The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT
The OT is IN is a podcast that blends education and occupational therapy to help families, especially those homeschooling their children. Host Sarah Collins is an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of three who has spent over 15 years supporting families, including her own children. She explains the reasoning behind an occupational therapist's approach so parents can apply it to their own family's needs, with a focus on executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Episodes offer practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at building a supportive learning environment for each child.
Episodes
When Capable Kids Can't Get Started: ADHD Task Initiation with Lori Flynn
Your child knows how to do the work. They understand the assignment. They may even tell you, "I know!" So why can't they get started? In this episode of The OT is IN, I'm joined by occupational therapist Lori Flynn, founder of OT4ADHD, to talk about ADHD task initiation and the gap that can happen between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lori introduces the NICE framework: Novelty, Inter
Why Cursive Is Making a Comeback (And What It Means for Your Child)
Is cursive handwriting still important for kids? And when choosing between cursive, print, and typing, does it really matter how our children put their thoughts on the page? In this episode of The OT is IN, Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, talks with homeschool mom, educator, and Grooved Learning founder Jenna Coleman about why cursive is making a comeback and what handwriting can contribute to learn
Spotting Hidden Roadblocks to Learning: what handwriting can tell us
If your child has practiced handwriting but it still seems harder than expected, it may be time to look beyond what is happening on the page. In this episode of The OT is IN, Sarah is joined by fellow occupational therapist, homeschool mom, and OT is INsiders cohost Tiffany Parsons. Together, they explore handwriting from an OT perspective, looking at the many motor and cognitive skills that work
Helping Kids Name What's happening Inside
If you're a homeschool parent who's ever wondered why your child has trouble noticing hunger, thirst, needing the bathroom, or even pinpointing their emotions, this episode may help you look at things differently. Many parents are familiar with sensory challenges, but interoception—sometimes called the eighth sense—isn't often discussed outside of occupational therapy. Understanding interoception
What I Wish I Knew When I Started Homeschooling- Dad Version
If you have ever wondered whether you're meeting all your child's needs as a homeschool parent, or worried that you might miss out on something important by doing things differently from traditional school, this conversation is for you. Today we're examining what success actually looks like in homeschooling, especially when it doesn't follow the standard playbook. In our family, hallmark milesto
Resetting Expectations for the New Homeschool Year/ what I wish I knew as a new homeschool parent
We're taking a clear look at what it really means to trust your instincts as a homeschool parent—while also navigating the pressure to measure up to systems and expectations that don't fit your child or your family. You'll hear directly about how to recognize when outside pressures are pulling you off course, how to distinguish between real needs and the fear of "falling behind," and why embracin
How to Raise Expectations Without Power Struggles in Your Homeschool
In this episode you'll hear about: Defining Success and Challenges in Homeschooling Encouragement for parents to define "success" for their own families Recognition that listeners may be pursuing a nontraditional educational path Parental questions about raising expectations without causing power struggles Sarah Collins's current family homeschooling dynamics (older children graduating or n
When Reading and Talking Both Feel Hard for Kids
In today's conversation, we dig into the real scope of speech-language therapy and why it's so much more than articulation drills—especially for homeschool families. We break down how feeding, reading, memory, and even a child's ability to follow instructions are deeply connected to language and brain development. We'll look at how challenges sometimes show up as frustrating behaviors, or why a s
Supporting Struggling Readers: Tips for Homeschooling Parents
If you've ever found yourself wondering when it's time to seek help for your child's reading progress, or questioned whether difficulty with letter sounds is a passing phase or something more, this episode will bring clarity. Today, we're unpacking what foundational literacy looks like at home—especially in homeschool settings where parents are both teachers and advocates. You'll hear clear, pra
Initiation and Follow-Through – Why Knowing What to Do Is Not Enough
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you have ever found yourself wondering why your child can't get started on a task, even when they seem to know exactly what to do, this conversation is for you. Today, we are digging into what's really going on when initiation just isn't happening—especially at home, where the lines between support and indep
Working Memory- Why Information Falls Apart Throughout the Day
Want practical ways to support skills like working memory, flexibility, and follow-through? Download the free Social Skills and Executive Functioning Guide to get started. If you've noticed your child starting tasks but never finishing them, forgetting multi-step directions, or struggling to remember what they just read, you may be seeing the effects of a working memory challenge. In this episode
