Navigating the world of homeschooling can be as rewarding as it is challenging, particularly when it comes to incorporating social emotional learning (SEL) into the daily curriculum. In the latest episode of our podcast, "The OT is in," we had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Sautter, an expert in social emotional learning and a speech pathologist who specializes in supporting neurodivergent children. This episode is a resource goldmine for homeschooling parents looking to seamlessly integrate social emotional learning into their daily routines.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Importance of Social Emotional Learning in everyday activities and routines.
• Elizabeth’s resources are targeted primarily to parents of neurodivergent children.
• Integration of social emotional learning in natural routines.
• The connection between bodily sensations and emotional states.
• The relationship between the interoceptive system and the management of social and personal responses.
• Specific social emotional learning strategies and tools like the PACE acronym.
• Integration of social emotional learning into regular activities such as meals, play, and travel.
• Elizabeth’s book and its structure, focusing on different settings like home, community, holidays, and bridging home with school.
• The use of literature and storytelling to teach emotional identification and empathy.
• Activities and tasks from the book aimed at enhancing social emotional learning.
• Utilizing journals and coloring books to foster mindfulness and gratitude.
• Practical exercises for families to incorporate mindfulness in daily routines.
• Common parental concerns about prioritizing daily tasks and integrating social emotional learning effectively.
• How caregivers can use Elizabeth’s tools to assess and respond to emotional cues in children.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Fundamentals of Social-Emotional Learning
• Bridges Learning System
• What To Do When Your Child Is Having A Hard Time: Nurturing Neurodiversity, Morning, Noon and Night
• Social and Emotional Learning Resources from Elizabeth Sautter
• Practical Activities to Boost Executive Functioning for Kids and Teens
• Adding Art to your Homeschool
• Adding Literature to Lunchtime

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

 

Connect with our guest, Elizabeth Sautter

Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, is a speech-language pathologist/social emotional expert, speaker, author, and trainer. She is the author of Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick! Practical activities to help your child manage emotions, navigate social situations & reduce anxiety, along with many other resources, including an online course and community for parents. Elizabeth collaborates with the Zones of Regulation team as a trainer and is a co-author of the Zones children’s books, card decks, and games. She is also part of the EveryDay Regulation team with the focus on providing neurodiversity affirming resources for whole body regulation. She loves to connect on Instagram @elizabeth.sautter , Facebook ElizabethSautterMACCCSLP or via her website: ElizabethSautter.com

In this episode, I chat with Caroline Santangelo, an occupational therapist who specializes in nature-based therapy for children in Pennsylvania. We dive into the world of interoception and explore how nature can help children develop self-awareness. Caroline shares practical insights on how movement, sensory experiences, and outdoor activities can enhance interoceptive awareness in children. She emphasizes the importance of facilitating conversations and providing language to help children articulate their internal experiences. Our discussion also touches on the benefits of nature in simplifying the learning process and promoting interoception. Tune in to discover how the power of the outdoors can influence the development of interoception in children.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Starfish Occupational Therapy's approach to developing children's grit, grace, character, confidence, and knowledge
• Using the outdoor environment for sensory-rich experiences and organic interceptive awareness
• Impacting interoception through movement and internal body signals activation
• Starting Conversations with Children about Interoception including using open-ended questions like "What do you notice?" and "How do you feel?"
• Describing experiences to model language and providing visual feedback to help children internalize input
• Discussion on how external stimuli in nature can affect internal awareness
• Examples of how different individuals experience the same stimuli differently
• Suggestions for simple outdoor activities to promote movement, proprioceptive input, and vestibular movement
• Emphasizing the lifelong journey of learning and development
• How nature's simplicity allows individuals to understand internal body signals and interception

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• The Interoception Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Mindful Self-Regulation
• The Body Check Ring: Printable Cards, Activity Booklet, and Online Mini-Course
• The Interoception Curriculum in The Homeschool Setting with a Homeschooling Mom
• Building Interoception Awareness: Questions to Ask
• Integrating Interoception and Language Arts in Your Homeschool
• Sensory Balanced Homeschool Focus Group

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

Connect with Caroline Santangelo

Caroline is the owner of Starfish Occupational Therapy, PLLC a private nature-based occupational therapy practice for children in the Philadelphia region. Combining comprehensive neurology-based approaches with outdoor therapy, individual and small group sessions promote children's development in sensory processing, coordination, ocular motor skills, regulation, and daily living skills. Natural healing strategies and techniques for children with chronic pain conditions and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are offered. Sessions are focused on fostering children’s Grit, Grace, Character, Confidence and Knowledge, all representing the five arms of the starfish. Let’s find the root cause for healing and get back to the basics all while splashing in the creek and building tree forts!

