Occupational Therapists
All activities on this website can be used by therapists during their treatment sessions. However, in order to save time and to be able to focus on tasks that are more complex, these visual perceptual learn sheets can be recommended as a home program, as the child (with the help of parents) is able to work through these in their own time.
The TBA (Task-Based assessment) for grade 0/R
For Occupational Therapists only
Part 1 Cutting Skills
General:
Cutting skills (Part 1 of the TBA) is part of a bilateral assessment tool developed during a PhD thesis. As it is task-based, it can be used numerous times throughout the year.
The performance on the TBA is based on the amount of time spent in the grade 0/R year. The child’s age thus is not used to compare the skill level to the norm, but rather how long the child has been in grade 0/R. The reason for this is the fact that children have to be able to cope within their school year, no matter how old they are.
Therapists are able to photocopy the test (as long as the copy is clear). Each therapist is urged to practice the assessment on 3 ‘normals’.
How does it work:
The TBA (Task-Based assessment) for grade 0/R
For Occupational Therapists only
Part 1 Cutting Skills
General:
Cutting skills (Part 1 of the TBA) is part of a bilateral assessment tool developed during a PhD thesis. As it is task-based, it can be used numerous times throughout the year.
The performance on the TBA is based on the amount of time spent in the grade 0/R year. The child’s age thus is not used to compare the skill level to the norm, but rather how long the child has been in grade 0/R. The reason for this is the fact that children have to be able to cope within their school year, no matter how old they are.
Therapists are able to photocopy the test (as long as the copy is clear). Each therapist is urged to practice the assessment on 3 ‘normals’.
How does it work:
- The assessment is purchased online; it is a digital file, which you can download.
- It contains the Test Manual with background information on the test development. Further, it contains the Assessment Sheet as well as the Observation Sheet with the Scoring.
- It is recommended to video the assessment in order to assist with correct observations for scissor grip, cutting motion and cutting approach.
- Duration of the test is about 5 minutes and scoring is done afterwards with the use of the video recording.
- Once you have practiced your 'normals', you are ready to use the TBA with your clients.
- Fill in the observation sheets on scissor grip, cutting motion and cutting approach.
- Look up your results in the results section; this is done according to the months spent in the classroom, rather than the individual age of the child.
- Part 1 of the TBA is the assessment of cutting skills. The other parts of the test will be made available at a later stage. These include: name writing, drawing around an object, threading, buttoning, tearing and tying shoelaces.
- You may purchase this test online.
- As the test is mailed in digital format, you will need some equipment.
- One pair of right-handed and one pair of left-handed scissors. These should be round-nosed and about 13 cm long, in order to fit into the child's hand.
- Print one see-through overlay with the circle and square on it as you will need this to measure your results.
- Cell phone to take the video and also for timing.
- A ruler and a set square for measuring.