Balancing Tech and Handwriting: Supporting Your Child's Growth
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're reframing handwriting as more than just pen-to-paper—it's a foundational skill that shapes how children learn, organize their thoughts, and even pay attention. In homeschooling, we have the flexibility to adapt instruction, but that also means making deliberate choices about how—and when—we build these co
Beyond Perfection: How to Foster Legible and Functional Handwriting
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've found yourself wondering if handwriting still matters in a digital world, or why your child's writing looks so different from their abilities in other areas, this episode is for you. We are unpacking the real value of handwriting for learning—both print and cursive—and why these skills deserve attenti
When Kids Need to Move: Creating Sensory Spaces at Home That Actually Help Regulation
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you have ever found yourself saying 'no' more than you'd like, or wondering how to support your child's sensory and movement needs at home without turning your space upside down, this episode is for you. Today we're looking at the actual environment our kids live and learn in—and why the way you arrange your
When Kids Can't Sit Still: Understanding What Their Bodies Are Telling You
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! d your child running, climbing, or crashing into things and wondered why movement seems to settle them rather than wind them up, this episode will get you thinking differently about what's driving that behavior. Today we're digging into proprioception—the often-overlooked sense that helps your child feel groun
The Emotional Power of Family Reading: Fostering Vocabulary and Connection
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've ever wondered whether reading aloud to your kids really matters once they're past the early years—or found yourself worrying that reading together is becoming stressful or too focused on performance and skill—this episode is for you. Today, we're exploring how read-alouds shift as children grow, and
Making Literacy Feel Natural in Your Everyday Life
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Download The Companion Guide For Why Reading Is Hard And What To Do About It If you've ever wondered why reading feels so different from day to day in your homeschool—why one lesson is smooth and the next is an uphill climb—this episode is for you. Today, we're looking at the five pillars of literacy from a mo
Rethinking Rhythm: Starting With Your Child, Not the Curriculum
Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If your homeschool days seem to run smoothly one season and unravel the next, this episode will help you understand why. Today we're exploring how the rhythm of your day shifts as your children grow and why what worked before may suddenly
Balancing Acceptance and Expectation: Building Executive Functioning in Homeschooling and Parenting
Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week we're exploring one of the most profound tensions parents face: finding the balance between fully accepting our children as they are, and encouraging them to stretch, grow, and gain independence. Drawing on neuroscience, executi
From Checklists to Flexibility: Helping Kids Plan Their Day
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Pam Barnhill—longtime homeschooler, former classroom teacher, and podcasting inspiration—for an insightful conversation about fostering independence and planning skills in homeschooled kids. Pam shares her own homeschooling journey, from her early days teaching preschool at home to launching her
Breaking Perfectionism: Encouraging Creative Process and Resilience in Art
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Ryan, who is a lifelong artist, educator, and founder of faith-based art initiatives, including Shako Art Space, the Maker Institute of Studio Art and Theology, and Made Makers—a K-12 online art curriculum rooted in theology. Ryan shares his inspiring journey from a childhood shaped by art as a
How Working Memory Shapes Literacy: Practical Tips to support the missing link between executive functioning and reading
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera shares her unique journey across disciplines—spanning neuroscience, psycho
Beyond Small Talk: Weather's Role in Learning, Connection, and Executive Function
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! t down with Ross Forsyth, Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Together, we explore an unexpected but universally relatable topic: the weather. From its role as a classic conversation starter to its powerful ability to spark curiosity and connection, we dive
Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Liz Downing, a pediatric occupational therapist from Wilmington, Delaware, whose passion for nature-based therapy and supporting children's emotional and sensory needs shines through her practice, In the Woods OT. We first connected at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, wh
Raising Resilient Kids: Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation in the Digital Age
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! m joined by the incredible Janine Halloran—a licensed counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families as they build their coping toolkits. Janine has dedicated her career to developing accessible, effective resources for families, from workbooks and activity cards to evidence-based
