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! If you have ever found yourself saying 'no' more than you'd like, or wondering how to support your child's sensory and movement needs at home without turning your space upside down, this episode is for you. Today we're looking at the actual environment our kids live and learn in—and why the way you arrange your home matters just as much as the curriculum you choose. In homeschooling, the flexibility to adapt your physical space is both a unique opportunity and a challenge. It's not just about adding more equipment or activities; it's about noticing how your space either helps your child's body and brain work together—or puts them in constant conflict. We get practical about how to set up your home to lower friction, say yes more often, and support everyone's needs—including your own—without sacrificing function or aesthetics. We'll reframe what "sensory-friendly" really means, and why small adjustments can change daily life for the whole family. In this episode you'll hear about: Sensational Spaces: Mission and Uniqueness Sensational Spaces supports families across 20 states, in partnership with organizations like Make-A-Wish. Unique approach: Working with donation-based funding, grants, waivers, and prioritizing affordability. Comparison to other solutions: How Sensational Spaces' approach differs from traditional home modification services or insurance-based OT interventions. Basics of Proprioception and Environmental Assessment Intake and assessment process before modifying a space. Key indicators when evaluating if a home environment supports or inhibits sensory needs. Practical Steps for Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces What it looks like to modify a home for sensory support. Focus on reducing friction between caregiver and child. Importance of "yes spaces" versus spaces full of restrictions. Environmental guidelines: predictable flow, reduced visual noise, cozy corners, and purposeful movement opportunities. Family Balance and Sibling/Parent Needs Real-life examples: managing differences between siblings' sensory needs. Strategies for shared spaces, including creative solutions like physical dividers. Highlighting the importance of considering the entire family unit, not just the sensory-seeking child. Balancing structure and freedom to build advocacy and compassion. How to incorporate movement and regulation opportunities into daily routines (before dinner, morning activities, etc.). Use of visuals like calendars, charts, and checklists for routine-building. Adapting Strategies as Kids Grow Acknowledgement that children's sensory needs and routines evolve over time. Emphasis on adaptability and noticing changing needs as kids age. Supporting Teens and Adults with Sensory Needs Approaches for tweens, teens, and adults—how proprioceptive strategies shift. Use of oral motor tools (e.g., water bottles with chew valves) as covert proprioceptive strategies. Age-appropriate tools: weighted blankets, backpacks, and subtle sensory supports. Importance of normalizing and embedding sensory needs within ordinary routines. Cost-Effective Solutions and Resources Emphasis on not always having to buy sensory-labeled expensive products. Creative, low-cost ideas using household items (couch cushions, DIY crash pads, straws, laundry baskets). Cautions and tips for buying equipment: reliability, product vetting, and using trusted resources. Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Sensory Activity Ideas Here Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Homeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide SENSEational Spaces Equipment Catalogue SENSEational Spaces Transformations Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery Learning RX Website Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective Episode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning Episode 20: Tailored Kids' Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'Neill Episode 38: Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success Episode 48: Transforming Fashion for Sensory Needs: An Interview with Julia, Adaptive Apparel Pioneer Episode 58: Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning Episode 67: Setting Up a Homeschool Day: Rhythm, Flexibility, and Presuming Competence Episode 72: Navigating Sensory needs and sibling dynamics in homeschooling Episode 90: When Kids Can't Sit Still: Understanding What Their Bodies Are Telling You Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest, Alexi Christensen At SENSE-ational Spaces, LLC we utilize our occupational therapy lens to support individuals with disabilities, their families, and the community through education and creation of sensory-friendly spaces. SENSE-ational Spaces is founded and operated by Alexi Christensen, MA, OTR/L (CEO) and Marlee Olson, MA, OTR/L (CFO). They are registered and licensed occupational therapists in the states of MN, WI, and PA! SENSE-ational Spaces brings education and sensory integration to the most natural environment- homes, schools, and your local community. For our space development service, we have three offerings which range from verbal consultation to full implementation where the client does not have to lift a finger! Additionally, we conduct AOTA approved live and on-demand continuing education on trauma, sensory processing, and environmental modification for practitioners, caregivers, and organizations. We sell tangible educational and research-driven PDF documents direct-to-consumer and have an online equipment ordering page that provides the most durable and therapeutic equipment on the market directly to our clients from our trusted manufacturers. We are creating spaces and providing education within our communities where individuals of all abilities can actively participate, because we know that in the right environment, we all thrive!

