fine motor skills Archives | Therapy Network

Beyond the Therapy Room: Why OTs Love Working Where Children Learn

A child can show us so much in a therapy room—but sometimes the missing piece of the puzzle is seeing them in the place where they spend much of their week: school. From managing classroom routines and playground friendships to coping with noise, organising belongings, starting tasks and regulating big emotions, school places many demands on a child at once. From an Occupational Therapist’s perspective, seeing these everyday moments firsthand can provide incredibly valuable insight into what is helping a child participate—and what might be getting in the way. In this TTN OT Insight, we explore why our Occupational Therapists work in schools, what we are looking for during a school visit, and how collaboration between therapists, educators and families can help children feel more confident, capable and included throughout their school day.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, School Readiness, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

From First Finger Foods to Forks: The Bilateral Coordination Skills Behind Independent Eating

One of the most exciting milestones parents celebrate is watching [...]

Daily Living Skills, Feeding & Mealtimes, Fine and Gross Motor Skills|Comments Off

Crossing the Midline: The Hidden Skill That Helps Children Read, Write and Thrive

Have you ever noticed your child swapping hands while colouring, turning the whole page instead of moving their arm, or using one hand for almost every task? While these behaviours may seem insignificant, they can sometimes point to an important developmental skill that is still emerging—crossing the midline. Crossing the midline is one of the building blocks for handwriting, reading, sports, self-care, and coordinated movement. It allows both sides of the body—and the brain—to work together efficiently. When this skill develops well, children move more smoothly, learn more easily, and tackle everyday tasks with greater confidence. At The Therapy Network (TTN), Occupational Therapists regularly assess and support midline crossing as part of a child's overall motor development, helping children strengthen the foundations they need for learning, independence and participation.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

From Fists to Functional: Understanding Pencil Grasp Development in Children

Many parents worry when they notice their child holding a pencil differently from their peers. But did you know that pencil grasp develops gradually through a series of predictable stages? In this blog, our paediatric occupational therapists explain how pencil grasp evolves, what is considered typical at different ages, common misconceptions, and when it may be helpful to seek support. Learn how strength, coordination, posture, and play all contribute to successful handwriting.

Daily Living Skills, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, School Readiness|Comments Off

From Crawling to Climbing: How Movement Builds Brains, Boosts Learning and Helps Children Thrive

Movement Is the Brain's Favourite Teacher Children don't learn best [...]

Daily Living Skills, Fine and Gross Motor Skills|Comments Off

Dressing Up for Success: Helping Your Child Learn to Dress Independently

Learning to dress independently is a key milestone in a child’s development, promoting confidence, self-reliance, and fine motor skill growth. This blog explores practical strategies parents can use at home to support children in mastering everyday dressing tasks, while highlighting how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) guide families with tailored approaches to build independence, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News|Comments Off

Little Hands, Big Skills: 10 Simple Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills at Home

Fine motor skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, dressing, feeding, and play. Developing these skills doesn’t require complex equipment—simple, engaging activities at home can make a significant impact. In this blog, we share 10 practical and easy-to-implement activities that support the development of hand strength, coordination, and control, while highlighting how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) can support children to build these skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Daily Living Skills, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News|Comments Off

Is It Just a Phase? Knowing When Your Child Could Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Children go through many developmental phases, but sometimes challenges in daily life may indicate the need for extra support. This blog helps parents identify signs that occupational therapy (OT) might be beneficial, covering areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and emotional regulation. It also explains how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) work with children and families to build skills, confidence, and independence.

News|Comments Off

Disability Inclusion Profiles in Victorian Schools: How Occupational Therapist’s Can Make a Difference

Disability Inclusion Profiles (DIPs) are essential tools that help Victorian schools understand and support each student’s unique needs. This blog explores what DIPs are, why they are important, and how occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in creating them. By assessing a child’s functional abilities and collaborating with teachers and families, OTs ensure DIPs are practical, evidence-based, and student-centred. The blog also invites schools and families to connect with The Therapy Network to develop or enhance DIPs, fostering inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.

Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

Why We Value School Readiness at The Therapy Network: Preparing Children for a Confident Start

Starting or returning to school can be exciting—and a little overwhelming—for every child. At TTN, our School Readiness Program celebrates each child’s unique way of learning while helping them feel confident, regulated, and prepared for the year ahead. Through playful activities, social connection, sensory supports, and routine practice, children develop the skills they need to thrive in the classroom. Parents also receive practical tips to support the transition at home and at school, making the start of the school year a positive, empowering experience for the whole family.

Daily Living Skills, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

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