The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

Sarah Collins
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.

  1. 4d ago

    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, Interest, Challenge, and Extreme Urgency. We talk about practical ways parents can use these ideas to help children get started without lowering expectations. From adding a little novelty to a familiar routine, to connecting learning with a child's interests, to creating small but meaningful deadlines, this conversation is full of ideas you can try in your homeschool. We also talk about why a strategy that works today may not work forever, how too many choices can create another executive functioning demand, and why helping children discover what works for their brains is an important step toward self-advocacy. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why knowing what to do doesn't always mean a child can get started Task initiation and executive functioning in ADHD Lori's NICE framework: Novelty, Interest, Challenge, and Extreme Urgency How to add novelty without losing the predictability of your homeschool routine Ways to connect schoolwork with your child's interests Using a just-right challenge to encourage initiation Why urgency can help and how to create small, critical deadlines without relying on last-minute stress Breaking large tasks into smaller, actionable steps Why some strategies lose their effectiveness over time Helping children recognize and communicate the supports that work for them Try the NICE Framework at Home I've created a free companion guide to help you take what you hear in this episode and apply it to your own homeschool. Use the Moving From Knowing to Doing: NICE Guide to identify a dreaded task and brainstorm ways to add novelty, interest, challenge, or urgency. Download the NICE Guide:  Moving from Knowing to Doing- NICE Guide Thank You to Our Sponsor, CTCMath Thank you to CTCMath for sponsoring this episode of The OT is IN. When we're thinking about task initiation, it helps to look not only at the child, but also at how the work is presented. A long or complicated assignment can add another barrier when a child is already having trouble getting started. That's one reason CTCMath has worked well in our homeschool. The lessons are short and clearly organized, so my child can see what needs to be done without facing an entire page of problems at once. That doesn't make task initiation challenges disappear, but it can help make the first step feel more manageable. Sometimes we don't need to lower the expectation. We need to think differently about the support. Try CTCMath free HomeschoolOT 40% off CTCMath discount Connect With Lori Flynn Lori Flynn is a practicing school-based occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience and the founder of OT4ADHD, a platform dedicated to supporting students with ADHD through professional development and actionable resources. She specializes in helping misunderstood learners succeed by shifting the focus from "trying harder" to trying differently, Her knowledge and passion surrounding ADHD is shaped by extensive ongoing continuing education and lived experience.Learn more about Lori and find her ADHD resources at OT4ADHD: Lori's Website Connect with Lori On Facebook Connect With Lori On Instagram Continue Learning With HomeschoolOT Join The OT Insiders Membership Inside OT is INsiders, we take ideas from the podcast and talk about how they apply to real homeschool days, with practical applications and live Q&A. Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers What Are Executive Funtioning Skills? Field Trips Can Build Executive Functioning Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help Episode 66: The Power Of Declarative Language Episode 71: Raising Resilient Learners

  2. Sep 24

    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 learning, memory, and confidence. Together, Sarah and Jenna explore the differences between cursive, print, and typing, what research tells us about handwriting and learning, and why handwriting is about much more than neat penmanship. They also discuss explicit handwriting instruction, multisensory handwriting practice, and how tactile experiences can help children build skills without turning handwriting into busywork. For homeschool families whose children struggle with writing, Sarah also shares why handwriting practice and written expression sometimes need to be separated. Narration, dictation, and speech to text can give children ways to communicate what they know while they continue developing handwriting as its own skill. In this episode: Why cursive handwriting is making a comeback What research tells us about handwriting and the brain Cursive, print, and typing as different tools for learning Why handwriting requires explicit instruction and practice How multisensory handwriting activities can support learning Why meaningful practice matters more than busywork When to separate handwriting from written expression How narration and technology can support children who struggle with writing Thank you to our title sponsor, Lovevery. Lovevery's Reading Skill Set brings hands on learning into early reading through phonics based games, books, and activities designed to build reading skills through play. Homeschool families can use the Reading Skill Set alongside their existing reading curriculum.   You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10.  Check it out here.  Links and Resources From Today's Show From HomeschoolOT Join the OT is IN Insiders A Path to Thoughtful Learning: A Guide to Narration Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers Balancing Tech and Handwriting: Supporting Your Child's Growth Connect with HomeschoolOT on Instagram Connect With Jenna Coleman Explore Grooved Learning and save 15% with code OTisin15 Connect with Jenna on Instagram Handwriting Research and Resources Handwriting Leads to Widespread Brain Activity Handwriting Rewires Your Brain The Science of Cursive LearningRx Today's Sponsor Thank you to Lovevery for sponsoring this episode of The OT is IN. Explore Lovevery and save 10% on the Reading Skill Set with code HomeschoolOT10. Connect With Our Guest, Jenna Coleman Jenna Coleman is a former classroom educator, homeschool mom of three, and the founder of Grooved Learning. Although she holds a Master's in Education, Jenna says homeschooling her own children has taught her some of her most valuable lessons about how children learn. Jenna originally started her business as Graceful By Design before expanding the educational side into Grooved Learning. She creates short, intentional resources that combine tactile learning with meaningful practice across subjects. Her goal is to help children build skills while also developing a genuine love of learning. Explore Grooved Learning and save 15% with code OTisin15. Connect with Jenna on Instagram