Specifically, Caroline is Certified in the CONTIGO Nature Therapy approach and is currently in the process of obtaining her Pediatric Functional Vision Rehabilitation Certification. Caroline has expertise in pediatric chronic pain techniques and daily management. She also has pediatric occupational therapy experience in early intervention, outpatient, acute care, and horse therapy settings.

Caroline loves the beach, her golden retriever, and hiking! Caroline hopes to travel all 50 states with only 8 left to visit!

• Starfish Occupational Therapy Website
• Like Starfish Occupational Therapy on Facebook
• Follow Starfish Occupational Therapy on Instagram

In this episode, you'll learn how play-based learning isn't just fun—it's also an essential tool to help children connect with their internal world. Our guest, Cara Koscinski, offers her expertise as an occupational therapist and a homeschooling mother to provide practical strategies for recognizing and addressing interoceptive cues before the onset of a meltdown.

Additionally, discover the challenges and joys of homeschooling as Cara and I discuss the balance between structure and the flexibility necessary for children to thrive emotionally and academically. For those homeschooling parents and all intrigued by the complexity of human emotions and body awareness, this episode is full of value.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Impact of Excessive Stimulation on Children
• Interoception and Emotional Management
• Cara Kosinski's book, "Interoception: How I Feel Sensing the World from the Inside Out"
• The Role of Play-based Learning in Interoception
• Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling
• Strategies for Teaching Interoception
• Understanding Subjective Experiences and Behavioral Cues
• Integrating Interests and Descriptors in Learning
• Incorporating Sensory Experiences in the Learning Process
• Discussion on the Ease of Teaching Interoception
• Personal Experience with Screen Time and Behavioral Impact
• Cara Kosinski's Background and Expertise
• Interoception as a Growing Field of Research
• Parental Guidance for Supporting Children's Interoceptive Awareness

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Learning about Interoception and Language Arts Together
• Questions to use to teach Interoception Awareness
• Interoception: How I Feel: Sensing My World from the Inside Out
• What Is Interoception and How Does It Impact Those With Autism?
• Playing Video Games is Associated with Reduced Awareness of Bodily Sensations
• Visit Cara's website

 

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

Connect with our Guest

Dr. Koscinski earned her post-professional Doctorate in occupational therapy in 2019 at Rocky Mountain University and a master’s degree in OT from Duquesne University in 1997. She obtained her certification as an Autism Specialist from the International Board of Credentialing. Cara is a former lead of the Clinical Applications in Pediatrics Courses for MOT and OTD students at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and serves as a capstone mentor for multiple universities.

Dr. Koscinski enjoys presenting keynote and breakout sessions at state and national conferences on topics of executive function, interoception, behavior, and regulation. As the mother of two adult autistic sons, Cara can appreciate the unique perspective of the caregiver. She has published six books for caregivers and therapists and has written chapters in multiple others. Cara’s newest book detailing her Train Model of executive function, will be released in spring of 2024. As the owner of the largest pediatric occupational therapy group on Facebook, she encourages occupational therapy practitioners to connect, learn, and share with over 50,000 members across the globe.

In today's episode, I am joined by a special guest, my daughter, Annabelle Collins, to discuss executive functioning, planning, and organization from her perspective as a homeschooling teenager. She offers insights into her personal experiences, touching on topics such as setting up daily schedules, adapting to different learning systems, managing distractions, and finding motivation. Together, we explore the challenges and successes we have encountered. Join us as we dive into the world of adolescent executive functioning.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Setting Up a Homeschooling Day for a Teenager
• A teen perspective on transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling
• Adapting to different learning styles
• The impact of independence and supervision
• Implementing strategies to motivate and support learning
• The link between room organization and productivity
• Using Pinterest for room organization ideas
• The importance of habit formation
• Establishing natural consequences for habits
• Parenting Strategies for Executive Functioning Development
• Fostering open communication and a strong parent-child relationship
• Balancing gradual release of control with teenage independence
• The significance of reflection in learning and self-improvement
• Using planning to organize and manage daily tasks
• Prioritizing tasks and setting productive habits
• Encouraging self-reflection and independence in planning

