OT pyramid of learning

We often refer to this pyramid of learning in OT when supporting a child that has been referred for therapy. When children struggle with learning, attention, or classroom behaviour, the reasons for it often stem from beneath the surface. 

This model illustrates how foundational sensory and motor skills support higher-level learning. Think of it like a building: if the foundation is weak, everything above becomes shaky.

The OT Learning Pyramid (from bottom to top)

1. Sensory Systems

   
   

   Vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, proprioception (body awareness), and vestibular (balance and movement). These are the basic ways we process the world.

   
   

2. Sensory Motor Development

   • Postural control

   • Balance

   • Motor planning

   • Body awareness

These help kids sit upright, move efficiently, and engage in physical tasks.

3. Perceptual Motor Development

   • Eye-hand coordination

   • Visual perception

   • Auditory processing

   • Fine motor skills

These are necessary for tasks like handwriting, cutting, and following instructions.

4. Cognition and Learning

   • Attention

   • Memory

   • Problem-solving

   • Academic skills

These sit at the top of the pyramid, relying heavily on everything below.

Why do we use this learning pyramid? If a child struggles with reading or sitting still, it might not be a purely academic issue—it could stem from challenges in sensory integration or motor control. These are the aspects that we look at assessing in OT and working on in therapy sessions. 

Christine He - Occupational Therapist at Kids Inspired