Push-In Occupational Therapy Activities for School-Based OTs

Push-in occupational therapy allows students to receive services within their natural learning environment. Rather than removing students from class, therapists can collaborate with teachers while supporting participation during authentic classroom activities.

When done intentionally, push-in services can increase generalization and promote collaboration across the educational team.

Benefits of Push-In Services

Push-in therapy allows therapists to:

• Observe students during real classroom demands

• Support participation within routines

• Collaborate with teachers

• Model accommodations and strategies

• Improve carryover throughout the school day

Push-In Activity Ideas

Morning Meeting

• Flexible seating

• Breathing exercises

• Whole-body movement breaks

• Postural supports

Centers

• Fine motor stations

• Cutting activities

• Handwriting support

• Visual scanning games

Literacy

• Multi-sensory letter formation

• Reading posture

• Pencil grasp support

• Visual tracking activities

Math

• Manipulative use

• Crossing midline games

• Bilateral coordination activities

Classroom Movement Breaks

• Animal walks

• Chair yoga

• Wall push-ups

• Stretching

• Deep breathing

• Heavy work stations

Collaboration Tips

Instead of creating separate activities, embed occupational therapy strategies into what the teacher is already doing. This often leads to better carryover and less disruption to instruction.

Want More Classroom Strategies?

My Children's Yoga & Sensory Regulation Training for Pediatric OTs & OTAs includes practical push-in intervention ideas, classroom regulation strategies, yoga-based movement activities, sensory supports, and treatment planning tools designed specifically for school-based occupational therapists.