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Hatchet Book Guide
• Picture Books that Teach Executive Functioning
• 8 Quick & Easy Questions to Ask Your Homeschool Teen About Their Social Life
• 9 Ways to Build Time Management Skills in Your Homeschool
• What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Executive Functioning Focus Group
• Metacognition-Thinking about Thinking
• How to Encourage Note-Taking in Every Stage of Homeschooling
• Smart but Scattered Teens: The "Executive Skills" Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
• Participation Patterns of Adolescents with and without Executive Function Deficits: Parents’ Perspectives
• How to Strengthen Executive Functioning Skills, Sarah on the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast.
• How to teach your high-schooler organization skills
• 7 Organization Skills To Teach Your Teen

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

 

In this episode we are talking with the incredible Amy Bodkin, a former school psychologist and an autistic adult herself, she brings her unique perspective on homeschooling autistic children with distinct executive functioning skills. Together, they touch upon the critical role of executive functioning skills, metacognition, and adapting educational plans that focus on both group and individual needs.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Discussion on measuring and tracking the progress of children's development
• Amy's Three-Step Process for Developmental Tracking
• Individualized Approach to Standardized Testing
• Balance and Tailoring in Homeschooling
• Strategies for Managing Executive Functioning
• Tools and Resources for Homeschooling
• Parental and Children Collaboration
• Planning the Academic Year using form guides and seeking children's input for subjects
• Prioritization and Problem-Solving including brainstorming for homeschool curriculum planning
• Organizational Techniques including Amy's use of loop scheduling to manage curriculum
• Custom Curriculum Creation: utilizing guides for a tailored education

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Amy Bodkin's Webiste
• Booklist to talk about Executive Functioning
• Executive Functioning Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• What are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Educational Resources from Amy Bodkin
• Booklists from Read Aloud Revival
• Charlotte Mason Plenary Form Guide
• Heritage Mom book recommendations
• Give Your Child the World Book List
• Primitive Reflexes on Special Needs Kids Are People Too episode 55

Connect with our Guest, Amy Bodkin

Amy Bodkin is an Autistic Consultant and Public Speaker and uniquely qualified to help families with a wide variety of needs. Amy is an Autistic Adult, has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, and homeschools her two Autistic kiddos. At Amy Bodkin Consulting, we like to say it's as easy as ABC: Ally, Boost, and Connect! Ally with Amy through her podcast, “Special Needs Kids Are People Too!” Get a Boost with her Educational Resources. And Connect through her Membership Group and Private Consultations!

• Like Amy Bodkin on Facebook
• Join Amy Bodkin's Free Facebook Support Group
• Follow Amy Bodkin on Instagram

Connect with host, Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

 

Are you a parent juggling the demands of homeschooling or simply seeking to create a harmonious living space for your family? In this conversation, we delve deep into the world of executive functioning and the power of a well-organized home. Lauri shares her wisdom on decluttering strategies, establishing functional spaces, and involving kids in the process to ensure that each family member has a personalized system that promotes both growth and independence.

