Jefferson Early Childhood Center

Throughout the course of the year, the Occupational Therapist in each classroom may lead several group activities. These groups will vary according to thematic units, teacher preference, as well as student needs and skill level. Groups help improve a student’s attention to a task as well as group interaction. In addition, OT groups will target a number of areas including sensorimotor, fine and visual motor skills.

Sensory Motor Groups: Children learn from their environment. They organize information gathered from their senses to perform daily activities. Sensorimotor groups work to help students organize sensory and motor experiences. They may incorporate activities that focus on the development of balance, eye-hand coordination, posture, strength and stability, refinement of movement and improvement of body awareness for better motor planning. The development of these sensory and motor skills enable students to attend, practice and succeed in skills such as coloring, writing and self-care skills necessary for school success.

Fine Motor Groups: These groups will focus on hand and finger development and strength which are necessary for many functional school skills including coloring, cutting, manipulating clothing fasteners and using utensils.

Visual Motor Groups : Eye-hand coordination skills are important for cutting accurately, copying shapes, pre-writing, coloring within lines and assembling puzzles. These skills will help children develop the necessary skills for future tracking when reading and copying letters.