How to Spot and Support Social and Executive Functioning Skills in Your Child
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week I'm joined by Dr. Isabella "Bella" Tate, a pediatric occupational therapist and recent doctoral graduate, who shares her journey from New Jersey to Sacramento as a traveling OT. I first met Bella at the AOTA Conference in Philadelphia, where Bella was presenting her doctoral capstone research on the S
How Movement Influences Learning: OT Insights for Parents
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week I sat down with Tiffany Parsons, a pediatric occupational therapist and homeschooling mom with a deep passion for supporting families outside of traditional school settings. Tiffany shares her unique journey from clinic-based therapy to homeschooling her twin boys, and how that experience inspired her
Turning Letters Into Play: How Doodling Builds Handwriting Skills with Sarah Muldoon
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Sarah Muldoon shares her journey from working in school systems, where she noticed traditional methods weren't engaging kids—to self-publishing a series of imaginative, doodle-driven books that help children build core handwriting skills through play and storytelling. They dive deep into the foundational skill
Body Awareness- Indoor Activities
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're joined by Renee Mathews, an occupational therapist known for her innovative activity ideas geared toward kids both indoors and out. This lively conversation dives into Renee's journey from working in inpatient rehab to becoming a leader in the world of school-based teletherapy, where she helps students an
Teaching Kids Healthy Habits: Building Lifelong Wellness
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Ashton Tate, a passionate innovator in the homeschool community and creator of the FORM curriculum. Ashton takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing how his own struggles with health, self-confidence, and weight in his teen years inspired him to transform not only his life, but the lives of
Navigating the Teen Years: Building Connection and Independence at Home
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Ivan Hardcastle, an experienced occupational therapist and parent coach from Idaho with nearly two decades of expertise. Ivan shares his journey from therapy rooms to parent coaching, highlighting the powerful impact that empowered, informed parents can have on their children's development especi
Rethinking Note Taking: Strategies, Mindsets, and Making It Work for Your Child
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! who specializes in reading and writing instruction. Together, we dive deep into the world of note taking—what it really means, why it's essential, and how it can be tailored to fit every kind of learner (yes, even the ones who love doodling during Shark Week!). Michelle shares her personal journey of transition
Navigating Sibling Sensory Needs and Homeschooling Wins and Fails
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This episode takes a heartfelt look into the Collins family's homeschooling journey, especially focusing on the unique sensory and learning needs of my children, Annabelle and Kaleb. The conversation dives into how homeschooling allowed both Annabelle and Kaleb to better understand and support their own learn
Raising Resilient Learners: When and How to Talk About Diagnoses with Your Kids
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Gretchen Rowe for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about navigating learning challenges with neurodivergent kids. Gretchen shares her personal journeys through homeschooling, discussing everything from the decision to seek formal diagnoses for her children to the ups and downs of finding t
Tackling Homeschool Guilt and Finding Your Own Path with Kelly Edwards
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Kelly Edwards, a homeschool parent and creator of the 90 Minute School Day framework shares how early in her own homeschooling journey, Kelly's insights from podcasts and social media were a guiding light. We dive into Kelly's unexpected beginnings with homeschooling, the challenges she faced as a foster and ad
Modern Stress, Ancient Responses: Why Moms Need Rest and How to Get It
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I got the chance to sit down with Katie Cooper, a seasoned occupational therapist turned health coach, who shares her journey from burnout to wellness and how that fueled her passion for supporting other moms. Drawing from nearly two decades of OT experience and her own story of overcoming stress and overwhelm
Family, Finances, and Flexibility: OT Amirra Condelee on Real-Life Career Transitions
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Amirra Condelee—an occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and finance advocate who's passionate about empowering families to make intentional choices around work, family, and money. Amirra shares her fascinating journey from pursuing pediatric medicine to finding her calling in occupational the
Setting Up a Homeschool Day: Rhythm, Flexibility, and Presuming Competence
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We'll explore everything from setting the right mindset for both parents and kids, to adopting a belief in every child's competence—no matter their age or learning style. You'll learn how to foster a growth mindset, build routines that balance predictability with flexibility, and adapt activities for learners at
