The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

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!

• How to recognize signs of working memory struggles in everyday homeschool life
• How working memory can affect reading, math, following directions, and completing tasks
• Why forgetfulness, unfinished tasks, and disorganization may be connected to working memory
• The difference between accommodations and approaches designed to build cognitive skills
• The difference between visual and auditory working memory
• How processing speed and automaticity relate to working memory
• A working memory activity you can try while you listen
• Why trust and emotional safety matter when children are practicing difficult skills
• What parents can consider when evaluating cognitive training programs
• How 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 IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Connect With Sandy On Instagram
• Connect With Sandy On Tik Tok
• The Brainy Moms Podcast
• Check Out Our Title Sponsor CTC Math
• CTC Math Free Trial

Related Episodes of the OT is IN

• Executive Function, Regulation, and Getting Started In Your Homeschool
• What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Field Trips Can Build Executive Functioning
• Episode 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 Help
• Episode 66: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids
• Episode 71: Raising Resilient Learners: When and How to Talk About Diagnoses with Your Kids

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.

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.

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.

Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show. You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10. Check it out here.

• Multi-Sensory and Neurodevelopmental Approach
• Explanation of the neurodevelopmental (neurofirming) approach
• Importance of engaging multiple senses in learning
• Using gross motor, body movement, and heavy work activities before sitting for tasks
• Incorporating multi-sensory materials: shaving cream, types of paper, chalkboards
• Homeschooling Experiences
• Leslie Catlett's nine years homeschooling her children
• Differences between her two sons' learning styles (bookworm vs. kinesthetic learner)
• Benefits of homeschooling for offering breaks and movement opportunities
• Handwriting Instruction in Homeschool
• Daily 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, placement
• Research supporting explicit handwriting instruction
• Use of diverse materials (chalk, chalkboard, vertical surfaces)
• The Significance of Handwriting in the Digital Age
• Handwriting as a foundational skill—more than just putting letters on paper
• Handwriting as a "full brain workout"
• Cognitive benefits: engagement of hands, eyes, and brain; boosts attention, memory, learning
• Differences between writing by hand and typing
• Challenges with Handwriting for Fast Thinkers
• Students whose thoughts move faster than their physical writing abilities
• Strategies: using technology (recording or transcribing thoughts) to separate idea generation from handwriting
• Motor Skills, Self-Regulation, and Perfectionism
• Relationship between motor skills, cognition, memory, and comprehension
• Practicing fine motor control, coordination, motor planning, and sensory feedback
• Avoiding perfectionism: accepting mistakes, not over-emphasizing erasing
• Using pens or pencils without erasers to maintain flow of thought
• Integrating Technology: AI and Assistive Tools
• Perspective on handwriting vs. technology (not anti-tech, but balanced)
• How dictation, predictive text, and tablets can support struggling students
• Technology for access, but not for building foundational motor/sensory skills
• Autocorrection reliance and its potential impact on spelling development
• Pacing: Handwriting Slows Down, Technology Speeds Up
• Slowing down cognitive processes via handwriting vs. speeding up with screens
• Helping kids adjust to slower, more mindful pacing for foundational skill development
• Breaking tasks into manageable chunks; use of graphic organizers

• 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
• The Penmanship Lab
• Connect With Leslie On IG
• Check Out Our Title Sponsor Lovevery
• Learning RX Website
• Episode 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'Neill
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers
• Episode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
• Episode 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.

Leslie Catlett, MS, OTR/L is the founder of The Penmanship Lab, where she helps children build confident, functional handwriting skills that support learning. A pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two, Leslie understands that handwriting challenges are often about much more than letters on paper. She brings a warm, individualized approach to working with children with ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and autism, focusing on the why behind each child's difficulties and creating engaging strategies that make writing more manageable and meaningful.

Leslie has a variety of experience in acute inpatient/outpatient, virtual/school based practice. Currently as of 2021, she provides in-person and remote OT services and consultation for K-12 students across the U.S. and internationally. Leslie collaborates closely with school teams and families through IEP/504 plans while providing OT services. Leslie's work has been featured in Good Day Columbus, Good Neighbor Podcast, ShoutoutDFW, and Voyage Dallas. In addition, The Penmanship Lab received the 2021-24 mom Approved Award from DFWChild magazine. Leslie is passionate about providing children with the tools necessary to create inclusive learning environments in which children feel worthy, confident and celebrate all accomplishments, however small they may be.