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the commmunity: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Discussion on how space affects homeschooling productivity and the importance of organization in fostering family connections.
• Strategies for creating an environment conducive to learning and quality family time.
• The psychological benefits of letting go of items that do not serve current lifestyle or values.
• Guiding questions to assist individuals in assessing what they truly need and value in their organized space.
• The importance of aligning your space with your life goals.
• Planning and defining areas within a home for their intended function, especially regarding homeschooling needs.
• Creating multifunctional spaces that adapt to various activities and family members.
• The necessity for children to develop ownership in decluttering and organizing their spaces as they transition into adolescence.
• Methods to encourage and inspire teens to organize, drawing from relatable resources like YouTube and memes.
• Suggestions for using shelving units, pencil boxes, and disguised storage solutions to maintain order.
• Prioritizing practicality and functionality, especially in children's spaces.
• Practical examples, such as organizing a coffee station for efficiency and improved workflow.
• Discussing environment setup to support individual executive functioning skills.
• Adjusting the organizational system to match an individual's level of independence.
• Suggestions to simplify the organizational process for both children and adults.
• The utility of visual aids like labels and pictures in guiding children through organizing tasks.
• Techniques to avoid losing items with the use of drawer dividers and dedicated storage.
• Setting realistic organizational expectations that can be followed by all family members.
• Addressing the emotional challenges of parting with items during life transitions.
• Recommendations for dealing with sentimental belongings without compromising functional space.
• Tips on involving children of different ages in organizing, starting with simple choices for toddlers and increasing responsibility over time.
• Recognizing the benefits of including children in decluttering and space planning, fostering long-term organizational skills.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Executive Functioning Focus Group
• Picture Books to teach Executive Functioning
• Victory Organizing's website
• Like Victory Organizing on Facebook
• Follow Victory Organizing on Instagram
• Decorative Vintage Book Shaped Storage Box
• Small Drawer dividers (12.5-17.5”)
• Large Drawer dividers (18-22”)
• Cheaper by the Dozen (explains their motion study stuff early on, more about Dad)
• Belles on Their Toes  (continues after Dad’s death, and tells the story of Mom’s continuation.)

Connect with our Guest, Lauri Newell

Where you see chaos, Lauri Newell sees opportunity. As a mother of three, Lauri understands that life happens, and there’s no shame in needing help. A trusted, Nashville-based organizer for over a decade, Lauri is passionate about transforming cluttered rooms into beautiful and functional living spaces.

In this episode of the OT is IN, I am joined by Mandy Doman from Advanced Brain Technologies to explore the transformative power of the listening program and how it can fit with homeschooling. Mandy provides insights into the program's origins, impact, and practical application. From the science behind neuroplasticity to heartwarming success stories, our conversation sheds light on the program's potential to enhance executive functioning, auditory processing, and overall well-being.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Discussion of homeschooling and the role of the listening program in Mandy Doman's family
• The role of music as structured, organized sound in influencing brain and body response
• The historical background of the listening program and its focus on holistic improvement
• The impact of music on executive functioning, calmness, and relaxation
• Different approaches to integrating the program into daily routines
• Specific examples of how the program is implemented for individual children
• Overview of the neuroscience-based music listening therapy
• Overview of the different programs available in the listening program
• Insight into addressing challenges such as children's resistance to wearing headphones
• Importance of consistency in using the program and adapting to individual needs
• The role of therapists and providers in supporting families through challenges
• Discussion of research studies supporting the effectiveness of the listening program
• Definition of neuroplasticity and the creation of new brain connections
• Examples of how the listening program stimulates neuroplasticity for development
• Factors to consider in evaluating the potential impact of the listening program

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Happy Classical Music to Boost Mood, Motivation, and Independence
• Advanced Brain Research
• Advanced Brain Website
• Advanced Brain Linktree
• Like Advanced Brain on Facebook
• Follow Advanced Brain on Instagram
• Enroll in Homeschool OT's Executive Functioning Focus Group
• Talk to your child about Executive Functioning with Picture Books
• Schedule a complimentary Discover Call for The Listening Program

Connect with our Guest, Mandy Doman

Mandy Doman is the president of Advanced Brain Technologies and is a leading expert in music listening therapy with over twenty years of experience. She is passionate about helping children and adults live their best lives by finding brain-based solutions to support their therapeutic or educational interventions and overall health and wellness.

Mandy specializes in developing resources, training, and coaching for an international network of providers who use The Listening Program in hospitals, schools, clinics, private practices, and homes.

Mandy spends her free time with her husband, three sons, family, and friends. Before the sun rises, you will find her reading, meditating, writing, and practicing yoga.

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

 

In this episode of The OT is IN I share a personal story about my journey as a homeschool parent and occupational therapist, focusing on the impact of vision on handwriting and learning. I share the challenges my son faced due to preterm birth and the subsequent impact on his visual attention and eye movements. I explain how my son's struggles with reading and writing led us to seek help from a developmental optometrist and explore alternative methods to strengthen his visual skills.

