed ELO description for the full text of these competencies.

Student Activities

  • Under the direction of the therapist, lead and assist with activities with children.
  • Meet with therapist prior to a child’s session to discuss daily plan.
  • Fine Motor Activities: how to draw a straight line, writing their name, picking up toys, using scissors and manipulating putty to increase hand strength and dexterity.
  • Gross Motor Development:  Supervise obstacle course which involved child climbing, sliding, crawling, tumbling and jumping. Hand-eye coordination activities such as catching and throwing while on the obstacle course.
  • Visual Memory: memorization cards with numbers and letters, puzzles to assist with building brain development.
  • Complete therapy language assignments given by therapist in order to become familiar with different strategies and terminology used in Occupational Therapy.
  • Observe the process of re-evaluation, comparing children of same chronological age.
  • Journaled patients on a daily basis, noting what was implemented and growth/changes of student over the course of the year.

Assessment

  • Progress meetings with student, ELO Coordinator and therapists.
  • Completion of a midterm and final student assessment by the community partner.
  • ELO Coordinator’s student observations at the business site.
  • Presentation meeting to discuss and demonstrate learning.
  • Student’s willingness to speak about the ELO experiences to the School Board.

More information

For students

  • Be patient, there is a lot to learn and you can relate your learning to the patients you observe.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as silly as you think they might be.
  • It’s beneficial to observe various styles and techniques of the therapist.
  • Ask for assignments from therapist to help understand the content and language used.
  • Depending on the clientele, observe different ages, gender and medical condition of the children.

For ELO Coordinators

  • Give yourself plenty of time when looking for an cccupational therapist.
  • If possible, find a facility with more than one therapist and a sizable clientele.

This ELO was submitted by Holly Londo, School to Career/Transition Coordinator at Windham High School. Email Holly for more information