  3. Sep 10

    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 together when a child writes. Sarah and Tiffany talk about what parents can observe during handwriting, including posture, pencil control, effort, coordination, and body positioning. They also discuss why it can be helpful to look for patterns beyond writing. How does your child manage utensils, fasteners, stairs, playground equipment, or activities that require both sides of the body to work together? The goal isn't to turn homeschool parents into occupational therapists. It's to help you become a curious observer of your child, recognize patterns across everyday activities, and know when bringing another professional onto your team might be helpful. In This Episode You'll Hear About • Why handwriting requires both motor and cognitive skills • Why the skills involved in handwriting don't always develop at the same rate • What Sarah and Tiffany observe when a child is having difficulty with handwriting • How posture, balance, bilateral coordination, visual skills, and movement patterns can affect participation • Why it's helpful to notice patterns across handwriting, self care, play, and other daily activities • Everyday activities that can give parents clues about coordination and motor skills • Simple ways to incorporate whole body movement into your homeschool day • When it may be helpful to seek support from an occupational therapist • Why building a team doesn't take away from your role as the expert on your child Links and Resources From Today's Show Resources from HomeschoolOT Join The OT Insiders Membership Get The Primitive Reflexes Resource Guide How To Think About Handwriting Guide Making Sense Of The Handwriting Puzzle Course Connect with Our Guest and Sponsor Check Out Our Title Sponsor CTC Math for 50% off CTC Math Free Trial Tiffany Parsons on Facebook Related episodes of the OT is IN Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success Episode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting Episode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers Episode 38: Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression Episode 77: Turning Letters Into Play: How Doodling Builds Handwriting Skills with Sarah Muldoon Episode 78: How Movement Influences Learning: OT Insights for Parents Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here. Connect With Our Guest, Tiffany Parsons Tiffany is a pastors wife, bonus mom, twin mom, homeschool mom and pediatric occupational therapist. She is a 2014 graduate from West Virginia University. She is passionate about educating others on what occupational therapy is and how it can benefit the lives of not only children but the family as a whole.