Shifting From Compliance to Connection: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're exploring a simple yet transformative shift in how we communicate with children facing social-emotional challenges: using declarative language. I'll break down exactly what declarative language is, how it differs from giving direct commands, and why this small change can make a big impact on fostering c
Using Music to Support Regulation, Learning, and Connection in Homeschooling and Therapy
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're welcoming Anna Galloway, an occupational therapist and music therapist whose passion lies in blending the power of music with the practice of OT. With a background that stretches from working in mental health, hospice, and early intervention to championing collaboration across therapies, Anna dives into h
Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support for Families
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Dr. Jody Jedlicka and I explore the signs and symptoms of APD, delve into its close connections with reading, speech, and even other sensory systems, and break down the process of getting a diagnosis. Most importantly, we highlight the hope and progress possible through effective treatments like auditory trainin
Misophonia Explained: Causes, Triggers, and Real Life Solutions
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Tom breaks down what misophonia really is, how it differs from simple sound sensitivity, and why it's so crucial for families to recognize the signs early. They discuss current research, the lack of mainstream resources, and practical, real-world strategies families can use to support children struggling with the
Strategies for Enhancing Cognitive Skills in Children
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Dr. Moore, a cognitive psychologist and the Director of Psychology and Research at LearningRx, brings her wealth of knowledge and experience. With a background that spans cognitive training, homeschooling, and ADHD, Dr. Moore is an advocate for understanding and nurturing the unique cognitive landscapes of every
Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I'm sitting down with Tere Bowen Irish, an occupational therapist with over 45 years of experience who specializes in mindfulness and yoga, particularly for kids who don't fit into traditional schooling. Tere's name kept popping up for her innovative work in blending occupational therapy, mindfulness, and moveme
Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I'm joined by fellow OT Sarah Anderson—an incredible therapist with over a decade of experience, now specializing in mental health. We dive deep into the intersection of OT and anxiety, especially how it shows up in neurodivergent kids with ADHD or autism. Sarah shares her journey into the mental health fiel
Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Joining me is my great friend and collaborator, Jackie Adrian. We've been friends since our early 20s, and today, we're thrilled to share something we've been working on together – our brand-new book that highlights the sensory processing journey of two chameleons, Sally and Seth. Jackie's not only an author and
Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Katie Zelinski discusses the intricacies of motor planning, also known as praxis, and its impact on handwriting and daily activities. Katie, with over 11 years of experience in pediatric OT and founder of The Well Balanced OT, shares her wealth of knowledge on how motor planning affects children, from dressing
Benefits of Outdoor Education to Meet Sensory Needs
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week I am talking with Rachel Tidd, an innovative educator renowned for her groundbreaking approach to learning through nature. Rachel has developed curricula like Wild Math and Wild Reading that I have been recommending to families for years. Her knowledge and insights into the outdoor learning world will
Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- Julie, a prolific author and expert in writing education, shares her journey from growing up with an award-winning author as a mother, to navigating the world of professional writing and homeschooling. We dive into the unique ways professional writers teach writing, contrasting it with traditional school met
Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers
Dysgraphia in children involves much more than messy handwriting. A child may have thoughtful ideas and strong verbal answers but still struggle to form letters, spell, organize sentences, or get those ideas onto paper. In this episode, Sarah Collins is joined by occupational therapist, author, and dysgraphia consultant Cheri Dotterer. Cheri explains the brain-body demands involved in writing and
Strengthening Executive Functions through Play: Insights from Carol Brown of Equipping Minds
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- I am welcoming Carol Brown, an expert in neuroscience and the founder of Equipping Minds. This episode dives into Carol's inspiring journey, motivated by her experiences and research, to better understand and enhance executive functioning. Carol shares how her personal experiences as a mother led to the devel
Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Rebecca Ray Hodgson, a dedicated occupational therapist based in New Zealand, is a professional who works closely with neurodivergent and chronically ill adults. Rebecca brings her personal lived experience into the discussion, sharing invaluable insights into the nuanced world of rest. Rebecca passionately u
Navigating Feeding Challenges from picky eaters to feeding disorders