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! d your child running, climbing, or crashing into things and wondered why movement seems to settle them rather than wind them up, this episode will get you thinking differently about what's driving that behavior. Today we're digging into proprioception—the often-overlooked sense that helps your child feel grounded, focused, and safe in their body. In the homeschool environment, you have the flexibility to adapt routines and learning spaces, but it can be hard to tell the difference between excess energy and your child's genuine need for sensory input. We'll unpack what proprioception really is, how it organizes both behavior and attention, and the subtle ways it shows up throughout your day—from breakfast routines to transitions and mealtimes. You'll learn why supporting this sense on purpose makes academic tasks easier and reduces power struggles—especially for children who struggle to sit still, stay on task, or manage big feelings. In this episode you'll hear about: Clear definition of Proprioception (with reference to the American Occupational Therapy Association – AOTA) Explanation of how proprioception works (muscles, joints, tendons, pressure, compression, stretching) Importance in everyday activities (e.g., holding objects, navigating steps, estimating force) Contrasting Proprioception and Vestibular System Definition and function of the vestibular system (AOTA reference) How vestibular is the body's "GPS for movement" Key differences and interplay between the two systems Practical Example: Tree Climbing Breakdown of how both sensory systems work during tree climbing Proprioceptive roles (grip, force, balance, stability) Vestibular roles (detecting upward movement, changes in balance/orientation) The Impact of Proprioceptive Input Deep muscle/joint input as calming and organizing Why activities like tree climbing can regulate the nervous system Practical Guidance for Parents & Families Recognizing when children seek proprioceptive input (climbing, crashing, running) Rethinking discipline: supporting regulation needs vs. correcting behaviors Integrating Proprioception into the Day Morning routines and the benefits of early proprioceptive input Practical sensory activities (carrying, pushing, wall push-ups, chair push-downs, resistance bands) Improved transitions to academic work Proprioception Around Mealtimes Addressing challenges like movement/chewing at meals Strategies: involving kids in food prep, offering chewy/crunchy foods for oral input Outcomes: better postural stability and engagement Using Proprioception for Smoother Transitions Why transitions are dysregulating Incorporating start-and-stop proprioceptive activities (e.g., obstacle courses, "mommy races") Group activities and teamwork (e.g., carrying bins, holding doors) Supporting Learning and Attention Importance of body regulation for sustained attention Assessing physical supports (e.g., foot support, alternative seating) Flexible learning setups in homeschooling (e.g., steps, couch, pillows, movement breaks) Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Sensory Activities Guide Here Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids In School Implications of Sensory Processing and Attentional Differences Associated With Autism in Academic Settings: An Integrative Review 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 Sensory Needs and Sibling Dynamics in Homeschooling Episode 75: Building Lifelong Healthy Habits One Simple Step at a Time: Encouragement for Homeschool Families Episode 81: Navigating Social Pressures, Masking, and Expectations Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've ever wondered whether reading aloud to your kids really matters once they're past the early years—or found yourself worrying that reading together is becoming stressful or too focused on performance and skill—this episode is for you. Today, we're exploring how read-alouds shift as children grow, and why this tradition remains deeply relevant for homeschool families at every stage. You'll hear honest observations on how shared story time builds not just vocabulary, but emotional connection, family culture, and a sense of roots—regardless of how well your child reads or how old they are. In this episode you'll hear about: How perspectives and priorities shift as children grow older. The difference between connecting with peers in similar life stages and seeking mentorship from those ahead. The unique challenges of finding relevant mentorship as times and educational requirements change. The ongoing value of shared experiences in parenting and homeschooling. Mentorship and Community in Homeschooling Reading Aloud as a Family Tradition Foundation and evolution of reading aloud in the Johnston family. Using stories to explore heritage, diversity, and family background. Sharing stories as a communal learning experience. The Role of Reading Aloud in Family Connection The continued importance of reading aloud, including with teens, even as participation shifts. Shared Language, Family Lexicon, and Vocabulary Development The benefits of reading aloud for both parents and children, including pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition. Language Processing and Learning Differences Addressing Reading Challenges and Expectations Advice for parents whose children are averse to reading independently. Navigating Changes as Children Gain Reading Independence Emotions and dynamics when kids begin reading independently and the parent is no longer central. The need for parents to adjust and expand the types of books shared aloud with older kids. Handling feelings of being left out as children have new experiences and knowledge. Knowing When to Abandon Books Situations where it's okay to stop reading a book that isn't resonating with the family. The balance between persistence and letting go of unenjoyable reads. Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Companion Guide For Why Reading Is Hard And What To Do About It Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery Learning RX Website Episode 8: Kaleb's Story Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective Episode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning Episode 44: Prioritizing Slow in Homeschooling: A chat with Leslie Martino Episode 72: Navigating Sibling Sensory Needs and Homeschooling Wins and Fails Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest Amber O'Neal Johnston Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and world schooling mama who curates a life-giving, culturally rich home education for her four children—and encourages others to do the same. She champions the use of books and lessons that reflect the lived experiences of children and introduce them to lives and cultures beyond their own, offering both "mirrors and windows" through the power of story. She is the author of A Place to Belong, a guide for raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world, and Soul School, a masterfully curated collection of booklists that explore the fullness of the Black American cultural experience. Amber is also the editor of Homegrown, a collaborative work offering guidance and inspiration for navigating the homeschooling journey.