This was taken from the American Occupational Therapy Association
National School Backpack Awareness Day is September 17, and occupational therapy practitioners across the United States are gearing up to help students “Pack It Light, Wear It Right!” But occupational therapists work every day in virtually every school district, providing services ranging from behavioral help to proper posture for computer use.
National School Backpack Awareness Day focuses on just one area of occupational therapy expertise—ergonomics—but occupational therapy in schools is much more. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help children, youth, and families with a broad range of health and wellness issues that affect the ability to participate in and enjoy everyday activities. In schools, they help students develop the skills they need to learn, play, and interact with others.
Visit www.aota.org for more information on backpack awareness.
Topics
ball skills
Bilateral motor coordination
calming
cooperative games
crossing midline
cutting
dyspraxia
fine motor coordination
gross motor
group activities
handwriting
in-hand manipulation
inside activities
messy play
motor planning
obstacle course
pencil use
preschool
recess
sensory
sensory processing
shoetying
story starters
strengthening
tactile
upper body strength
vestibular; balance
visual motor skills
writing