Engagement is everything with our students!  If they are not fully engaged in the therapy activities, they may not get the full benefit.  Here are my top five tips for increasing student engagement during therapy sessions.  

Use Music

There is something about music that catches people’s attention and brings them together.  I like to sing songs when trying a new activity or when I’m working on increasing the amount of time a student engages in an activity.

Offer Choices

This may seem like a very obvious tip, but it is worth repeating!  I let my students choose the order of activities, the color of markers, what chair to sit in, etc.   If you can make something a choice in your session, do it! 

Use Multisensory Materials

I notice a huge increase in engagement when I use multisensory materials, such as manipulatives, playdoh, theraputty, blocks and gross motor activities, including flexible seating options!

Incorporate Novelty within Routine

This is something I have been doing a lot of this year, balancing new and exciting activities but also acknowledging our students’ need for routine.  During my individual and group therapy sessions, I follow the same schedule each week to help make things predictable for students.  However, within that routine, I may bring a new and exciting activity each week.  For example, we always start with a hand strengthening activity – so some weeks I bring playdoh, or theraputty with themed items hidden inside.  The routine and novelty combination has been super effective for student engagement!

Be Silly and Have Fun

This is my favorite tip lately.  It is OK to be silly and have fun!  Don’t be afraid to laugh and play.  I know, there are benchmarks to be met, data to be taken and assessments to complete – it can be a lot.  However, if you can take a moment to take a step back and just have fun, it can make a world of difference!