OT Tools to Empower Young Learners

Funded Jan 23, 2024

I am delighted to share with you the positive impact your generous donation has had on the students of PS222, particularly those in K-2nd grade who receive Occupational Therapy (OT) services. Your support has made a big difference in their learning experience, and I am excited to express our heartfelt gratitude.

Thanks to your contribution, we have been able to provide essential supplies that directly benefit our young learners. The foam and inflatable cushions for flexible seating have allowed us to engage in OT games and activities in a variety of locations around the school. Students have benefited in the classrooms as well, as the cushions provide a more sensory-friendly option for students who otherwise struggled to sit on a rug next to their peers. Given a more comfortable and dynamic place to sit that can be easily moved around the classroom depending on where the learning is taking place, my students are now able to participate with their peers in a more inclusive way.

Many of my students also struggle with hand muscle weakness that affects their ability to manipulate classroom tools (like pencils and scissors), open containers, and manipulate buttons and zippers. Your donation of therapy putty has allowed me to work with these students to strengthen the small muscles of their hands, and they especially love "digging for treasure" by finding coins hidden inside. One of my students specifically is so proud of her increased hand strength that she often comes into therapy telling me about something new that she was able to open at home, like a brand new water bottle or soda can. In the past, she would speak about how her hands weren't strong enough and would ask me and other adults to assist her before even trying by herself, so I am especially joyful about her newfound confidence in her fine motor skills.

For other students with hand strength difficulties, an important goal has been improving their ability to effectively hold writing utensils so that they can write and draw without hand pain or fatigue. Those students have greatly benefited from using the variety of new adaptive pencil grips in both the classroom and during OT sessions. Recently, the grips definitely came in handy when we wrote birthday cards for our school's theater teacher and engaged in spring-themed guided drawing activities.

Personally, my favorite material from this project is the laminating machine. While it may not be as flashy as the scooterboard or craft supplies that my students absolutely love, the laminating supplies have allowed me to create visuals for therapy rooms, classrooms, and hallways. Some of these have been individualized for specific student needs, while others were generalized to benefit the entire school. These include name signs for a student's desk to model how to write their name, visuals around the classrooms to help students identify their emotional state and facilitate self-regulation, and signs at the elevators on each floor to help students orient RIGHT and LEFT for spatial awareness. Each day I see more and more ideas online for laminating inspiration from other therapists and teachers, and the possibilities seem endless.

I am thrilled to report that we have witnessed great progress and growth in our students since the implementation of all the resources you helped provide. Your generosity has not only provided tangible resources but has also instilled a sense of support and encouragement in our school community. Together, we are creating an inclusive environment where every child has the tools they need to thrive.

On behalf of the students, parents, teachers, and staff at PS222, I extend my deepest gratitude for your belief in our mission and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students. Your donation has made a lasting impact that will continue to benefit our school for many years.

Thank you once again for your invaluable support!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Arianna (OT)