By sharing our experiences, I aim to spark curiosity and encourage parents like you to observe and support your children's unique learning styles. Tune in to uncover the importance of considering vision in the handwriting puzzle and the power of seeking support in the homeschooling journey.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Development of an infant's vision in relation to preterm birth
• Impact of premature birth on visual attention in infants
• Early Signs of Visual Processing Challenges
• Son's early developmental clues, such as excessive movement and limited speech
• Misattributing challenges to sensory processing instead of vision
• Realization of the need for vision-focused interventions
• Implementation of Vision Therapy
• Assessment by a developmental optometrist
•  
• Engagement in vision therapy and exercises
• Identification of convergence disorder and visual scanning insufficiency
• Alternative Approaches to Handwriting and Vision Improvement
• Adapting handwriting activities to reduce frustration
• Reorienting the home environment to encourage left-to-right scanning
• Utilizing drawing, Lego building, and bird watching to improve spatial visual skills
• Emphasizing tactile-based learning and phonics rules for reading improvement
• Utilization of auditory-based learning methods and note-taking strategies
• Measuring Progress and Strength-Based Learning

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• More of our story on Julie Bogart’s BraveWriter Podcast Episode #193
• Visual Scanning Activities from Your Therapy Source
• Visual Scanning Ideas from OT Toolbox
• Eye development from Lozier Institute
• Preterm Birth and the Development of Visual Attention During the First 2 Years of Life
• Beyond 20/20 Vision: Understanding Crucial Aspects of Visual Assessment in Children
• Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

 

In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Beaufoym an expert on Waldorf education and form drawing, Together we dive deep into the world of form drawing and its crucial role in Waldorf education, homeschooling, and child development.

Robyn shares insights into the Waldorf philosophy, explaining how it is centered around individualized education and the use of the child as a guide for learning. She goes on to describe form drawing as the drawing of repetitive symbols, shapes, and patterns, highlighting its evolution from the early grades through to middle school and its connection to geometry.

Our conversation delves into the practical aspects of form drawing, discussing the process of introducing forms to children through multisensory experiences involving movement, tactile activities, and visualization. We also explore the impact of form drawing on skills such as spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and handwriting, emphasizing its cumulative benefits for overall learning.

Listeners gain insights into overcoming resistance to form drawing, its potential to support visual perceptual skills and its practical application for adults in relaxation and mindfulness. The episode concludes with valuable resources and where to find more information on form drawing and Waldorf education.

More about our Guest

An early career as a Park Ranger, led Waldorfish CEO Robyn Beaufoy to her love of illustrating and education. Trained initially as both a public school and Waldorf teacher, she has been involved in art and education for over 25 years, including homeschooling her two children for some of that time. 

Robyn is the keeper of the creative vision held by the Waldorfish team, which serves up modern, Waldorf-inspired curriculum for homeschooling families and teacher training.  Working out of the premise that life is short (but sweet!) she empowers soul-filled teachers & families to find their JOY in teaching and making art. 

Robyn is the author/illustrator of From Here to Everywhere, a book for children and their grownups, about living our best lives and sometimes, losing someone we love. 

Follow Waldorfish on Instagram

In this episode you'll hear about:

Introduction to Waldorf Education and Form Drawing 

• Overview of Waldorf education as a child-centered approach with no set curriculum 
• Introduction to form drawing as a subject within Waldorf methodology 

Understanding Form Drawing and its Practice

• Description of form drawing as the drawing of repetitive symbols, shapes, and patterns 
• Evolution of forms as children progress through grades 
• The transition from form drawing to geometry curriculum in fifth grade 
• Emphasis on movement and practice rather than the end product on paper 

The Process of Form Drawing 

• Multisensory learning and the importance of movement and tactile experiences 
• Examples of activities such as drawing with chalk, finger paints, modeling clay, and drawing in the sand 
• Utilizing outdoor spaces and incorporating movement into the practice 

The Relationship Between Form Drawing and Learning Skills 

• How form drawing supports spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and spatial planning orientation 
• Integration of forms with curriculum themes and academic subjects 
• The cumulative benefits of form drawing on learning in general 

Application of Form Drawing for Children with Visual Perceptual Challenges 

• Challenges faced when introducing form drawing to older children 
• Importance of starting with foundational skills and building cumulative benefits 
• Incorporating research studies and understanding the scientific basis for form drawing 

