Building School Readiness Skills – Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology Support for Every Age

School readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. Children need strong motor skills, communication abilities, attention, and emotional regulation to fully participate in learning. Occupational therapists and speech pathologists work with children to build these foundational skills before and throughout their school years.

Preschool

Preschool readiness focuses on play-based learning and foundational development.

• Develop hand strength and coordination through playdough, puzzles, climbing, and messy play

• Encourage early language development by naming objects, actions, and emotions

• Practise following simple instructions during play and daily routines

• Support sensory processing through movement, outdoor play, and calming strategies

Therapy at this age supports confidence, curiosity, and readiness to engage in group learning.

Primary School

As children move into primary school, readiness skills become more structured and task-focused.

• Support handwriting readiness, posture, and pencil grip

• Improve listening skills and comprehension for multi-step instructions

• Encourage peer interaction and cooperative play

• Develop attention and task persistence through structured routines

Occupational therapy and speech pathology help children keep up with classroom expectations and learning demands.

High School

For high school students, readiness means managing increased academic pressure and independence.

• Support written expression and note-taking skills

• Teach organisation strategies for assignments and exams

• Develop social communication skills for group work and peer relationships

• Address sensory sensitivities that may affect learning and concentration

With the right supports, students can develop independence and confidence in their learning.