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!

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In this episode of the "OT is In" podcast, Gina Taylor and I dive deep into the world of hippotherapy. Gina is an occupational therapist and hippotherapy clinical specialist. Together we discuss the benefits of incorporating horses into therapy for children with special needs. Gina explains the different types of equine therapy, particularly focusing on hippotherapy and its role in occupational therapy.

Gina how different activities in hippotherapy address motor skills, social skills, and cognitive skills in children. Gina also shares insights on the academic ties of hippotherapy, working with the POWER framework, and how parents can navigate insurance coverage for hippotherapy.

• Equine Therapy and Homeschooling
• The differences between homeschooled and traditionally schooled teenagers in volunteering
• Defines equine therapy as therapy for horses
• Differentiates between adaptive/therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and hippotherapy
• Gina discusses how she assesses children's movement patterns and sensory differences
• Explains the selection of horses based on their movement and temperament for therapy
• Provides examples of pairing horse movement with specific child needs for therapy
• Therapy requirements vary based on age and individual abilities
• The importance of safety awareness and the ability to follow directions, especially for teenagers
• Posture and physical abilities play a role in determining readiness for hippotherapy
• Executive Functioning Skills in Hippotherapy
• Describes the importance of safety awareness and response inhibition in hippotherapy
• Using the horse's behavior responses to teach children about their actions
• Explains how hippotherapy can help children develop self-regulation and social skills
• Outlines a typical session routine including body mapping, grooming tasks, and horseback riding
• The integration of motor, cognitive, and emotional activities during a hippotherapy session
• The importance of functional activities and evaluation at the end of the session
• Demonstrates how hippotherapy activities can target academic, cognitive, and physical objectives
• Highlights the connection between hippotherapy sessions and functional skills development
• Discusses how hippotherapy activities can improve academic skills such as organization and sequencing
• Using the Power Framework in hippotherapy sessions to tie in academic concepts
• Describes how lessons learned in hippotherapy can be applied to daily living tasks at home
• Advises on questions to ask therapists when considering hippotherapy for a child

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• What are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Executive Functioning Focus Group
• Board Games to teach Executive Functioning
• What is Hippotherapy?
• Episode 9- The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning with Mandy Doman
• Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy at the Temple Grandin Equine Center
• Introduction to Hippotherapy for Occupational Therapy Practitioners
• Find a Certified Hippotherapy Therapist
• POWER Handout from Epona Therapy
• Epona Therapy (for parents)
• Animals & Aquatics podcast for OT's

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

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Why is handwriting hard for some children, even after plenty of practice?

Handwriting involves much more than pencil grip and fine motor strength. In this episode, occupational therapist and homeschool mom Sarah Collins explores six aspects that may affect writing: the task and environment, posture and stability, fine motor skills, functional vision, executive functioning and idea generation, and sensory and emotional regulation.

You'll learn what to observe during a meaningful writing activity, why copying may be easier than generating original ideas, and how to choose one manageable next step that fits your child.

If you would like help putting these pieces together, explore Making Sense of the Handwriting Puzzle, a self-paced course created for homeschool parents:

https://homeschoolot.com/handwriting-join/

Read the full article and find additional resources:

https://homeschoolot.com/unlocking-the-handwriting-puzzle/

• Watch this episode with slides
• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Primitive Reflex Guide from Homeschool OT
• Handwriting Focus Group
• Beyond 20/20 Vision: Understanding Crucial Aspects of Visual Assessment in Children
• Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Tailored Kids' Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'Neill
• Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Practical Sleep Solutions for Children: Insights from Occupational Therapy
• How to Improve Handwriting Without Writing
• The Skills Nature Builds

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

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

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Click Heren for Full Shownotes

In today's episode, we're joined by Matt Sloan, the innovative mind behind Sensory Fitness. Matt and I dive into the fascinating world of sensory fitness, core strengthening, and how to keep neurodiverse kids engaged in physical activities. With his unique approach combining sensory integration therapy and functional fitness, Matt shares invaluable insights and practical tips for parents striving to support their children's physical development.

From the challenges of motivating kids to the importance of core strength in everyday activities, this episode uncovers creative strategies to incorporate movement through play and fun equipment. We also explore how parents can use common household items to facilitate exercises and the role of empathy in understanding sensory difficulties. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking to adapt for neurodiverse individuals or a parent seeking effective ways to integrate physical activity into homeschooling, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring ideas.

• Overview of the episode's aim: the importance of core strengthening
• Matt's business: Sensory Fitness, catering to kids and adults on the neurodiverse scale
• Combination of sensory integration therapy and fitness
• Use of functional fitness for practical strength
• Challenges in Fitness for Neurodiverse Individuals including struggles with traditional sports and activities and sensory difficulties that affect participation
• Understanding behavioral choices versus sensory overload
• The Importance of Core Strength
• Fine motor skills connection to core strength
• Crawling as an indicator of core strength
• Strategies for Enhancing Core Strength in Children
• Activities for younger children: Crawling through tunnels, Crawling while doing chores like cleaning floorboards
• Strategies for older children and teenagers include Fitness programs, Utilizing uneven surfaces like couch cushions, Obstacle courses at home or specialized facilities
• Using unusual equipment like shake weights
• Sensory Fitness Certification program overview
• Encouragement to use available equipment and creative approaches
• Ensuring kids are engaged through play
• Tailoring exercises to individual motivations
• Incorporating fitness seamlessly into play activities

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Join the Handwriting Focus Group
• Primitive Reflex Resource Guide from Homeschool OT
• The Skills Nature Builds
• How to work on Writing Without Actually Writing
• Top 3 Ways to Improve Handwriting in the Homeschool... (may not actually include writing)
• Body Sense Alphabet from Cheri Dotterer
• Episode 8- How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Be a Certified Sensory Fitness Coach
• Sensory Fitness Website

Matt Sloan is a certified occupational therapy assistant specializing in sensory integration therapy. Matt is also a fitness professional certified as a WeckMethod Master Trainer in Rotational Movement Training©, coach, and has worked as a special education teacher and adaptive PE teacher for kids with social/emotional behavior disorders for over 13 years.

