Building Blocks for Learning Occupational Therapy Approaches
Practical Strategies for the Inclusion of Special Needs in Primary School
Chapter One
Foundation Skills
Introduction to foundation skills
Foundation skills are the developmental building blocks for learning and
are essential for establishing firm foundations for everyday tasks. They
enable children to acquire age appropriate life skills and function successfully.
In essence, children learn the skills to:
* Look after themselves
* Work effectively in school
* Play
Occupational therapists have expertise in assessing foundation skill development
and identifying the link between acquisition of a foundation skill
and classroom performance. Occupational therapists use a variety of
approaches and interventions depending on the theoretical model used.
A 'top down' approach uses task analysis, modification and adaptation to
enable children to achieve functional tasks to enhance learning. 'Bottom
up' approaches are based on the assumption that, ... read full excerpt from Building Blocks for Learning Occupational Therapy Approaches: Practical Strategies for the Inclusion of Special Needs in Primary School ebook
