1. Supporting Children's Transition to Kindergarten
Occupational Therapy tips, referral indicators and strategies

2. Time of change
New learning
Increased demands and expectations
Increased independence
Social challenges
Emotional growth
Individual differences- age, birth order, family situation, culture, EQ and IQ

3. Key Tips Acknowledge individual differences
Start where you are at, do what you can
Educate parents with written information and facts- raising children.net.au
Keep parents informed
Challenge your assumptions
Trust your instincts
Know when to refer
Act early

4. OT referral Indicators for a child 4.5-6 years starting school
No clear hand dominance and persistent swapping
Disorganized and inaccurate cutting-two hands, scissors upside down, no/poor stabilisation and shift
Weak pencil grasp- feint and poorly controlled pencil output trace, colour, draw
Poor group skills- waiting, turn taking, sitting on floor
Poor listen and follow instructions and organising self
Poor matching, sorting, puzzle skills
Sensory avoidance/sensitivity
Social challenges- greeting, answer questions appropriately, play cooperatively
Emotional immaturity- cries easily, cant handle mistakes, poor problem solving

5. Support Strategies Hand strength-
water from sponges, spray trigger bottle, playdough
Popping bubble wrap
Hand dominance-
working hand and holding hand
present in middle, finish tasks without swapping hands
Scissor use-
thumbs on top
move it move it

6. www.bbot.com.au celeste@bbot.com.au
Question time