エピソード

  • Helping Kids Name What's happening Inside

    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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    32 分
  • What I Wish I Knew When I Started Homeschooling- Dad Version

    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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    25 分
  • Resetting Expectations for the New Homeschool Year/ what I wish I knew as a new homeschool parent

    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 ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 3 分
  • How to Raise Expectations Without Power Struggles in Your Homeschool

    How to Raise Expectations Without Power Struggles in Your Homeschool
    2026/07/09
    In this episode you'll hear about: Defining Success and Challenges in HomeschoolingEncouragement for parents to define "success" for their own familiesRecognition that listeners may be pursuing a nontraditional educational pathParental questions about raising expectations without causing power strugglesSarah Collins's current family homeschooling dynamics (older children graduating or not homeschooled, youngest still at home)Understanding the Roots of Power StrugglesParents balancing desire for independence/responsibility with understanding individual childrenCommon research interests in neurodiversity, learning differences, and diagnosesThe challenge of distinguishing when to support, accept, or expect growthExpectations exceeding the child's current skill setThe child ready for more independence than the parent is comfortable withEnvironment not supporting the child's success (focus on method over needs)Balancing Acceptance and ExpectationImportance of finding a middle ground between acceptance and expectationRisks 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 defianceDetailed analysis using writing as an example: Potential motor, cognitive, or social-emotional challengesMisinterpretations leading to mislabeling skill deficits as character issues Importance of curiosity and skill identification for productive responsesSecond Mismatch: Independence and OwnershipStruggles when children want more independence than parents givePersonal example: child's new responsibility for a pet snakeParental tendency to take on ownership and responsibility that should belong to childrenMicromanaging vs. micro-noticing; consequences for child developmentThe importance of clear ownership and natural consequencesWhen parents give responsibilities before children are ready (e.g. technology/phones)Power struggles tied to misplaced responsibilityHow assumptions about learning environments create unnecessary struggles (e.g., sitting at desks, taking notes)Son's late literacy development and eventual academic successAsking correct questions: what is the learning outcome versus the method?Flexibility in reading methods—standing, listening, moving while learningMain point: focus on outcomes, adjust methods as neededOccupational Therapy Perspective on Challenging TasksOT's role: breaking down tasks, identifying underlying skill gapsParents are not expected to have all the answers—value of another perspectiveOrigin 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 IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersJoin The OT Insiders WaitlistCheck Out Our Title Sponsor CTC MathCTC Math Free TrialChores For Skill Builders BlogFace to Face Connections In A Screen To Screen World BookEpisode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting SuccessEpisode 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 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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    36 分
  • When Reading and Talking Both Feel Hard for Kids

    When Reading and Talking Both Feel Hard for Kids
    2026/06/25
    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 RsThe broader scope of speech language pathologyTraditional vs. modern speech therapy rolesAreas addressed: feeding/swallowing, infant to end-of-life, picky eating, choking risksVoice quality, professional voice users, resonance issues, cleft palates, hearing impairmentsConnection to the brain: stuttering, cluttering, rhythm disorders, phonological/phonemic awareness, executive functioning, literacyAuditory Processing and Language ComprehensionAuditory processing disorder (APD)—definition and signsHow APD can look like bad behaviorBreakdowns in auditory processing: signal transmission, brain processing of sound, acoustic profileRole of brain in sorting/organizing soundsVisual approaches aiding sound discriminationConnection to dyslexiaDifficulty with sound discrimination and memory in relation to language learningExamples of syntax and organization issues ("word salad")Multisensory Approaches and Sensory IntegrationUsing visual, auditory, and other senses to aid language developmentLinks between feeding skills, play, and language milestonesThe Connection Between Language and LearningHomeschool perspective: when to seek help vs. home interventionReading interventions (Barton, OG), when they're not enough, need for underlying cognitive/linguistic supportSigns that additional intervention is needed beyond curriculumDefining Technical TermsProcessing: definitions and what is meant in language/sound contextLink to handwriting, other learning skills (motor control, processing ideas)Support and Teamwork in HomeschoolingImportance 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 HereWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersConnect With Amanda On IGAmanda's Website Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX WebsiteEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseveranceEpisode 4: The Evolving Landscape of Homeschool Community SupportEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling PerspectiveEpisode 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 TipsEpisode 34: Hyperlexia Uncovered: Navigating Challenges and Developing StrengthsEpisode 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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    43 分
  • Supporting Struggling Readers: Tips for Homeschooling Parents

