Back-To-School success Tips from a Physical Therapist

The start of a new school year is fun yet busy. While families often focus on school supplies, schedules, and classroom routines, it's equally important to prepare children's bodies for the physical demands of the school day.

Every child of every ability can benefit from thoughtful preparation to help them move confidently, participate fully, and feel successful at school.

Here are some practical tips to help make the transition back to school smoother for every child.

Get in Touch with Your School Therapists

If your child has an IEP and/or therapists at school, it's always a good idea to find out who they are working with, when they will see your child, and what their goals are for the school year. This helps prepare your child and reduce difficulty with transition to therapy during school. If there is anything you know they will need help with, let the therapist know (climbing stairs to get to a classroom, opening their lunch box, etc.).

If they are receiving outpatient physical therapy services, you can start working on some of these goals before even returning to school, to help make the transition even simpler!

Practice Backpack Safety

Backpacks should support learning—not contribute to pain or poor posture.

Choose a backpack that:

• Fits your child's body size.

• Has two wide, padded shoulder straps.

• Sits snugly against the back.

• Is no heavier than 10–15% of your child's body weight.

Teach children to wear both shoulder straps instead of slinging the backpack over one shoulder.

For children who use mobility equipment, some things to keep in mind are:

• Will a rolling backpack or crossbody bag of some sort work?

• Can you use carabiners or other tools to attach the bag to their mobility device?

• Some stores sell adaptive backpacks now (Target)

• Choose a bag that they are able to open and close independently if possible

  
  

Shoes and Equipment!

Now is a great time to make sure your child's shoes still fit. If they wear orthotics (AFOs, SMOs, TLSO, etc), are those fitting well or are they due for new ones before the school year starts? If you have a PT, have them check orthotics and equipment to make sure they are in good working condition before they go to school.

Strengthen Core Muscles Through Play

Core strength supports posture, handwriting, balance, and attention during seated classroom activities.

Fun ways to build core strength include:

• Animal walks

• Obstacle courses

• Swimming

• Yoga for kids

• Climbing playground equipment

• Dancing

Children don't need formal exercises—movement through play is one of the best ways to build strength. Check out my blog post from last week which addresses lots of summer gross motor play.

Communicate with the School

Some common issues that arise around the first day of school include:

• Accommodations or equipment needs- if your child needs a certain chair, stander, etc. at school, does the school have it ready for them to use?

• Playground accessibility- can your child not only access the playground, but can they play with their peers? If they need assistance, is there someone available during recess to help them get around?

• Transportation- if they ride on the bus or in a van, is it confirmed for the first day of school? Will they be riding in the seat or in their wheelchair? Do they have the appropriate restraint harness and vehicle tie-downs?

• Ensure emergency procedures are understood- for example, if they have rescue medication in the event of a seizure, do caregivers know how to use it?

Talk to Your Kids About Diversity and Inclusion

Everyone is different which makes our world beautiful. If we talk to our children about this from a young age, it will help them to grow to be accepting and loving towards everyone. If you have a child that has never seen a mobility device before, they may have a lot of questions if they see one at their first day of school. It is important to have inviting conversations about the different ways that people can be mobile and different equipment in their lives. Some of my favorite ways to do this are through books and youtube videos. My favorite YouTube channel is The Able Fables, who also has several books that highlight disabilities and inclusion. We keep some of these books in our house to read regularly and there are also read-alongs on YouTube.

I have shared on my Amazon Storefront some of my favorite inclusive books. Click here if you want to add some to your library!

Final Thoughts

School is about much more than academics. It's about participating, exploring, building friendships, and developing confidence. Whether your child runs across the playground, uses a walker, rides in a wheelchair, or navigates the world in their own unique way, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive at school.

Here's to a safe, active, and successful school year for all learners!