All posts by Allyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

Smart Tips for Year-End Success

May 20, 2025School-Based Practice, Therapist Resourcesexecutive functioning, fine motor, sensory strategies, therapist resourcesAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

As the school year winds down, therapists play a vital role in helping students transition smoothly while supporting carryover of skills during the summer. The end of the academic year isn’t just about closing cases—it’s a strategic time to restock, refocus, and empower families with tools to maintain progress. Below are smart tips for year-end success to focus on as you wrap up your school-based therapy services.

Smart Tip #1: Reflect, Reorganize, and Reset

Use the final weeks of school to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs restocking. This is the ideal time to refresh your therapy materials and take inventory of frequently used supplies.

Top Items to Restock Before Summer:

Ergonomic pencil grip tool for improving handwriting comfort and control

Pencil Grips – Essential tools for grasp development and writing support. Stock up here: Pencil Grips at Therapro

Ink Refills for LegiLiners – Don’t start next year with dry rollers: Ink for LegiLiners

LegiLiner Double Solid Line 3/8' tall, Pen Style Rolling Ink Stamp

Raised Line & Highlighter Paper – Great for visual and tactile feedback: Explore Paper Options

This is also a great time to tidy your space, digitize records, and prep templates so you can start strong in the fall.

Smart Tip #2: Prepare Students for Smooth Transitions

Transitions can be especially challenging for students with developmental, sensory, or executive functioning differences. Help families support consistency and reduce stress at home by sending home visuals and tools to keep routines familiar.

Recommended Tools for Families:

SchKIDules Deluxe Collection Box Set – A visual scheduling system that helps parents establish and maintain daily routines over the summer.

Sensational Fun – A helpful resource packed with sensory-based activities to keep kids regulated and engaged at home.

You can also send home personalized routine charts, task analyses, or social stories to reinforce carryover.

Smart Tip #3: Send Home a Summer Skill Maintenance Checklist

Instead of assembling and sending home summer kits (which may not be practical for every therapist), consider offering families a simple, printable guide packed with low-cost, everyday ideas. The Ready, Set, Summer! Home Activity Guide helps caregivers turn ordinary household items into meaningful skill-building moments.

Encourage families to weave therapy into daily routines and play—because supporting development doesn’t have to mean structured lessons or expensive materials!

What’s Inside the Guide:

🧺 Easy-to-find tools like clothespins, Tupperware, and sidewalk chalk
🛋️ DIY obstacle course ideas using furniture and masking tape
✂️ Fun ways to practice cutting, strengthening, and fine motor skills
🧠 Everyday activities turned into therapy moments (like sorting laundry!)
🛍️ Product recommendations including Therapy Putty and Adapted Scissors

📥 Download the Ready, Set, Summer! Home Activity Guide to share with families and caregivers today!

Smart Tip #4: Set Yourself Up for Fall

You know how hectic back-to-school season can be—so set up “future you” for success now. Clean and label bins, prep materials you’ll need in the first few weeks, and store go-to activities where they’re easy to find.

Need to upgrade your setup? Check out our Tools for Therapists, including Office Plus Everyday Wobble Chair, Office Adjustable Pivot Stool, and fidgets to promote better posture and productivity.

Smart Tip #5: Don’t Forget You

The end of the school year is a time to celebrate your hard work and impact. Make space for rest and recharge this summer. Whether you’re attending professional development, diving into a new book, or simply taking a break, your well-being is vital.

Looking to grow your skills? Therapro offers free on-demand webinars, blogs, and professional resources to support your learning all year long.

Final Thought:
The end of the school year is a moment to celebrate progress—and set students up for success. With a bit of planning and the right tools, therapists can empower families to keep the momentum going all summer long.

Wrap-Up with Confidence

As you wrap up this school year, know that the small steps you take now can ease transitions, prevent skill loss, and give both students and therapists a strong start for the fall. From summer activity ideas to transition tools and therapy essentials, Therapro is here to support you every step of the way.

👉 Explore all of these tools and more at Therapro.com!