  4. Aug 27

    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 can change the way you see emotional regulation struggles, help you respond to meltdowns with more empathy, and offer kids more meaningful ways to communicate what's happening inside their bodies. In this episode of The OT is IN, Sarah is joined by occupational therapist and interoception expert Kelly Mahler to explore what interoception really is, why it matters for homeschoolers, and what it looks like to help children put words to their inner experiences. You'll hear practical ways parents can model paying attention to internal cues, why validating a child's unique body language and feelings matters, and how this knowledge can lay the groundwork for self-advocacy and emotional growth at home. Real-life examples, like a child whose "buzzy tongue" signaled anxiety, make these ideas accessible and adaptable—even if the labels and strategies are different for every family. Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show.  You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10.  Check it out here.  In this episode you'll hear about: What interoception is, why it's sometimes called the "eighth sense," and how it influences everything from hunger and thirst to anxiety and self-awareness The connection between body signals, emotions, and self-regulation, and why traditional emotion charts may not work for every child Simple, real-world ways parents can model noticing and narrating their own internal states to help children build language and awareness Why validating a child's unique ways of describing body sensations ("noodley brain" or "buzzy tongue") supports trust, communication, and growth How interoception awareness links to language development, self-advocacy, and feeling safe in sharing inner experiences Practical tips for getting started with kids of all ages—even teens—and adapting sensory activities to fit your family and comfort level An overview of Kelly Mahler's interoception curriculum and how it can be used flexibly within a homeschool environment Links and Resources From Today's Show Make sure to join our OT INsiders Membership Here Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Connect With Kelly On IG Here Connect with Kelly On Linkedin Here The Interoception Curriculum Noticing My Body Signals Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery Learning RX Website Related OT is IN episodes Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 48: Transforming Fashion for Sensory Needs: An Interview with Julia, Adaptive Apparel Pioneer Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness Episode 72: Navigating Sibling Sensory Needs and Homeschooling Wins and Fails Episode 80: Raising Resilient Kids Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest, Kelly Mahler Kelly Mahler is an award-winning occupational therapist, author, and interoception groupie known for her boundless curiosity and empathetic approach. Holding a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, she has served school-aged children and adults for over 22 years. Kelly is author of 12 resources including The Interoception Curriculum, now used in over 30 countries worldwide. She enjoys speaking internationally on interoception, neuro-affirming practices, and playful strategies for inner exploration using a lens of curiosity, validation and empathy.

  5. Aug 13

    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 milestones have looked different, friendships grow from unexpected places, and learning shifts as needs change. As we talk through questions like socialization, academic benchmarks, and what it means to "do homeschooling right," you'll hear how our expectations have changed—and why that change brings relief, not regret. This topic matters for homeschoolers because so many decisions are shaped by assumptions about what is normal and necessary. When we let go of rigid timelines and the pressure to replicate school, it creates space to focus on strengths, support challenges, and personalize the learning journey—without losing sight of connection or growth. In this episode you'll hear about: Introduction and Family Introductions Initial Perceptions and Misconceptions About Homeschooling Frequent comment: "But you're so normal" Misunderstandings and mind shifts about homeschooling from others Responses to social perceptions (e.g., from sports teammates) Need or lack thereof to justify being homeschooled Skepticism and Early Concerns from the Homeschool Dad Brandon Collins' initial skepticism and concerns Reflection on Years of Homeschooling and Perspective Changes Nine years of homeschooling experience Evolution from skepticism to happiness with the process Differences between homeschool 'milestones' and public school experiences Student Experience: Socialization, Friendships, and Opportunities Annabelle's sources of friendship (church, co-ops, sports) Unique opportunities available due to homeschooling (early college credits, job flexibility) Flexibility and Customization in Homeschooling Surprises and realizations about flexibility in scheduling and learning Vacations and educational opportunities outside of traditional school schedules Sports and extracurricular participation as a homeschooled student Adapting Curriculum and Parental Approaches Non-traditional, tailored approach (not just recreating public school at home) Adapting and switching between different educational programs and methods Student thoughts on curriculum changes and accommodations Family Dynamics and Practical Moments Deeper Challenges and Difficulties in the Homeschooling Journey Parental patience and encouragement (mantras, support) Preparation for College and Life Skills Personal organization and spreadsheet skills Flexibility in rescheduling and managing workload Final Thoughts and Advice to Other Families Brandon Collins: Encouragement to trust the process, patience, and the value of course correction Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Join The OT Insiders Check Out Our Title Sponsor CTC Math CTC Math Free Trial Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children Episode 72: Navigating Sibling Sensory Needs and Homeschooling Wins and Fails Episode 75: Teaching Kids Healthy Habits: Building Lifelong Wellness Episode 81: Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here. Connect With Our Guest, Brandon Collins Brandon is my husband and the wonderful father to our children. You can connect with him here at Sarah@homeschoolot.com

