OT Handouts for Caregivers

Explore our collection of external resources designed to assist you in your journey with Occupational Therapy. 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: hand control, finger isolation, scissor skills, pencil grasp, etc.

Visual Perception: visual memory, visual spatial relations, visual discrimination, etc.

Visual Motor: pre-printing and printing skills, pencil pressure, colouring, drawing shapes, etc.

Self-Regulation: vestibular system, proprioceptive system, heavy work suggestions for home

Preparing for School: preparing for JK - Grade 2, fine motor checklists by age

Self-Care: feeding tips, button, zipper and shoelace skills, sleep tips, etc.

 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

Hand Control Development

In-Hand Manipulation

Finger Isolation

Pre-Cutting Skills (Learning to Use Scissors)

Development of Cutting

Crossing Midline

Developing Pencil Grasp

Developing Scissor Skills

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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

Letter & Number Formations

Developing Pre-Printing Skills

Printing Program

Journal Strategies for Pre-Printers

Printing Lines

Printing Practice at Home

Pencil Grips

Alternative Pencil Grips

Heavy Pencil Pressure

Light Pencil Pressure

Colouring

Draw these Lines

Draw these Shapes

Copy these Drawings

Drawing Challenge

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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

Heavy Work Suggestions for Home

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 Preparing for School    

Here are some helpful tips and checklists to help you prepare your child for school.

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Preparing for JK

Preparing for SK

Preparing for Grade 1

Preparing for Grade 2

Fine Motor Checklist, 3-4 Years Old

Fine Motor Checklist - 4 Years Old

Fine Motor Checklist - 5 Years Old

Fine Motor Checklist - 6 Years Old

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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

Other External Self Care Resources 

Sleep Tips: How to help your child get a good night's sleep

 Feeding Resources      

Feeding is an important but challenging area of self-care. The resources below are here to guide you in supporting your child or loved one, helping them develop healthy feeding routines and address common feeding challenges.  

Universal Design for Learning Modules

Feeding Tips for Babies 6-12 monthsFeeding your Baby: Moving from purees to table food texture

Drinking from an Open Cup
Other External Feeding Resources

Starting Solids With Baby: Purees vs Baby-Led Weaning

Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding

Canada's Food Guide: Eat meals with others

Canada's Food Guide: Enjoy your food

Canada's Food Guide: Hunger cues

How to help your child overcome picky eating

Holland Bloorview: ASD FEED-ED Hub

Feeding according to development level

FeedingPlus Blog: Tips for picky eaters and kids with autism

Responsive Feeding Fact Sheet: 0-6 months old

Responsive Feeding Fact Sheet: 6-12 months old

Responsive Feeding Fact Sheet: Young Children

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.