OT Toolbox

Five things I always have with me as a school-based OT! 👇
✨ 1. My clipboard – It’s more than just a clipboard! I keep evaluation forms, note paper, my Rocketbook for reusable notes, and a few quick screening tools in case I need them during a classroom visit.
✨ 2. Visual supports – Whether it’s a first/then board, visual schedule, or choice board, I always like having something ready to support students and teachers.
✨ 3. Fidgets – They’re great for helping students regulate, stay engaged, and participate during learning activities.
✨ 4. A variety of assistive technology (AT) – I keep things like modified scissors, different pencil grips, adapted writing tools, and other simple supports to let teachers and students try options before making recommendations. Seeing them in action helps everyone determine what works best.
✨ 5. A positive attitude and flexibility – Every school day is different! Being willing to problem-solve, collaborate, and adapt is one of the most valuable tools I bring.
Being a school-based OT means being ready for whatever the day brings—and having a few go-to tools makes all the difference!
💬 What’s one thing you always carry in your school therapy bag? Let me know in the comments!
Follow OT Toolbox | Sensory and Autism Specialist for practical school-based OT tips, resources, and trainings!

Don’t wait until back-to-school to hunt for your favorite templates.
Create one folder with:
✔️ Evaluation templates
✔️ IEP goal bank
✔️ Progress note templates
✔️ Teacher questionnaires
✔️ Parent forms
Your August self will thank you. 🙌
One of the best things you can do during summer break isn’t creating more work—it’s making the work you’ll already have easier.
Spend 20 minutes organizing your go-to forms into one folder before school starts. When August gets hectic, you’ll know exactly where everything is.
Your future self will be grateful. 💙
✨ Follow OT Toolbox | Sensory and Autism Specialist for school-based therapy tips, practical resources, templates, and ideas to make your school year easier. Save this post so you can come back to it before August!

School-based practice can feel isolating. Many therapists are the only OT, PT, or SLP in their building. They’re balancing large caseloads, difficult decisions, changing regulations, documentation, behavior challenges, collaboration with teams, and trying to do what’s best for students—all while having limited time to connect with others who truly understand the work.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors, teachers, families, and colleagues. The School-Based Therapy Community was created as a way to share those lessons, practical tools, and real-world strategies with others.
My goal was never to create just another membership. I wanted to create a place where therapists could learn, ask questions, find resources, feel supported, and connect with people who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of school-based practice.
At the heart of it, I started this community because I believe none of us should have to do this work alone. When we support each other, we become better therapists, stronger advocates, and more effective team members for the students and families we serve. 🔗 Join the School-Based Therapy Community. – Link in bio.

Sometimes Being a Great Therapist Means Learning the Game You Swore You’d Never Play 🎮😂
One thing I’ve learned over the years: if you want to connect with students, sometimes you have to enter their world first.
That might mean learning the difference between Minecraft and Roblox.
Listening to a 10-minute explanation of Pokémon evolutions.
Or pretending to understand whatever game they’re currently convinced is the greatest invention in human history.
What starts as “I’m doing this for rapport” somehow turns into me knowing more about virtual pets, battle passes, and block-building worlds than I ever planned.
But here’s the serious part:
Connection comes before influence.
Students are much more likely to engage, communicate, take risks, and learn from adults who genuinely show interest in what matters to them.
You don’t have to become an expert gamer.
You don’t have to love every game.
But taking a few minutes to learn about a student’s interests sends a powerful message:
“What matters to you matters to me.”
And sometimes that simple message opens more doors than any intervention strategy ever could.
Now be honest...
What’s the weirdest game, character, or hobby you’ve learned about because of a student? 👇

Mental health impacts so much more than feelings.
It affects attention, learning, behavior, communication, friendships, and participation in school.
As school-based therapists, educators, and support staff, we are often some of the first people to notice when a student is struggling. What may look like noncompliance, avoidance, or challenging behavior could actually be stress, anxiety, overwhelm, or difficulty coping.
The good news? Small actions matter.
✅ Build relationships
✅ Create predictable routines
✅ Teach coping skills
✅ Foster a sense of belonging
✅ Focus on connection before correction
Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected.
💚 Throughout June, we will be diving deeper into mental health in the School-Based Therapy Community. We will be exploring:
• Mental health statistics and trends in schools
• Signs students may be struggling
• The impact of mental health on learning and participation
• Practical strategies school-based therapists can use immediately
• Resources you can share with educators and families
Whether you are an OT, PT, SLP, school psychologist, counselor, teacher, or administrator, this is a conversation that affects all of us.
What is one thing your school does to support student mental health? Share below—we can learn from each other.
Join us in the School-Based Therapy Community to access this month’s resources, videos, downloads, live discussions, and our entire library of previous content.