Leslie received her B.S in chemistry from Murray State University and completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Leslie believes creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for all children and celebrating all small wins is imperative.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

If you've found yourself wondering if handwriting still matters in a digital world, or why your child's writing looks so different from their abilities in other areas, this episode is for you. We are unpacking the real value of handwriting for learning—both print and cursive—and why these skills deserve attention in a homeschool setting. You'll hear practical insights about what "good handwriting" actually means, how to spot the foundational skills your child needs before writing even begins, and how environment and mindset have more influence than any fine motor activity alone.

• Handwriting coaching and creation of Ledgie Liner stamps
• Observations from pushing into classrooms (lack of handwriting guidelines in older grades)
• Inspiration and development of a rolling ink stamp for handwriting
• Teacher and student responses, patenting the product, and building a business
• The Importance of Handwriting in a Digital Age
• Brain connections and retention linked to handwriting
• Fine motor and sensory benefits of writing versus typing
• The value of handwriting for reading fluency and cognitive development
• The renewed push to teach cursive
• Defining "Good" Handwriting
• Primary importance of legibility over perfection or pencil grip
• Analyzing what makes handwriting legible
  • Letter height (e.g., differentiating N vs. H)
  • Letter closure (e.g., A vs. U)
  • Spacing and orientation on the line
  • Importance of pinpointing specific issues to focus on for improvement
• Techniques and Strategies for Teaching Handwriting
• Using lines and cues to support handwriting:
• Teaching with tall, small, and "fall" letters
• Employing creative analogies (sky/grass/ground, fish for underwater letters)
• Customizing strategies to student interests and developmental level
• The benefits of the homeschool environment for flexibility and customization
• Foundational Skills and Environmental Factors
• Handwriting Versus Perfectionism
• Differentiating functional handwriting from perfection/neatness
• Emphasis on legibility and function over picture-perfect writing

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• LegiLiner Website
• Polly Benson LinkedIn
• Polly Benson Instagram
• LegiLiner Youtube
• LegiLiner Amazon
• Check Out Our Title Sponsor CTC Math
• CTC Math Free Trial
• Primitive Reflexes Resource Guide
• How To Think About Handwriting
• Making Sense Of The Handwriting Puzzle- Course
• Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 38: Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success
• Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression
• Episode 77: Turning letters into play- how doodling helps handwriting

Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here.

Polly Benson, OTR/L, also known as The OT Handwriting Coach, is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience helping children build confidence through improved handwriting and fine motor skills. She's the inventor of LegiLiner®, a popular rolling ink stamp used by thousands of educators and therapists to make handwriting practice easy and effective. Polly is passionate about making OT strategies accessible—especially for students who don't qualify for services but still need support.

In addition to presenting nationally, Polly mentors other OT entrepreneurs and launched a mastermind networking group to help therapists and teachers grow product-based businesses that make a difference. Her company donates 10% of profits to support the special needs community, extending her mission of impact beyond the classroom. Polly will also be featured this year on "Legacy Makers" showing on Inside Success TV, celebrating her work in innovation, education, and advocacy. With a heart for service and a gift for making learning fun, Polly is on a mission to help every child write with confidence.

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.

Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show. You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10. Check it out here.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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)

• 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.

Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show. You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10. Check it out here.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

• 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.

Thanks to Lovevery for sponsoring today's show. You can get 10% off the Reading Skillset using the code HomeschoolOT10. Check it out here.

• 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)

• 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.

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!

This week we're exploring one of the most profound tensions parents face: finding the balance between fully accepting our children as they are, and encouraging them to stretch, grow, and gain independence. Drawing on neuroscience, executive functioning research, and real-life stories, I'll unpack why kids need opportunities to try, make mistakes, and try again, and how this very process helps their brains develop resilience and problem-solving skills.

You'll learn about the "just right challenge," the science of how our brains learn from errors, and practical strategies for scaffolding your child's growth in daily homeschool life. From supporting hesitant writers, to helping kids take on chores and navigate perfectionism, I'll provide OT-friendly guidance you can apply today. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, a new parent, or somewhere in between, this episode offers both encouragement and actionable tools for nurturing independence, persistence, and confidence in your children.

