『The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT』のカバーアート

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

著者: Sarah Collins
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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.2024
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  • Helping Kids Name What's happening Inside
    2026/08/27
    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 HereWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersConnect With Kelly On IG HereConnect with Kelly On Linkedin Here The Interoception Curriculum Noticing My Body Signals Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX Website Related OT is IN episodes Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseveranceEpisode 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 SantangeloEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in HomeschoolEpisode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha BerryEpisode 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.
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    32 分
  • What I Wish I Knew When I Started Homeschooling- Dad Version
    2026/08/13
    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 IntroductionsInitial Perceptions and Misconceptions About HomeschoolingFrequent comment: "But you're so normal"Misunderstandings and mind shifts about homeschooling from othersResponses to social perceptions (e.g., from sports teammates)Need or lack thereof to justify being homeschooledSkepticism and Early Concerns from the Homeschool DadBrandon Collins' initial skepticism and concernsReflection on Years of Homeschooling and Perspective ChangesNine years of homeschooling experienceEvolution from skepticism to happiness with the processDifferences between homeschool 'milestones' and public school experiencesStudent Experience: Socialization, Friendships, and OpportunitiesAnnabelle's sources of friendship (church, co-ops, sports)Unique opportunities available due to homeschooling (early college credits, job flexibility)Flexibility and Customization in HomeschoolingSurprises and realizations about flexibility in scheduling and learningVacations and educational opportunities outside of traditional school schedulesSports and extracurricular participation as a homeschooled studentAdapting Curriculum and Parental ApproachesNon-traditional, tailored approach (not just recreating public school at home)Adapting and switching between different educational programs and methodsStudent thoughts on curriculum changes and accommodationsFamily Dynamics and Practical MomentsDeeper Challenges and Difficulties in the Homeschooling JourneyParental patience and encouragement (mantras, support)Preparation for College and Life SkillsPersonal organization and spreadsheet skillsFlexibility in rescheduling and managing workloadFinal Thoughts and Advice to Other FamiliesBrandon 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 IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersJoin The OT InsidersCheck Out Our Title Sponsor CTC MathCTC Math Free TrialEpisode 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 KosinskiEpisode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingEpisode 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
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    25 分
  • Resetting Expectations for the New Homeschool Year/ what I wish I knew as a new homeschool parent
    2026/07/23
    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 JourneyInitial resistance to homeschoolingSearching for alternatives (private school, crunching numbers)Detail on work-life balance while freelancing and parentingUsing existing first grade workbooks during transitionEarly attempts to find community without social media (library searches, bulletin boards)Evolving Homeschool MethodsHow long initial workbook approach lastedBalancing working from home and homeschooling with help from a babysitterChallenges with babysitter's reactions and eventual switch to deschoolingMove to field trips, classes, and experiential learningGradual phasing in of curriculum "scaffolding" methodContinuing to phase in/out curriculum as a traditionTrusting Parenting and Teaching InstinctsDistinguishing between teaching background and homeschooling instinctsTimes when teaching background hindered home educationResponding to outside pressures versus trusting instinctsEmphasizing adjustment based on child's needs and family environmentReflection on how "dumping" too much at once lead to family stressHandling Negative Feedback and External JudgmentEarly defensiveness vs. later confidenceTypes of critics: curious, concerned, and judgmentalStrategies for responding to each groupPersonal stories: teacher confrontation, family and community criticismKey refrains: "This is what's best for our family"Importance of openness and humilityHomeschool Comparison and the "Falling Behind" FearThe tendency to compare progress to age/grade normsAsynchronous development in neurodivergent and gifted kidsPrioritizing relationship over academic performanceGaps in learning (examples: writing, citation skills)Handling gaps as part of a lifelong learning processReflections on Regret and Parental ImperfectionChildren pointing out what they missed in homeschoolingThe inevitability of regrets in all types of schooling and parentingMaintaining parent-child connection as a core valueAdvice: make the best decisions possible in the momentSocialization and Relationship BuildingAddressing the "socialization" question—a common concern for homeschoolersEarly strategies for finding peers and forming friendshipsRole of extracurriculars (e.g., theater, Girl Scouts) and neighborhood connectionsImpact of the pandemic and moving on social opportunitiesSpecific challenges for neurodivergent kids and non-joinersImportance of parental initiative in finding opportunitiesDistinction between opportunity and outcome in forming friendships Links and Resources From Today's Show Join the OT INsiders HereWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersColleen's Website Raising Lifelong LearnersRaising Lifelong Learners PodcastConnect With Colleen On Instagram Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX WebsiteEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseveranceEpisode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha BerryEpisode 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 ...
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