The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

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...

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, bu...

  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...

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 com...

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...

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...

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...

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 face...

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 to...

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...

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 home...

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, an...

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...

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...

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 practical...

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'll...

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 reg...

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...

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 activiti...

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...

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. Whet...

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 w...

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,...

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 days...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!   --- In this episode of the "OT is In" podcast, Gina Taylor and I dive deep into the world of hippotherapy. Gina is an occupational therapist and hippotherapy clinical specialist. Together we discuss the benefits of incorporating horses into therapy for children with special needs. Gina explains the different t...