Spring Purchasing Trends in Education

May 15, 2025School-Based Practice, Therapist Resourcesoccupational therapy (OT) tools, product spotlight, self-regulation, therapist resourcesAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

Spring Purchasing Trends in Education are in full bloom as educators and therapists look to refresh learning spaces and support student success. This season brings a surge in demand for tools that foster development, promote sensory regulation, and encourage hands-on learning. Explore the top trends shaping spring purchases—along with Therapro’s expert product recommendations to meet each need.

Spring Purchasing Trend #1: Sensory and Emotional Regulation

Products that aid sensory processing and emotional regulation are essential for creating inclusive and focused classrooms. These tools help students manage sensory overload and improve concentration.

Child wearing the ProPower Compression vest for sensory regulation

Therapro Recommendations:

ProPower Compression Vest for Kids: Offers deep pressure to help students self-regulate.
Calming Clips by Bouncyband®: These sensory fidget tools are designed to provide soothing relief in moments of overstimulation, whether at school, home, or on the go.

Spring Purchasing Trend #2: Inclusive and Adaptive Learning Tools

With a continued focus on inclusivity, schools are purchasing adaptive tools that cater to students with special needs.

Therapro Recommendations:

Adapted Scissors: A wide range of adapted scissor options are available to support students’ diverse needs- from tabletop scissors that support one-handed use to spring-loaded scissors for hands with decreased grip strength.
Visual Timers: Visual timers and schedules are an essential support for young learners and especially for learners still developing executive function skills.

Push down scissors assistive technology solution

Spring Purchasing Trend #3: Classroom Organization and Flexibility

Flexible classroom setups are increasingly important, and educators are investing in furniture and tools that can be easily adjusted to suit different learning styles.

Kore Kids Wobble Chair for dynamic movement while seated

Therapro Recommendations:

Kore Design Wobble Chair: Provides flexible seating that supports focus and comfort.
Collapsible Slant Boards: Easy to store and perfect for various learning activities. Helps with writing posture and provides stability for students with handwriting challenges.

Spring Purchasing Trend #4: STEM and STEAM Learning Materials

With the increasing focus on STEM and STEAM education, schools are investing in hands-on products that promote problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. These tools help foster engagement and deeper understanding of core concepts.

Therapro Recommendations:

Design & Drill Marble Maze: This interactive kit lets students design their own mazes, combining engineering, problem-solving, and fine motor skills to create a fun and challenging learning experience.
Flexitables: These innovative educational tools are designed to make learning math a hands-on and engaging experience.

Spring Purchasing Trend #5: Self-Care and Daily Living Skills

As health and hygiene continue to be top priorities, there is a growing emphasis on teaching students essential self-care skills. Products that support hygiene routines and promote independence are in high demand this spring.

Therapro Recommendations:

Self-Care with Flair!: This fun and engaging curriculum helps children develop essential self-care skills, such as grooming, dressing, and personal hygiene, in an interactive and empowering way.
Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion: A comprehensive resource for educators and therapists that supports effective teaching of essential self-care skills while accommodating diverse learning styles.

Spring purchasing trends in education highlight a focus on inclusivity, flexibility, and hands-on learning. From sensory regulation tools to STEM resources, these products help create dynamic and engaging learning environments. With Therapro’s range of specialized products, educators and therapist can find the right tools to meet the unique needs of their students and ensure a successful school year ahead.

The OT’s Role in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

April 16, 2025Daily Living, Sensory Regulation, Therapist Resourcesadaptive utensils, movement breaks, occupational therapy (OT) tools, product spotlight, self-care, self-regulation, sensory strategies, social participationAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle by supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From physical activity and sensory regulation to healthy eating habits and stress management, OTs empower individuals to build routines that enhance their overall health.

This Occupational Therapy Month, let’s explore key strategies OTs use to promote healthy lifestyles and share resources to support therapists in their work.

1. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Physical Activity & Movement 🚶‍♂️💪

Regular movement is essential for strength, coordination, balance, and overall well-being. Occupational therapists encourage fun, engaging activities that promote motor skills and physical fitness in both children and adults.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Movement & Mobility:

🔹 Wobble Chairs & Stability Discs – Great for improving core strength and active sitting in classrooms and therapy sessions.
🔹 Balance Boards & Stepping Stones – Help with coordination, balance, and motor planning while keeping movement engaging.
🔹 Therapy Balls – Ideal for vestibular input and postural control exercises.
🔹Resistance Bands – Fun ways to develop upper body strength, endurance, and proprioceptive input.

🔹 Browse more movement tools here: Therapro’s Move-To-Learn Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Incorporate movement breaks throughout the day to help children and adults maintain focus, regulate energy levels, and reduce stress.

Two Yellow Balance Pods used by OT’s in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles — Balance Pods

Kore Kids Wobble Chair used by OT’s in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles — Balance Pods

2. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Sensory Regulation & Mindfulness 🧘‍♀️

Managing sensory input and practicing mindfulness are essential for reducing stress and supporting mental well-being. OTs use sensory-friendly activities to help individuals stay calm, focused, and self-regulated throughout the day.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Sensory Support:

🔹 Fidget Tools – Support focus and self-regulation with tools like Therapro’s Fidget Kit and Koosh Ball Fidgets.
🔹 Weighted Products – Deep pressure input from Weighted Blankets, Compression Vests, and Shoulder Wraps can provide a calming effect.
🔹 Chews & Oral Motor Tools – Items like Chewable Jewelry and Bite-N-Chew Tips help with oral sensory needs and self-soothing.
🔹 Sensory Seating – Products like the Disc ‘O’ Sit Cushion promote active sitting while offering subtle movement input.
🔹 Therapeutic Brushes & Tactile Sensory Items – The Wilbarger Therapressure Brush supports sensory defensiveness, while Cuddle Balls provide rich tactile input.

🔹 Explore more sensory tools here: Therapro’s Sensory Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Create a sensory toolkit for home, school, or therapy sessions, including fidgets, weighted tools, and calming visuals to support self-regulation throughout the day.

Chewelry Necklace/Bracelet a tool OT's use in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles — Chewelry

3. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Healthy Eating Habits & Self-Care 🍎🥗

Nutrition and self-care routines are essential parts of a balanced lifestyle. OTs help individuals with feeding challenges, adaptive utensils, and personal care skills to promote independence in daily routines.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Mealtime & Self-Care:

🔹 Adaptive Utensils & Cups – Products like the TheraBear Drinking Cup and Maroon Spoons support individuals with oral motor and self-feeding challenges.
🔹 Plate Guards & Non-Slip Placemats – Tools such as the Inner Lip Plate and Dycem Mats help prevent spills and encourage independent eating.
🔹 Visual Schedules & Timers – Supports like the Time Timer can help establish structured mealtime and self-care routines.
🔹 Dressing & Grooming Aids – Items like Button Hooks, Shoehorns, and Zipper Pulls assist with developing dressing independence.
🔹 Oral Motor Tools – Whistles, straws, and chew tools aid in strengthening oral muscles for feeding and speech development.

🔹 Explore more daily living tools here: Therapro’s Daily Living Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Encourage families to set up predictable daily routines using visual schedules, timers, and adaptive tools to promote independence and reduce stress.

4. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Social Participation & Mental Health 🤝💬

A healthy lifestyle includes building meaningful relationships, developing social-emotional skills, and managing emotions effectively. OTs support clients in fostering social communication, emotional regulation, and self-awareness to promote overall well-being.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

🔹Social Awareness & Conversation Tools – Games like Let’s Talk Cubes and Webber® Photo Cards – What Are They Thinking? encourage turn-taking, perspective-taking, and conversation-building.
🔹 Coping & Self-Regulation Tools – The Big Feelings Pineapple and My Spark Cards Tool Box teach essential strategies for stress management and emotional resilience.

🔹 Explore more SEL resources here: Therapro’s Social-Emotional Learning Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Use visual supports, role-playing, and structured social games to reinforce emotional regulation, problem-solving, and positive interactions in therapy sessions.

Join the Conversation! 🗣

💡 What are your favorite OT strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles? Tag @Therapro in your social media posts!

Let’s work together to empower individuals to move, learn, and live well every day!