    Supporting Struggling Readers: Tips for Homeschooling Parents
    2026/06/11
    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, practical ways to spot early signs of reading struggles, and how these can sometimes be missed when day-to-day learning is so entwined with play and natural conversation. We're exploring how phonemic awareness really develops before letter symbols enter the picture, and why noticing gaps early can make a difference for later reading and spelling. In this episode you'll hear about: Melanie Jeffrey's backgroundHost of "Phonics Tools for Kids" podcastExperience as a core literacy classroom teacher specializing in phonics (ages 4-9, K-3)Personal Experience with Children's ReadingSarah asks about Melanie Jeffrey's own children and reading challengesWhy Phonics as a Starting Approach?The importance of phonics for reading developmentLanguage acquisition as a foundation44 sounds in English vs. 26 letters in the alphabetPhonics as matching sounds to symbols (graphemes)Emphasis on oral language and sound awareness as the initial stepEarly Red Flags and Indicators of Reading StrugglesAuditory processing as an early warning signOral segmentation exercises as indicatorsNoting mistakes with word order (e.g., "cats" vs. "cast")Use of Nonsense Words for Phonemic AwarenessValue of using real and nonsense words to practice sound manipulationTimeline for early phonemic awareness activities (ages 3-5)When to consider seeking help if articulation of sounds remains a struggleRole of occupational therapists (Sarah and speech therapists in early interventionPersonal Anecdotes on Reading and Auditory ProcessingHomeschooling Advantages in Early IdentificationThe benefit of close, one-to-one learning relationships in homeschool settingsParents' role in identifying struggles and noticing extra effort or persistent confusionAdvantage of parental intuition and observation in recognizing when outside help may be neededBenchmarks, Indicators, and Assessment ToolsUsing scope and sequence in phonics curriculum as a guideLearning Through Play and ApplicationEngagement and Curriculum FitEvaluating whether reading struggles stem from the child or the curriculumWhen and How to Start Formal Phonics Instruction 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 Insiders Waitlist Phonics Rules For Kids PodcastPhonics Rules For Kids WebsiteFREE GUIDE - Phonic Made Simple (Even if You're Not a Teacher)Connect With Melanie On FacebookCheck Out Our Title Sponsor CTC MathCTC Math Free TrialExecutive Function, Regulation, and Getting Started In Your HomeschoolEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 33: Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland's Approach and Homeschooling TipsEpisode 34: Hyperlexia Uncovered: Navigating Challenges and Developing StrengthsEpisode 35: Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney Bessard Explains it AllEpisode 36: Disability Inclusion and Homeschooling: Lindsey Larsen Shares Her Unique Perspective and Resources Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help Episode 63: Misophonia Explained: Causes, Triggers, and Real Life Solutions Episode 64: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support for Families Episode 88: Making Literacy Feel Natural in Your Everyday Life Episode 89: The Emotional Power of Family Reading: Fostering Vocabulary and Connection Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here. Connect With Our Guest, Melanie Jeffrey Melanie is a phonics fanatic, host of the PHONICS RULES FOR KIDS podcast. As an experienced core literacy classroom teacher, formally trained in phonics instruction for children ages 4-9 (K-3), she has taught hundreds of children to read using phonics as the foundation. Melanie helps moms confidently model simple phonics skills at home to teach their beginning readers in K-2, and struggling readers in 3rd-5th grade. She believes moms are fully capable of learning simple phonics skills they can put on 'rinse and repeat' to streamline phonics lessons at home, even when they're not trained as a teacher. Melanie is wife to Bill, mom of an 18, 19 and 20-year old! Yes, her children were born so close, that she was often asked in the grocery store if the youngest two were twins! Melanie gets excited when kids can quickly apply phonics concepts to read with greater fluency! As a mom who shares your values, she wants to help you teach ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • Initiation and Follow-Through – Why Knowing What to Do Is Not Enough

