In today's post, I'd like to delve into a topic that is dear to my heart as an occupational therapist with over two decades of experience in schools: the importance of prewriting skills. As we all know, writing is a life skill—a vital one that we use throughout our entire lives. However, it's crucial to recognize that writing doesn't just start with writing letters on a page. It begins with the development of foundational prewriting skills, something that can often be overlooked....

Child with dyslexia October is Dyslexia Awareness Month , a meaningful time to look beyond reading challenges and explore the whole-child experience. Dyslexia doesn’t just affect how a child reads—it can also influence how they feel, connect, and cope in daily life. A 2023 study  examined how dyslexia and mental health are linked, finding that children with dyslexia are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral challenges. These include internalizing difficulties such as anxiety and...

As COVID-born children enter kindergarten, many face speech, behavior, and readiness challenges. Learn how occupational therapists can support families and educators through development, task analysis, and screen-time guidance.