  6. Jul 23

    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 embracing a flexible, child-centered approach leads to more meaningful learning and stronger relationships. This isn't about finding a perfect method or escaping all doubts. It's about understanding that your context, your family, and your child's unique development are the true foundation of a successful homeschool—no matter what anyone else says or what the comparison trap tries to tell you. Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show.  You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10.  Check it out here.  In this episode you'll hear about: Starting the Homeschooling Journey Initial resistance to homeschooling Searching for alternatives (private school, crunching numbers) Detail on work-life balance while freelancing and parenting Using existing first grade workbooks during transition Early attempts to find community without social media (library searches, bulletin boards) Evolving Homeschool Methods How long initial workbook approach lasted Balancing working from home and homeschooling with help from a babysitter Challenges with babysitter's reactions and eventual switch to deschooling Move to field trips, classes, and experiential learning Gradual phasing in of curriculum "scaffolding" method Continuing to phase in/out curriculum as a tradition Trusting Parenting and Teaching Instincts Distinguishing between teaching background and homeschooling instincts Times when teaching background hindered home education Responding to outside pressures versus trusting instincts Emphasizing adjustment based on child's needs and family environment Reflection on how "dumping" too much at once lead to family stress Handling Negative Feedback and External Judgment Early defensiveness vs. later confidence Types of critics: curious, concerned, and judgmental Strategies for responding to each group Personal stories: teacher confrontation, family and community criticism Key refrains: "This is what's best for our family" Importance of openness and humility Homeschool Comparison and the "Falling Behind" Fear The tendency to compare progress to age/grade norms Asynchronous development in neurodivergent and gifted kids Prioritizing relationship over academic performance Gaps in learning (examples: writing, citation skills) Handling gaps as part of a lifelong learning process Reflections on Regret and Parental Imperfection Children pointing out what they missed in homeschooling The inevitability of regrets in all types of schooling and parenting Maintaining parent-child connection as a core value Advice: make the best decisions possible in the moment Socialization and Relationship Building Addressing the "socialization" question—a common concern for homeschoolers Early strategies for finding peers and forming friendships Role of extracurriculars (e.g., theater, Girl Scouts) and neighborhood connections Impact of the pandemic and moving on social opportunities Specific challenges for neurodivergent kids and non-joiners Importance of parental initiative in finding opportunities Distinction between opportunity and outcome in forming friendships Links and Resources From Today's Show Join the OT INsiders Here Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Colleen's Website Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast Connect With Colleen On Instagram Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery Learning RX Website Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season Episode 46: Navigating Homeschool Priorities with Amy Sloan: From Family Dynamics to Crisis Management Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling Episode 69: Modern Stress, Ancient Responses: Why Moms Need Rest and How to Get It Episode 80: Raising Resilient Kids Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest, Colleen Kessler Colleen Kessler is an author, educator, podcaster, and international speaker known for her strengths-based, child-focused approach to homeschooling. With degrees in education and gifted studies, she specializes in the social and emotional development of neurodivergent children. Colleen helps parents understand and support their children's unique learning, emotional, and developmental needs. A homeschooling mom of four, she empowers families to build connection, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning at home. Learn more, explore the podcast, and connect with her community at raisinglifelonglearners.com.

  7. Jul 9

    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 not homeschooled, youngest still at home) Understanding the Roots of Power Struggles Parents balancing desire for independence/responsibility with understanding individual children Common research interests in neurodiversity, learning differences, and diagnoses The challenge of distinguishing when to support, accept, or expect growth Expectations exceeding the child's current skill set The child ready for more independence than the parent is comfortable with Environment not supporting the child's success (focus on method over needs) Balancing Acceptance and Expectation Importance of finding a middle ground between acceptance and expectation Risks of having only acceptance or only expectation (limited growth vs. frustration/conflict) First Mismatch: Expectations Ahead of Skills "Is this a skill problem or a will problem?"—reframing perceived defiance Detailed analysis using writing as an example: Potential motor, cognitive, or social-emotional challenges Misinterpretations leading to mislabeling skill deficits as character issues Importance of curiosity and skill identification for productive responses Second Mismatch: Independence and Ownership Struggles when children want more independence than parents give Personal example: child's new responsibility for a pet snake Parental tendency to take on ownership and responsibility that should belong to children Micromanaging vs. micro-noticing; consequences for child development The importance of clear ownership and natural consequences When parents give responsibilities before children are ready (e.g. technology/phones) Power struggles tied to misplaced responsibility How assumptions about learning environments create unnecessary struggles (e.g., sitting at desks, taking notes) Son's late literacy development and eventual academic success Asking correct questions: what is the learning outcome versus the method? Flexibility in reading methods—standing, listening, moving while learning Main point: focus on outcomes, adjust methods as needed Occupational Therapy Perspective on Challenging Tasks OT's role: breaking down tasks, identifying underlying skill gaps Parents are not expected to have all the answers—value of another perspective Origin and ongoing purpose of Homeschool OT coaching and support Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Join The OT Insiders Waitlist Check Out Our Title Sponsor CTC Math CTC Math Free Trial Chores For Skill Builders Blog Face to Face Connections In A Screen To Screen World Book Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families Episode 70: Tackling Homeschool Guilt and Finding Your Own Path with Kelly Edwards Episode 74: Navigating the Teen Years: Building Connection and Independence at Home Episode 81: Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids Episode 86: Balancing Acceptance and Expectation: Building Executive Functioning in Homeschooling and Parenting Episode 88: Making Literacy Feel Natural in Your Everyday Life Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here.

