『the OT is IN』のカバーアート

the OT is IN

the OT is IN

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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  • 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. 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 ChildrenEpisode 66: The Power Of Declarative Language Episode 70: Tackling Homeschool Guilt and Finding Your Own Path with Kelly Edwards Episode ...
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    38 分
  • Working Memory- Why Information Falls Apart Throughout the Day
    2026/05/14
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've ever found yourself wondering why your child forgets instructions moments after hearing them or seems to struggle with multi-step tasks—even when the concept itself isn't new—this episode is for you. We're talking all about working memory today, what it actually is, and how it affects both everyday routines and academic learning at home. As homeschool parents, we have the unique opportunity to notice these patterns up close: the moments when simple directions get lost, math problems fall apart, or reading comprehension just "isn't sticking." But what if these aren't just habits or temperament, but signals about how your child's brain is managing information? In this episode you'll hear about: Overview of LearningRx and Focus on Working MemoryExplanation of LearningRx's work in cognitive training.Introduction to the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory of intelligence.Definition and Fundamentals of Working MemoryWorking memory as an "information bucket" with different capacities.Distinguishing between those with small and large working memory "buckets."Importance of holding and releasing information, and implications for learning disabilities.Identifying Working Memory Issues in Everyday LifeParental phrases indicating working memory struggles ("so forgetful," "I just told you…").Evolution of Approaches: Compensation vs. TrainingHistorical reliance on compensation strategies in education.Modern views on brain plasticity and potential for skill-building.Cognitive Skill Building: Research and MethodsDifference between the short-term workaround (accommodations) and long-term skill-building."Demonstration of a Working Memory Training GameReal-time working memory game between Sandra Zomalis and Sarah Collins.Auditory vs. visual working memory, and why targeting auditory skills can be crucial.The Role of Intensity and Processing Speed in TrainingUse of metronome to increase challenge and automaticity.Processing speed as another key automatic processing skill.Interrelation between processing speed and working memory—importance of training both together.Building Trust and Emotional Safety in Cognitive TrainingHow LearningRx prioritizes relationship and rapport between trainer and student.Advice for parents on evaluating providers—importance of one-on-one model and program research.Addressing Parental Concerns: "Are You Trying to Fix Me?"Services at LearningRx for both children and adults. 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 TrialExecutive 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 title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. 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.
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    38 分
  • Balancing Tech and Handwriting: Supporting Your Child's Growth
    2026/04/23
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're reframing handwriting as more than just pen-to-paper—it's a foundational skill that shapes how children learn, organize their thoughts, and even pay attention. In homeschooling, we have the flexibility to adapt instruction, but that also means making deliberate choices about how—and when—we build these core skills. You'll hear practical ways to approach handwriting without getting stuck in extremes, and we'll discuss how technology and multi-sensory methods can coexist to support your child's development. This conversation matters because the tools your child uses—whether it's a pencil, a laptop, or a speech-to-text app—each offer something unique. Handwriting isn't outdated; it's a critical layer in your child's learning toolkit, helping them think more clearly and keep their ideas organized as they grow. In this episode you'll hear about: Multi-Sensory and Neurodevelopmental ApproachExplanation of the neurodevelopmental (neurofirming) approachImportance of engaging multiple senses in learningUsing gross motor, body movement, and heavy work activities before sitting for tasksIncorporating multi-sensory materials: shaving cream, types of paper, chalkboardsHomeschooling ExperiencesLeslie Catlett's nine years homeschooling her childrenDifferences between her two sons' learning styles (bookworm vs. kinesthetic learner)Benefits of homeschooling for offering breaks and movement opportunitiesHandwriting Instruction in HomeschoolDaily formal handwriting instruction (5–10 minutes per day)Importance of explicit teaching (step-by-step verbal/visual cues)Not just tracing, but teaching letter formation, sizing, spacing, placementResearch supporting explicit handwriting instructionUse of diverse materials (chalk, chalkboard, vertical surfaces)The Significance of Handwriting in the Digital AgeHandwriting as a foundational skill—more than just putting letters on paperHandwriting as a "full brain workout"Cognitive benefits: engagement of hands, eyes, and brain; boosts attention, memory, learningDifferences between writing by hand and typingChallenges with Handwriting for Fast ThinkersStudents whose thoughts move faster than their physical writing abilitiesStrategies: using technology (recording or transcribing thoughts) to separate idea generation from handwritingMotor Skills, Self-Regulation, and PerfectionismRelationship between motor skills, cognition, memory, and comprehensionPracticing fine motor control, coordination, motor planning, and sensory feedbackAvoiding perfectionism: accepting mistakes, not over-emphasizing erasingUsing pens or pencils without erasers to maintain flow of thoughtIntegrating Technology: AI and Assistive ToolsPerspective on handwriting vs. technology (not anti-tech, but balanced)How dictation, predictive text, and tablets can support struggling studentsTechnology for access, but not for building foundational motor/sensory skillsAutocorrection reliance and its potential impact on spelling developmentPacing: Handwriting Slows Down, Technology Speeds UpSlowing down cognitive processes via handwriting vs. speeding up with screensHelping kids adjust to slower, more mindful pacing for foundational skill developmentBreaking tasks into manageable chunks; use of graphic organizers Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Sensory Activity Ideas HereWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuideThe Penmanship LabConnect With Leslie On IG Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX WebsiteEpisode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 20: Tailored Kids' Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'NeillEpisode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingEpisode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for HomeschoolersEpisode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for FamiliesEpisode 35: Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney Bessard Explains it All Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills Episode 45: Engaging Children Through Project-Based and Interest-Led Homeschooling Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers Episode 65: Using Music to Support Regulation, Learning, and Connection in Homeschooling and Therapy 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, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest, Leslie Catlett Leslie Catlett, MS, OTR/L is the founder of ...
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    28 分
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