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Download The Companion Guide For Why Reading Is Hard And What To Do About It If you've ever wondered why reading feels so different from day to day in your homeschool—why one lesson is smooth and the next is an uphill climb—this episode is for you. Today, we're looking at the five pillars of literacy from a more connected, practical lens. Instead of treating phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as isolated skills, I'll show you how each one is woven into a child's sensory world, routines, and relationships and why that makes all the difference in homeschooling. We'll talk about environments that invite learning, habits that build confidence, and the subtle reasons a child's body and brain might resist or lean into reading. This approach matters because homeschool parents see the full picture academic progress and daily life blend together. Recognizing the signs beneath reading struggles lets you reframe tough moments, offer the right support, and help literacy grow in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable for your family. In this episode you'll hear about: The Five Pillars of Literacy Overview of each pillar Charlotte Mason's Educational Philosophy Connection between Mason's philosophy and the five literacy pillars Description of a learning-rich home environment Education as Discipline Education as Life Importance of connecting reading to passions and curiosity Integrating Occupational Therapy (OT) Perspective Understanding the "Person" (Child) Understanding the "Environment" Understanding the "Occupation" (Task of Reading) Applying OT and Mason's Approach to Each Literacy Pillar Phonemic Awareness Why movement helps learning sounds Phonics Fluency Vocabulary Comprehension Addressing Broader Reading Challenges Distinguishing skill deficits from motivation or intelligence Encouragement for parents: challenges often relate to supportable systems Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Companion Guide For Why Reading Is Hard And What To Do About It Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Where To Get OT Check Out These Montessori Letters Check Out The Scooter Board Stomp Stilts Mentioned In The Episode Know And Tell: The Art Of Narration Check Out Our Blog Episode 2: Decoding Behavior In Homeschooling- Sensory Overwhelm, Emotional Control, Perseverance Episode 5: Beyond 20/20 vision: understanding crucial aspects of visual assessment in children Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 25: Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development Episode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children Episode 58: Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning Episode 64: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support for Families Episode 66: Building Connection Through Language Episode 71: When the Diagnosis Isn't the Destination: Encouragement for Parents Navigating Neurodiversity Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their products and resources here.

Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If your homeschool days seem to run smoothly one season and unravel the next, this episode will help you understand why. Today we're exploring how the rhythm of your day shifts as your children grow and why what worked before may suddenly feel impossible. In homeschooling, these changes aren't problems to fix, but transitions to understand. I'll walk you through how I observe children's patterns and needs using a practical framework: the PEO model—person, environment, and occupation. You'll learn why starting with curriculum often misses the mark, and how putting your child's individuality, regulation, and interests at the center creates learning that actually sticks. This matters because in a homeschool setting, you have the flexibility to shape both space and schedule to fit where your child is developmentally. Recognizing these shifts gives you clearer options, replaces urgency with confidence, and helps you build days that support connection before curriculum, especially for kids who didn't fit in traditional environments. In this episode you'll hear about: Understanding Changes in Homeschool Rhythm Recognizing developmental shifts versus problems to fix Concept of "Connection over Curriculum" Managing Urgency and Educational Decisions Stress around leaving traditional school or seeking a fresh homeschool start The tendency to rush into curriculum choices The Foundation: Start with the Child, Not the Curriculum Education works best when child-centered, not curriculum-centered Introduction to the PEO Model (Person, Environment, Occupation) Two key truths: Parents know and love their child best Scriptural reference: Ephesians 2:10—children as unique and purposeful Reference to Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy—children as "born persons" Definition of acceptance (seeing the child without comparison or urgency) Definition of expectancy (believing in meaningful and supported growth) Importance of holding both acceptance and expectancy together Observing and Understanding Your Child (The OT Lens) Observational strategies for understanding "the person" in the PEO model Noticing regulation and sensory needs Noticing the role of joy and interests as "doorways" into learning Shifting Away From "What's Wrong" to "What's Needed" Changing focus from problems to supports needed for a child to thrive Prioritizing connection and emotional safety before curriculum The Neuroscience Behind Connection and Learning Introduction to Stephen Porges and Polyvagal Theory Environment: Designing Supportive Spaces and Rhythms Adapting Rhythms as Children Grow Practical Examples of Supporting Regulation and Rhythm Story of a preschooler whose meltdowns improved with a more predictable daily flow Story of a teenager whose engagement improved by shifting his schedule later in the day Environmental Reflections for Listeners Inviting listeners to evaluate and make simple changes to their physical spaces and daily anchors Using Interests to Drive Learning Identifying interests via observation in free time and conversation Practical examples of adapting curriculum and learning activities to interests and needs (movement, chunking tasks, choice) Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Connect with Sarah Collins on IG The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers Homeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety Systematic Review of School-Wide Trauma-Informed Approaches Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery Learning RX Website Episode 4: The Evolving Landscape of Homeschool Community Support Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 18: Practical Sleep Solutions for Children: Insights from Occupational Therapy Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development Episode 35: Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney B. Explains it All Episode 48: Transforming Fashion for Sensory Needs: An Interview with Julia, Adaptive Apparel Pioneer Episode 50: Ask The OT, A Special 50th Episode Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here.