This is a much requested and much anticipated look at my home office as I have shown sections of my space over the years.  January is the best time for me to do this video as it is when my office is used the least (and therefore the neatest it ever is!).

For context, I am a practising paediatric occupational therapist who works "mobile" visiting homes, preschools and schools. This home office is used for my own requirements and is not shared with other therapists (although I have enough resources to share). I don't see any children in my home. There are some supplies, toys and resources that my own children will use within this room. 

This room tour is not a "shopping list" and the resources gathered have been a result of many years of practice with a range of children.  

I am a big fan of Cas from "Clutterbug" and through her quiz have discovered my organisational styles.  I am a predominantly a "bee", a visual organizer who likes to see their everyday used items out in the open. Bees also tend to be perfectionists who like a detailed organizing system, with many categories for their things. A Bee struggles more than any other type with letting go (hmm, this is true). 

However, I also like to hide some of my storage away like a "cricket". Crickets are hidden organizers who prefers to have their items stored behind closed doors. They are also detail oriented and like to sort their items into many, small categories. A Cricket doesn’t mind stopping to open a lid or sort items when putting things away. If I didn't hide away some of my resources, I think I would feel overwhelmed in this space.  

Since finding the systems that work for me, it makes it a lot easier for me to plan for my sessions as this all needs to be done before I head out the door. 

I tend to plan for the week ahead with an assortment of therapy bags.  I group similar children when planning my sessions/bags. (eg. developmental delay/younger children, early writers, regulation/social skills and older writers). I use toys/resources that can be adapted with levelling up or simplifying activities as needed. ​

The full home office tour is available on this you tube video (use this link if you can't see it below)... ​https://youtu.be/b8S0Pi4Uxc4

As I mentioned in the video,  I store some larger gross motor equipment (balance boards, peanut ball, etc) in my garage so that I can pop them directly into my car on the way out to my sessions. 

This room will always be a work in progress as my practice changes and as I continue to work. I would gradually like to update some of the handwritten signs on folders and declutter some resources.  With the current storage, I aim to shop less this year and "shop" my own resources before seeking them elsewhere (although I do need some new wikki stix). Another goal for myself is to check worksheets that I have already printed before printing new ones!

Do you like a good organisation system? Are you a bee, a cricket or something else?

I know that I didn't show you all the contents of every container (that would have taken too long for this video). Let me know if you would like a closer look at any resources. If you follow me on social media, you will see items that I use frequently!

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. 
​​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
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January is when Australians start to think about returning to school after a wonderful summer break.  From the sand between our toes, fun with family, carefree days .... to backpacks, uniforms, lunch boxes and shoes! Whether you are 2 weeks, 2 months or 12 months away from starting school, this is still for you! 

School readiness can mean many different things to different people. I have a host of articles that talk about school readiness which I'll leave links to below. 

This year I have updated my popular "school readiness checklist" (originally created in 2014).  The content in this newer version is slightly adjusted and presented with a new design. 

The information in the checklist is based from standardised tests includine the HELP 3-6 Checklist, The Miller Function & Participation Scales, The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and the Beery VMI (Visual-Motor Integration). The checklist is not exhaustive and was developed to provide a snapshot of where you child is currently performing and what they may need help with completing. Language is only briefly touched on and you should seek advice from a speech therapist if you have concerns with your child's receptive or expressive language. 

It would be appropriate to use this checklist in the year before your child begins formal schooling. The school readiness checklist was compiled to provide an overview of a child’s visual motor skills, fine motor and pre-writing skills, gross motor skills, cognitive and problem solving skills, social, language and emotional skills, and self-care (independence) skills. There is a wide range of expectations for children beginning formal schooling and this may change from one local area to another. The starting age for school may also vary depending on your state or country of residence.

Terms of use: This checklist should be used as a guide only. This school readiness checklist is not a standardised test and can not be used to gauge age-norms. It this therefore not appropriate for use in research projects.

​This checklist may be used by parents, educators and health professionals for their own use with a child or children in their care. This checklist should not be distributed. Further free copies may be obtained from Your Kids OT. If you have concerns with your child's development, please contact your local health professional for an assessment of your child's individual needs.

Being a parent of a child starting school for the first time can be daunting. What do we need? What do we need to set up at home? How can we help our children transition to school without tears and tantrums. 

Planning ahead is an important step for parents and I have created a checklist for you too! This is also a free printable available at the YKOT shop. 

A special section for older children is included with this checklist.  My youngest child is starting highschool and this transition can be just as daunting if not more so that starting Kindergarten.  

For more information on school readiness:

• Five ways to get your child's body and mind ready for school.
• 10 Things to practice before starting big school. 
• Essential Social Skills to survive the school playground.
• I'm ready for school! Lift the flap morning checklist.


• Are you supporting a child with their first year at school? Do you have an older child starting a new school or moving into high school?  
  
  One thing that I left off the parent edition ... what do you have planned after drop off on the first day of school? ! Whether you are rejoicing and celebrating or a bit teary, it's always a good idea to have something planned after the first drop off.  Morning tea with fellow parents?  A treat at the hair dressers? 
  
  I would love to hear how your preparation for the start of school goes and what you have planned after that first drop off! 

​

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​
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