Preparing for a virtual school year? Read on to find tips to help students prepare for their teletherapy sessions. If you’re a parent or therapist, don’t forget to grab the FREE PRINTABLE to keep near your student’s workspace to remind them what’s needed for their virtual visits.

It’s that time of year again! Another year of back to school.

I know you may be feeling unsure and nervous about supporting your child remotely, especially if your child has special learning needs.

Just as your child’s school therapists have been supporting your child in the school environment with their learning needs, we are ready to facilitate virtual learning in the home environment.

Students may not need all the back to school supplies and new clothes for virtual learning, but there are some important things to get ready to make the most of your virtual therapy sessions.

If your student will be doing virtual learning here are 10 recommendations to getting your year off to the best start possible!

1. Designate a quiet area where therapy sessions can take place. Make sure there’s a little space to move too if possible. Headphones can also help to increase your child’s focus on your therapist on screen.

2. A small desk and chair so that your child’s feet can touch the ground is best. If not, using a standard size desk or chair and having a footstool so little feet are not dangling is preferred.

3. Therapy works best when caregivers can be involved in the session and are available to assist their students. Think ahead and schedule therapy when you or another caregiver are available to assist your child. Each session will allow for time to discuss what’s working/what’s not working in regards to your child’s learning.

4. Keep the log-in to your therapist’s virtual room near your computer for easy access. Make sure to close out all tabs prior to the session to allow for the best connection possible.

5. Be sure to inform your therapist what type of electronic devices you have at home: desktop, chromebook, ipad, iphone.

6. Get some basic supplies ready and keep them stored in a small bin for easy access. Some of the most frequently used items could include:

• paper (lined and colored)

• markers/crayons

• playdoh

• coins

• beads for stringing

• scissors

• blocks

• a deck of playing cards

• a small ball or scarf

• glue or glue stick

• Be sure to let your therapist know of any other games/school supplies you have handy.

7. Our goal as your child’s therapist is to support your student with their educational goals. Be sure to take notes during the year of assignments that are difficult for your student so we can help you problem solve alternative solutions.

8. Don’t stress if your child is slow to warm up to his/her therapist. Some children experience anxiety being on camera. In the beginning, sessions can be done with the video off until your child is more comfortable.

9. Inform your therapist of the best ways to communicate with you in between sessions. Do you prefer text, email, videos, etc?

10. Share your child’s interests and learning style with your therapist. This helps us to find motivating ways to help your child learn.

Need a reminder of this list? or Are you a therapist working virtually this year and want to encourage your student’s to become more independent?

Don’t hesitate to communicate openly with your therapist throughout the school year. We will be here to support you and your child to learn and grow together!

It’s also very normal to have lots of feelings of anxiety and worry about this new way of learning for your family. Check out this great resource from consumersadvocate.org if you’re needing more support!

If you liked this post, check out these too!

5 tips to start your teletherapy school year off right + FREE PRINTABLE!

How should special education related services be delivered during distance learning?