OT Tips

Spring Cleaning & Organization 

As children’s brains are developing, they require support and practice for higher-level executive functioning skills required for organization. At Newmark, we use the R.O.A.R. (Remove, Organize, Assess, Replace/Recycle) system to clean out and maintain binders. This system, along with the color code, helps children identify, categorize, and prioritize the contents in their binders to keep organized. As the new season approaches and families prepare for ‘Spring Cleaning’ we encourage you to apply these similar concepts at home in order to promote an opportunity for practice and a transfer of learning. 

Attached in the link below is a list of spring cleaning and organization tips to help children develop and improve their organizational abilities. By engaging kids in these tasks, you help them develop a sense of responsibility, improve their physical coordination, and establish lifelong organizational habits—all while making spring cleaning a fun and structured experience! 

OT Tips for Spring Cleaning & Organization 

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps 

• Why: Large tasks can overwhelm children and cause frustration. Breaking them down helps them feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete each step. 
• How: For example, instead of saying "clean your room," break it down into "put clothes in the hamper," and "make your bed." 

2. Create a Visual Schedule 

• Why: A visual schedule helps children understand what needs to be done and stay on task. 
• How: Use pictures or symbols and place these in sequence on a poster or board. This gives kids a clear structure and reduces uncertainty. 

3. Use Timers for Focused Cleaning Sessions 

• Why: Many children benefit from working in short bursts. Timers also help kids with attention and time management. 
• How: Set a timer for 10–15 minutes of cleaning, followed by a short break. 

4. Incorporate Movement 

• Why: Physical activity helps children stay engaged, especially if they have high energy or difficulty focusing. 
• How: Incorporate tasks that involve motor planning, like “marching to the laundry basket” or “jumping to pick up toys.” Use a dance or movement break in between tasks to help with attention regulation. 

5. Provide Sensory-Friendly Cleaning Tools 

• Why: Some children may have sensory sensitivities, and certain cleaning tools (like noisy vacuums or strong-smelling sprays) can be overwhelming. 
• How: Choose soft, ergonomic cleaning tools with child-friendly grips. If possible, opt for natural cleaners with light scents or unscented options. 

6. Create Sorting Systems with Labels and Colors 

• Why: Labeling helps with categorization, a key cognitive skill. Color-coded bins also make the process visually stimulating and help children organize. 
• How: Use bins for different categories (toys, books, art supplies, etc.). Label with words, colors, or pictures so that children can understand where each item belongs.  

7. Make It Fun with Music 

• Why: Music can provide structure, rhythm, and energy during tasks, which helps kids stay on track and motivated. 
• How: Play upbeat music and create a "cleaning playlist" for kids. Make it a fun challenge, like "Can we finish cleaning before the song ends?" 

8. Establish Routine Cleaning Habits 

• Why: Routine helps with consistency and encourages children to develop healthy habits. 
• How: Make cleaning part of a regular routine and encourage your child to do simple tasks daily to prevent things from piling up. 

9. Organize by Activity or Interest 

• Why: Kids tend to enjoy engaging with items based on their interests, which makes organization more meaningful. 
• How: Organize toys, books, and supplies by category (e.g., art supplies, building blocks, etc.). You can even ask the child to organize based on what they like most or use most often. Make It a Family Activity 

10. Make It a Family Activity 

• Why: Cleaning as a family helps children feel part of a team and makes the task less burdensome. 

• How: Schedule a family spring cleaning day where everyone pitches in. Turn it into a bonding experience with shared tasks and teamwork. 

Summer Sensory Development

As the school year ends, it’s important to continue fostering sensory experiences for our children over the summer. Sensory processing opportunities are abundant during this time, offering unique chances for our elementary and middle school students to explore, learn and develop in fun and engaging ways. By incorporating sensory experiences into your child’s summer routine, you can help promote their sensory development, regulate their nervous system and ensure a summer filled with exploration, growth and joy. 

1. Outdoor Adventures: Encourage your child to explore the great outdoors! Nature provides an array of sensory experiences such as feeling different textures like grass, sand and rocks under their feet, hearing the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind, and experiencing the varying temperatures and smells of the environment. Take trips to parks, beaches and hiking trails to immerse your child in these sensory-rich experiences. 

2. Water Play: Water play is not only refreshing but also an excellent sensory activity. Whether it’s swimming, playing in a sprinkler or simply splashing in a kiddie 

pool, water activities provide opportunities for tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular input. Water play can help regulate your child’s sensory system and promote relaxation and fun at the same time. 

3. Sensory-Friendly Events: Look out for sensory-friendly events in your community. Many local organizations and businesses host sensory-friendly movie screenings, museum days and other activities designed specifically for children with sensory processing differences. These events often feature reduced lighting and noise levels, providing a comfortable environment for children who may be sensitive to sensory stimuli. 

4. Gardening and Planting: Engage your child in gardening activities to stimulate their senses and foster a connection with nature. Planting seeds, watering plants and harvesting fruits and vegetables provide opportunities for tactile exploration, visual stimulation, and olfactory experiences. Gardening also promotes fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and a sense of responsibility. 

5. Sensory-Friendly Crafts: Get creative with sensory-friendly crafts that engage multiple senses. Activities such as finger painting, playing with kinetic sand and making DIY sensory bottles allow children to explore different textures, colors and materials while enhancing their fine motor skills and creativity. Pinterest and educational websites offer a plethora of ideas for sensory-friendly crafts suitable for all ages. 

Summer Sensory Activities Archives - The Chaos and the Clutter