  8. Jun 25

    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 seemingly "simple" reading delay doesn't always have a simple solution. This matters in homeschool settings because so much of what we do—teaching, supporting, noticing the little shifts in our kids—relies on understanding what's really going on underneath. When we get clearer on how language, sensory input, and cognitive processes all interact, we become better equipped to notice when our child needs extra support and when the right kind of challenge can open new doors. By the end of this episode, you'll have a sharper lens for spotting the early signs that language might need a different kind of help—and more confidence interpreting what you're seeing day-to-day. Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show.  You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10.  Check it out here.  In this episode you'll hear about: What is Speech Therapy? Public perception: speech therapy as addressing only Rs The broader scope of speech language pathology Traditional vs. modern speech therapy roles Areas addressed: feeding/swallowing, infant to end-of-life, picky eating, choking risks Voice quality, professional voice users, resonance issues, cleft palates, hearing impairments Connection to the brain: stuttering, cluttering, rhythm disorders, phonological/phonemic awareness, executive functioning, literacy Auditory Processing and Language Comprehension Auditory processing disorder (APD)—definition and signs How APD can look like bad behavior Breakdowns in auditory processing: signal transmission, brain processing of sound, acoustic profile Role of brain in sorting/organizing sounds Visual approaches aiding sound discrimination Connection to dyslexia Difficulty with sound discrimination and memory in relation to language learning Examples of syntax and organization issues ("word salad") Multisensory Approaches and Sensory Integration Using visual, auditory, and other senses to aid language development Links between feeding skills, play, and language milestones The Connection Between Language and Learning Homeschool perspective: when to seek help vs. home intervention Reading interventions (Barton, OG), when they're not enough, need for underlying cognitive/linguistic support Signs that additional intervention is needed beyond curriculum Defining Technical Terms Processing: definitions and what is meant in language/sound context Link to handwriting, other learning skills (motor control, processing ideas) Support and Teamwork in Homeschooling Importance of external support—SLPs as "buddies" Effects of language on other academic areas—math, comprehension Links and Resources From Today's Show Make sure to join our OT INsiders Membership Waitlist Here Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Connect With Amanda On IG Amanda's Website Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery Learning RX Website Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 4: The Evolving Landscape of Homeschool Community Support Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 33: Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland's Approach and Homeschooling Tips Episode 34: Hyperlexia Uncovered: Navigating Challenges and Developing Strengths Episode 35: Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney Bessard Explains it All Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting Episode 62: 62 Strategies for Enhancing Cognitive Skills in Children Episode 64: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support for Families Episode 83: How Working Memory Shapes Literacy: Practical Tips to support the missing link between executive functioning and reading Episode 94: Understanding and Building Working Memory at Home: An OT Perspective Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest, Amanda Owens Amanda Owens, CCC-SLP equips homeschool parents so they can teach their children how to talk clearly and confidently through speech therapy at home. A homeschool graduate and mom, she builds practical tools for parents, teaches how speech therapy works, and supports a growing community of parents.

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The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.

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