    Initiation and Follow-Through – Why Knowing What to Do Is Not Enough
    2026/05/28
    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 independence are always shifting. We'll unpack the hidden role of the nervous system in motivation and task initiation, and explore why traditional approaches to getting kids going often backfire for neurodivergent learners. This matters in homeschooling because you're not just managing curriculum; you're shaping how your child feels about learning, about themselves, and about asking for help. Understanding the difference between "won't" and "can't" changes how you respond in the moment—and how your child's confidence grows over time. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer perspective on how regulation, support, and co-regulation create the foundations for executive function. We'll look at practical ways to build those skills in real life, with a focus on meeting your child where they are, not where you wish they'd be. 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: The Importance of Community and SupportThe isolating experience of homeschooling and neurodiversityValue of normalizing experiences and mutual support for parents and childrenFoundational Understanding: The Nervous System and BehaviorThe significance of understanding the nervous system's role in behaviorHow behavior often represents automatic protection rather than intentionInfluence of anxiety and sensory sensitivity on behaviorThe impact and importance of being aware of bodily signals (interoception)Shifting Perspectives in Parenting Neurodivergent KidsReference to Ross Greene's work as a turning pointFraming behavior as communicationThe evolving recognition of nervous system science in parentingFoundations for Learning and Executive FunctionThe importance of nervous system regulation for "online" learning and executive functioningDefining the "thinking brain" (frontal lobe, rational thought, cognitive skills)Barriers to learning when children are dysregulatedSigns and Practice of Regulation vs. DysregulationWhat it feels like to be regulated ("feeling good in your body") versus dysregulated ("out of whack")Real-life examples of adult regulation and dysregulationSocietal reinforcement of suppressing personal regulation needs, especially in traditional school settingsHomeschooling as an opportunity to honor children's needsPractical Strategies for Building Regulation into the DayThe concept of proactive regulation activities before challenging tasks (schoolwork, transitions)Long-term benefits of routine regulation for life skillsBuilding workable habits for children vs. adults needing to relearn regulationSpecific Regulation Techniques and ActivitiesSensory strategies tailored to individual childrenPractical parent tips: integrating regulation activities naturally (before homework, breakfast, etc.)Addressing Task Initiation and IndependenceRecognizing limitations when children are dysregulated (difficulty with new tasks, transitions)Co-regulation and modeling regulation for children rather than directivesFostering Autonomy, Especially for Older Kids and TeensImportance of making regulation activities appealing and self-driven for teenagersParental role shifts from direct instruction to subtle support and modeling Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Executive Functioning Regulation Guide HereWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuideConnect With Penny Williams on InstagramConnect With Penny Williams on FacebookThe Parenting ADHD and Autism PodcastParenting ADHD and ASD Youtube Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX Website 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 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents Episode 44: Prioritizing Slow in Homeschooling: A chat with Leslie Martino Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分
  • Working Memory- Why Information Falls Apart Throughout the Day

    Working Memory- Why Information Falls Apart Throughout the Day
    2026/05/14
    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 of The OT Is IN, Sarah talks with Sandra Zamalis from LearningRx about what working memory is, why it matters for learning, and how it can show up during everyday homeschool tasks. Using examples like losing track of multi-step math problems or forgetting information while reading, they explore why some children need more support to hold and use information. Sandra also explains the difference between accommodations that help children manage working memory demands and LearningRx's approach to targeted cognitive training. Plus, Sandra puts Sarah's working memory to the test with an activity listeners can try along with them! In This Episode You'll Hear About How to recognize signs of working memory struggles in everyday homeschool lifeHow working memory can affect reading, math, following directions, and completing tasksWhy forgetfulness, unfinished tasks, and disorganization may be connected to working memoryThe difference between accommodations and approaches designed to build cognitive skillsThe difference between visual and auditory working memoryHow processing speed and automaticity relate to working memoryA working memory activity you can try while you listenWhy trust and emotional safety matter when children are practicing difficult skillsWhat parents can consider when evaluating cognitive training programsHow supporting working memory is about helping children reach their goals, not "fixing" them Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersConnect With Sandy On InstagramConnect With Sandy On Tik TokThe Brainy Moms PodcastCheck Out Our Title Sponsor CTC MathCTC Math Free Trial Related Episodes of the OT is IN Executive Function, Regulation, and Getting Started In Your HomeschoolWhat Are Executive Functioning Skills?Field Trips Can Build Executive FunctioningEpisode 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 HelpEpisode 66: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids Episode 71: Raising Resilient Learners: When and How to Talk About Diagnoses with Your Kids Thank You to Our Sponsor, CTC Math Math can place significant demands on working memory, especially when children are trying to remember multiple steps while also solving a problem. One benefit of homeschooling is that we can adjust the pace and reduce some of that cognitive load when needed. That's one reason I appreciate CTC Math. Children can work through lessons at their own pace, revisit instruction when they need it, and practice skills before moving on to something more complex. Thank you to CTC Math for sponsoring this episode of The OT Is IN. You can check out their FREE trial here. Connect With Our Guest, Sandy Zamalis Sandy Zamalis is the Executive Director and owner of LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg, where her passion is helping struggling learners of all ages discover confidence and success. A former homeschooling mom, Sandy found her calling in cognitive training after witnessing the frustrations of students falling through the cracks. Today, she leads two thriving centers, empowering children and adults alike to overcome learning struggles and build the strong cognitive foundation everyone deserves.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分