• Acceptance vs. Expectation in Parenting and Homeschooling
• Definition of acceptance: seeing children truly as they are now (sensory needs, executive functioning, emotional capacities)
• Definition of expectation: envisioning and believing in children's potential to stretch and grow
• The importance of balancing both for genuine child development
• Key Book Reference: Gretchen Rubin's "My Life in Five Senses"
• How the book's message applies to understanding and loving children
• Parenting Challenges: Finding the Balance
• The need for balance for healthy growth and executive function development
• Neuroscience of Mistakes & Learning
• How trial and error fosters executive skills (sequencing, planning, problem solving)
• Introduction to "error related negativity" (ERN) and "error positivity component" (PE)
• Physiology of mistake-driven learning and lifelong neuroplasticity
• How Mistakes Fuel Learning & Executive Functioning
• Mistakes indicate active brain learning not failure
• Importance of applying neuroscience and OT principles at home
• Emotional regulation and executive skills needed to cope with imperfection
• Step-by-step modeling: starting imperfectly, co-regulating, collaborative effort, and gradual independence
• Accepting where both child and parent are in the learning process
• Celebrating effort, process, and small steps forward
• Reminding parents progress is not always linear—growth happens in tiny steps
• Choosing one area to support (writing, chores, routines, etc.)
• Questions for reflection: What does acceptance and expectation look like here?
• Identifying the current stage of gradual release for a child
• Allowing productive struggle and celebrating process over product

• Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling
• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• Free Trial of CTC Math
• Half Priced Homeschool Discount- CTC Math
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Homeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide
• Mind Your Errors: Evidence for a Neural Mechanism Linking Growth Mind-Set to Adaptive Posterror Adjustments
• Episode 7: Form Drawing
• Episode 8: Kaleb's Story
• Episode 56: Nurturing Young Minds Through Writing
• Episode 66: Declarative Language

Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. Please enjoy a FREE TRIAL of CTC math from The Homeschool OT, and after your free trial enjoy half price homeschoolers discount here.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

I sat down with Pam Barnhill—longtime homeschooler, former classroom teacher, and podcasting inspiration—for an insightful conversation about fostering independence and planning skills in homeschooled kids. Pam shares her own homeschooling journey, from her early days teaching preschool at home to launching her teens into work studies and career paths. Together we discuss the ups and downs of raising independent learners, offering practical tips for developing planning muscles, navigating different organizational styles, and supporting kids with unique needs, like dyslexia. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with relatable stories, honest reflections, and actionable ideas to help your family thrive.

• Pam introduces herself, mentioning her background as a former classroom teacher and her journey as a homeschool mom.
• Discussion about learning alongside children and how homeschooling has been enriching for both parents and kids.
• Learning Through Homeschooling
• Pam's experience homeschooling her children from preschool through high school.
• The concept of "redeeming" one's own education as a homeschooling parent.
• Developing Independence and Planning Skills
• The importance of teaching kids independence in setting up and organizing their school day.
• The idea that independence is a muscle that needs gradual strengthening, not a switch.
• Tools and Techniques for Planning
• Using checklists and "Sarah McKenzie's spiral notebook" for tracking daily tasks, even before children can read.
• Benefits of lists/checklists in reducing decision fatigue for both kids and parents.
• Transition to weekly lists as kids mature, allowing more flexibility in how kids schedule their work.
• Adjusting planning approaches for each child based on their preferences and capabilities.
• Time Management and Overcoming Overwhelm
• Teaching children to estimate how long tasks will take and tracking actual times.
• Dealing with "this will take forever" feelings and procrastination.
• Using timers (e.g., 20-minute work blocks) to encourage focus and reduce overwhelm.
• The myth of "one right way" for planning and organization; acknowledging various effective approaches.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Homeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide
• Pam Barnhill's Website
• 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 42: Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday Edition
• Episode 67: Setting Up A Homeschool Day

Pam Barnhill believes that you don't have to sacrifice relationships to homeschool strong. An award-winning educator, former journalist, and now homeschooling mom, she has a knack for breaking down big tasks into small, manageable steps and getting to the heart of the stories her listeners want to hear.

She is the host of the popular podcast Homeschool Better Together and the author of three homeschooling books, including: Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify Your Homeschool, and Savor the Subjects that Matter Most and Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace. Pam lives in the Deep South with her husband of thirty-one years, three (mostly) awesome kids, and the dog dynamic duo. You can find her online at pambarnhill.com.