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I'm so excited to share a conversation with my longtime friend and fellow OT, Hana Eichele. We go way back to when we were both starting our occupational therapy businesses, navigating the ups and downs of building something from the ground up. While my work has focused on supporting homeschool families with sen
Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Neurotypical Spaces: Practical Tips and Insights
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I address how to help children navigate group participation designed for neurotypical children, such as Sunday school, sports and summer camps, and offer practical advice for parents. I share my personal experiences as a mother and educator and explore how identity and family stories contribute to a child's cou
Ask The OT, A Special 50th Episode
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- I am thrilled to celebrate episode 50, where I deep into your most pressing questions in a special Q&A session. As part of my mission to support the homeschool community, I address the everyday challenges families and caregivers face, offering encouragement, practical strategies, and a sense of hope. I t
Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- Homeschooling is about so much more than academics—it's about connection, emotional regulation, and creating an environment where kids thrive. That's why I'm excited to share powerful strategies from Marnie Love, a Connected Families coach and occupational therapist, who specializes in teaching self-regula
Transforming Fashion for Sensory Needs: An Interview with Julia, Adaptive Apparel Pioneer
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I'm thrilled to introduce Julia, a dynamic problem solver who has combined her background in education and fashion design to create sensory-friendly and adaptive apparel for children with tactile sensitivities. Julia's journey took her from a fashion design student at Cornell University to working in special ed
Resources and Reassurance: Homeschooling Fears, Legal Questions, and Expert Tips
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've been feeling anxious about changes in administration and what that could mean for your homeschool journey, trust me—you're not alone. I've got a special guest joining me today—Cheri K. Sessions from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Not only is she an experienced homeschooling mom, but
Navigating Homeschool Priorities with Amy Sloan: From Family Dynamics to Crisis Management
Today we have the pleasure of hosting Amy Sloan. Amy is a second-generation homeschooler, an accomplished writer at Humility and Doxology, and the host of the Homeschool Conversations podcast. In this episode, we dive into the theme of prioritization, exploring how Amy balances homeschooling five children, navigating unexpected challenges like her son's cancer diagnosis, and maintaining a rich
Engaging Children Through Project-Based and Interest-Led Homeschooling
In this episode, I am sitting down with my friend Colleen Kessler, founder of "Raising Lifelong Learners." Colleen shares her unique approach to homeschooling with a focus on finding unique learning opportunities and tailoring education to each child's needs, especially for neurodivergent and gifted children. We'll chat about personalized education, the power of asking questions and leveraging co
Prioritizing Slow in Homeschooling: A chat with Leslie Martino
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Today, we are thrilled to have the incredible Leslie Martino, join us. She is a homeschooling mom, educator, and author of the inspiring book "The Joy of Slow." Join our conversation about the importance of slowing down in learning, finding balance, and igniting a love for education. Leslie shares invaluable
Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! In this episode, we'll explore Nicole Santiago's approach to collaborative problem-solving, her emphasis on intrinsic motivation, and how she successfully integrates these strategies into both her professional work and personal life. Nicole is a seasoned IEP coach and special education advocate, bringing a we
Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday Edition
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- In today's episode, I'm joined by Marnie Love, a seasoned homeschooling mom, certified parenting coach, and advocate for executive functioning skills. Marnie, who has been navigating the homeschool landscape for over two decades, shares her wealth of experience and insights, particularly within the "Connect
Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially During the Holiday Season
In this episode, we're discussing the world of early intervention with our special guest, Allison Carter, a seasoned occupational therapist with over two decades of experience. Allison provides insightful strategies for maintaining routines and supporting sensory needs during the chaotic December holiday season, ensuring our children are set up for success. We'll discuss the unique challenges f
Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills
I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Cynthia Heren, a mentor and team member behind the scenes, here at Homeschool OT. Cynthia's journey began when she discovered her family's neurodivergence through her child's occupational therapy sessions, leading to a broader understanding of autism, dysgraphia, and ADHD in her household. In today's episode, we'll explore how Cynthia has used OT strategies
Outdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- In this episode, we'll delve into the unique ways nature can enhance fine motor skills, core strength, and overall development in children. I will share my experiences with outdoor creative play using blow-up easels, while our guest, Carmela Trejo provides invaluable insights on respecting nature during th
Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- rinity Hart and I first crossed paths nearly two years ago at the Virginia Homeschool Convention, she is an entrepreneur and fellow homeschooler. I am fascinated by her hands-on learning products designed to make education a fun and sensory-rich experience for kids. Today, Trinity shares about being a ho
Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Today we're thrilled to be joined by Kelli Fetter, an OT and founder of Handwriting Solutions. She has previously been a part of our Handwriting Focus Group. Our conversation focuses on the interconnectedness of reading and writing skills, the importance of fine motor development from early childhood, and
Disability Inclusion and Homeschooling: Lindsey Larsen Shares Her Unique Perspective and Resources
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- We're joined by Lindsey Larson, an inspiring OT professional and homeschooling mom who found herself unexpectedly all-in on homeschooling following her daughter's severe stroke. Lindsey opens up about her unexpected shift into pediatrics and the creation of her impactful children's book, "Meeting Exception
Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney Bassard Explains it All
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Today Sydney Bassard, a speech therapist joins us to delve into the fascinating connection between literacy and speech development. She works with individuals with dyslexia and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. We'll explore everything from phonemic awareness hierarchies and wordplay to practical tips
Hyperlexia Uncovered: Navigating Challenges and Developing Strengths
Today, we're delving into a topic that's as fascinating as it is essential—hyperlexia. We will explore the unique attributes and challenges of hyperlexic learners, understanding how their remarkable ability to decode words can sometimes mask deeper comprehension struggles. We'll unpack the strategies and tools that can help these learners thrive, discuss common misconceptions, and share practic
Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland's Approach and Homeschooling Tips
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT Visit the Homeschool OT Website In this episode, we explore the unique challenges and triumphs that come with teaching dyslexic kids at home. We'l
Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self-Care and Family Support
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT Visit the Homeschool OT Website --- In this episode, I'm joined by two friends, Trish and Julie to talk about the world of self-care, sensory r
Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! In this episode, Dr. Roseann and I explore the importance of moving beyond clinical labels to understand under and overstimulation signs such as unfocused behavior, memory issues, and emotional irritability. Dr. Roseann emphasizes the critical role of parental self-regulation in supporting children, discusses
Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Whitney Whitten and I talk about the concept of co-regulation, discussing how parents can influence their children's state of regulation through purposeful actions and words. We share many practical tips for self-regulation, like using earplugs to manage overstimulation or engaging in calming oral activit
Parenting with Co-Regulation
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! In this episode my guest, Gigi Vincent, delves into her role as a homeschooling mom and postpartum doula, emphasizing self-regulation and personal growth as vital components of co-regulating with children. She shares practical tips on preparing children for challenging activities, recognizing and eliminating tr
Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- In the BONUS episode, I'm answering your questions about response inhibition—an essential executive functioning skill often seen in terms of impulsivity or impulsive behaviors. Drawing insights from our previous 4 episodes, we'll explore practical ways to support your child's development in this area. Wheth
Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- As a parent, it can be scary to let your children engage in activities that seem dangerous, like climbing trees, riding bikes, or playing rough. But research shows that taking age-appropriate risks through play is actually crucial for children's development - physically, cognitively and emotionally. When
Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- In this episode, I sit down with Greta Eskridge, a second-generation homeschooler, former public high school teacher, and homeschooling mom of four. Greta is passionate about protecting children's innocence and combating the dangers of pornography in our increasingly digital world. Throughout the episode,
Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind
Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Today's episode is all about preparing for emergencies - whether it's hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or any other unexpected events. We'll be sharing practical packing lists and planning strategies that can truly make a difference when disaster strikes. We'll discuss the importance of planning on calm day
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