If your child’s occupational therapist has suggested they can help with reading challenges, you might be wondering how OT fits into your child’s literacy journey. Perhaps you’ve noticed your child struggling to track words on a page, frequently losing their place while reading, or becoming physically restless during reading time. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but understanding the connection between physical readiness and reading success can help you better support your child’s learning.
Many parents are surprised to learn that occupational therapy can play a supportive role in reading development. While systematic, explicit phonics instruction remains the foundation of effective reading education, occupational therapy can help create optimal conditions for this learning to take place. Let’s explore that idea.
How an Occupational Therapist Supports Reading Development
Occupational therapists focus on the underlying physical and developmental skills that contribute to successful reading. While they don’t replace systematic phonics instruction, they can help address specific challenges that might interfere with a child’s ability to engage effectively with reading instruction.
Physical Readiness for Reading
OTs can help children develop:
- Visual tracking skills needed to follow text across a page
- Body positioning and core strength for sustained reading
- Fine motor control for writing and page-turning
- Visual-motor integration for reading fluency
Supporting Systematic Reading Instruction
Occupational therapy can complement systematic phonics instruction by:
- Preparing students physically for learning
- Supporting attention and focus during lessons
- Developing underlying skills that make explicit instruction more effective
- Providing strategies for students who struggle with traditional learning approaches
When to Consider OT Support
Consider consulting an occupational therapist if your child shows these signs during reading instruction:
- Difficulty maintaining focus on text
- Frequent skipping of lines while reading
- Physical restlessness during reading activities
- Struggles with visual tracking
- Shows signs of eye fatigue or strain
Note: These signs may suggest an underlying issue, but only a qualified professional can assess whether occupational therapy is the right approach for your child.
The Connection to Reading
It’s important to note that occupational therapy is not a replacement for systematic, explicit phonics instruction. Research consistently shows that structured literacy teaching remains the most effective approach to reading education. However, OT can create optimal conditions for this instruction by:
Supporting Physical Prerequisites
- Helping children maintain proper posture
- Developing eye muscle strength
- Improving hand-eye coordination
Enhancing Learning Readiness
- Teaching self-regulation strategies
- Providing sensory integration techniques
- Supporting sustained attention
Evidence-Based Strategies from OT
Occupational therapists often use these research-backed techniques to support reading readiness:
Small Movement Exercises
- Eye palming for visual fatigue
- Pencil-to-nose exercises for visual tracking
- Crossing midline activities for brain integration
Tools and Supports
- Specialized seating for optimal positioning
- Visual tracking aids
- Modified lighting or text presentation
Movement Breaks
- Structured physical activities between reading sessions
- Balance exercises for body awareness
- Coordination activities that support visual-motor skills
Integrate OT with Reading Instruction
For optimal results, parents should ensure:
- The primary focus remains on systematic phonics instruction
- OT services complement, not replace, evidence-based reading teaching
- Communication exists between reading teachers and occupational therapists
- Progress is monitored in both physical readiness and reading skills
Make Informed Decisions
When considering occupational therapy for reading support:
- Start with a strong foundation in systematic phonics instruction
- Consult with both reading specialists and OTs
- Look for evidence-based approaches
- Monitor progress through objective measures
- Maintain consistency between therapy and instruction
Support Your Child’s Reading Journey with OT and Phonics
Creating the right environment for reading success often means bringing together different types of support. While your child’s occupational therapist helps develop the physical skills needed for reading, remember that systematic phonics instruction provides the essential foundation for reading success. By working with both your OT and reading specialists, you can create a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and educational aspects of reading development.
Want to learn more about how to support your child’s reading journey? Explore our evidence-based resources for parents at Phonics.org, where we offer practical strategies for combining different approaches to help your child become a confident reader.