Resources and Recommendations for Form Drawing 

• Recommended resources, including form drawing courses, articles, and books 
• The significance of understanding the "why" of form drawing, supported by research studies 
• Introducing form drawing as a mindfulness and relaxation practice for adults 

Practical Implementation and Benefits of Form Drawing 

• The importance of consistency and short, repetitive practice sessions 
• Trusting in the long-term cumulative benefits of form drawing on learning 

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• The Practical and Creative Art of Form Drawing
• Form Drawing Progresses
• Waldorf Form Drawing in Grade One 
• Waldorfish Form Drawing courses for grades 1-4
• Try a  complimentary sample lesson of Waldorf Form Drawing
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

 

Prepare to explore the deep connections between nature, vision, the brain, and how they intersect with occupational therapy and education. Kim Wilson, with her wealth of experience in adult neurorehabilitation, shines a light on the complexity of the visual system and its impact on learning, particularly in young children.

In this episode, we address the often-overlooked significance of vision in nature and how outdoor environments can be instrumental in developing visual and cognitive skills. From the foundations of visual attention to the integration of sensory systems for functional participation, we've got it covered.

Kim also shares practical advice for parents on monitoring their child’s vision development, introduces us to the free InfantSee vision screening program for the little ones, and advocates for the benefits of play-based activities to enhance visual skills in a natural and engaging way.

Stay tuned as we delve into strategies for occupational therapists and parents alike to help children cultivate these vital skills through fun, stress-reducing activities that combine learning with the great outdoors. Plus, we'll touch on the challenge of engaging kids in therapeutic goals and unveil some of Kim's work in Colorado Springs, including her services that support homeschooling parents.

In this episode you'll hear about:

Importance of Nature and Vision in Occupational Therapy and Education

• Kim Wilson's experiences with neurological patients and vision effects 
• The complex nature of the visual system in the brain 
• The impact of vision on learning and how 80%-90% of learning is visual 

Addressing Visual Issues in Children 

• The repercussions of a malfunctioning visual system on learning and writing 
• Integration of vision therapy with movement and proprioception 
• Role of outdoor settings in developing visual and sensory skills 

Occupational Therapy's Approach to Vision 

•   The necessity of addressing the visual system for functional participation 
•   Specifics of the Infant C free visual screening program for young children 
•   Simple home methods for vision assessment such as the Hirschberg test 

Educating Parents on Children’s Vision 

•   Encouraging parents to observe their children’s vision 
•   The relation between visual skills and academic performance 
•   Visual skills in frustration management 

Play-Based Activities to Address Visual Skills 

•   Convergence insufficiency activity example using a hammock 
•   Emphasizing activities over static exercises like tracking a pencil 
•   Challenges in engaging children with therapeutic goals and home programming 

Nature-Based Learning and Skill Development 

•   Benefits of nature journaling for visual and fine motor skill development 
•   Outdoor activities as non-academic yet beneficial for children 

Kim Wilson's Professional Services and Resources 

•   Information about her practice in Colorado Springs 
•   Parent coaching, mentoring, and a homeschool OT handwriting focus group 

The Foundation of Visual Attention in Nature

•   Benefits of developing visual attention outdoors 
•   Charlotte Mason's concept of the habit of attention 
•   Integrating all senses, especially in developing visual skills 

Progression in Visual Skill Development through Play 

•  The importance of visual attention before higher-level skills 
•   Stress reduction and resilience from nature play-based activities 
•   Incorporating visual skills into challenging physical activities

Awareness and Evaluation of a Child's Visual System 

•   The critical role of clinician and parent awareness 
•   Addressing system dependency and recognizing children’s visual and vestibular systems 
•   Challenges for parents to identify issues and the importance of professional vision screening 

Comprehensive Assessments for Early Childhood Development 

•   The need for early and thorough vision assessments 
•   The importance of ocular motility examinations 
•   The relevance of auditory screenings in conjunction with visual assessments 

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• InfantSee
• The Skills Nature Builds
• Movement Throughout the Homeschool Day
• What is Visual Attention
• Visual Motor Skills
• OT Assessments for Visual Motor Skills
• Homeschool OT Handwriting Focus Group
• Improving Handwriting without Actually Writing
• Vision Assessment Screening

Connect with Kim Wilson

• Nature's Path
• Nature's Path Instagram

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website