Date of Award

4-24-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Bethany Wiltjer, OTR

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

Children in school settings frequently spend extended periods seated in classrooms, which can make it difficult to meet their sensory and movement needs throughout the school day. When these needs are unmet, students may demonstrate behaviors that disrupt learning and limit participation in classroom activities. This capstone project addressed the need for sensory and movement opportunities within the school environment. Objectives included establishing a baseline of teacher knowledge related to the sensory systems, implementing movement breaks within daily classroom routines, and introducing sensory opportunities in hallways to support smoother transitions. The project was implemented with second- and third-grade classrooms. Outcomes indicated that structured movement breaks and sensory supports promoted improved regulation and increased on-task participation both in and out of the classroom setting. These findings show the role of occupational therapy in supporting student engagement in their primary occupation of learning.

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