He has been involved in education, fitness, and working with kids and adults of all abilities in a multitude of settings for over 30 years. He is also an accomplished wrestler, practitioner of Muay Thai, boxing, jujitsu, and MMA. Matt has competed in various wrestling, jujitsu, and boxing tournaments and received 3rd place in the All Japan Mixed Martial Arts Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan in 2005. ​

Matt also struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, and a learning disability in reading comprehension and math calculation. He struggled all through school and attributes making it through all his schooling to his amazing special education teachers and sports. Understanding that ADHD impacts life entirely, not just school, Matt uses sensory and movement strategies to help himself manage his ADHD on a daily basis to navigate work, family, relationships, and all aspects of life.

Matt now runs Sensory Fitness. A program developed to incorporate sensory integration therapy and integrative fitness. Sensory Fitness is intentional about exercises, games, and activities to stabilize joints, improve coordination, develop motor planning, and build bodies for an organized mind by using sensory strategies and functional fitness. ​ Sensory Fitness also offers in-person training for parents, educators, health practitioners, and fitness professionals to understand and utilize sensory strategies with their clients, kids, at home, and in their practices.

Find Matt and Sensory Fitness on Facebook and Instagram

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

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In this episode, we'll explore the power of play-based and low-stress techniques in fostering children's growth and preventing frustration and fatigue. Kokeb, an occupational therapist and mom, shares her expertise on primitive reflexes and the significance of creating a safe, connected environment for our kids.

We'll discuss her comprehensive program for parents that includes online training, workshops, and an app with targeted exercises—all designed to make supporting your child's development easier and more effective.

Join us as we learn about Kokeb's groundbreaking work in reflex integration, her valuable resources for homeschool families, and practical tips for recognizing and addressing developmental challenges in children. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode is packed with insights to help you foster a nurturing and supportive environment for the children in your life. Stay tuned!

Full Shownotes and Links Click Here

• Introduction to primitive reflexes and play-based therapy.
• Development of play-based therapy approach.
• Importance of Play-Based and Low-Stress Approaches
• Preventing fatigue and frustration in children.
• Making learning and development processes enjoyable for children.
• Importance of connecting with children before addressing problems.
• Creating a safe environment and routine alignment.
• Understanding the Reptilian Brain
• Establishing safety before addressing challenges.
• Parental mindset and energy contribution.
• Tailoring home exercises based on the child and parent's schedules.
• App support and group interaction for reflex integration exercises.
• Reflex Integration Needs for Adults
• Compensating for challenges without recognizing underlying issues.
• Importance of parents trusting their gut when suspecting issues.
• Observing Natural Developmental Progression
• Kokeb's approach in understanding reflex patterns.
• Identifying and observing inefficient movements.
• Providing strategies for parents to recognize potential reflex-related issues.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Primitive Reflexes Guide from Homeschool OT
• Join the Handwriting Focus Group
• Q&A Primitive Reflexes with Amy Bodkin Consulting
• Unveiling Primitive Reflexes: Understanding Their Impact on Learning and Development
• How Primitive Reflexes Impact Child Development and Intervention Strategies for Integration
• Primitive Reflex Podcast Series from Harkla
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Reflex Integration Through Play Family Bundle 20% discount using the code HOMESCHOOLOT

Kokeb Girma McDonald is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of the Reflex Integration Through Play™️ (RITP) program. She is the mother of two wonderful children and has extensive professional experience working with young people of all ages and backgrounds since 2004. Recognizing the need for practical and universally accessible primary-motor-reflex

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

Today we're diving into a complex but crucial topic: primitive reflexes. This episode is a bit different as I'm also sharing slides with those of you joining us on YouTube. Primitive reflexes are an intricate subject that spark endless questions, and while I can't cover everything in one episode, I'll provide you with some invaluable resources to explore further.

We'll start by understanding what primitive reflexes are, why they exist, and what happens when they aren't integrated. From birth trauma and ear infections to the modern challenges of "container kids," various factors can lead to the retention of these reflexes, impacting children's daily functions like reading, writing, and emotional regulation. Throughout the episode, I'll share personal stories, delve into specific reflexes, and discuss practical strategies for integration.

• Definition and origin of Primitive Reflexes in the womb
• Explanation of sensory stimuli leading to automatic motor responses
• Examples of Primitive Reflexes
• Rooting Reflex: Finger stimulus on baby's cheek leading to sucking behavior
• Moro Reflex: Automatic arm extension when baby's head is dropped back
• Palmar Grasp Reflex: Hand closure around a placed finger
• Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex: Head turning causing one arm to extend and the other to bend
• Spinal Galant Reflex: Response to stimulation along the spine
• Tonic Labyrinth Reflex: Important for postural stability
• Landau Reflex: Role in postural adjustments
• Symmetric Tonic Reflex: Role in crawling and its effects on sitting and focus
• Definition and examples of subtle retained reflexes
• Potential Causes of Retained Reflexes
• Identifying Retained Reflexes through Functional Indicators
• Reading Difficulties due to primitive reflexes' impact on ocular motor skills and attention
• Writing difficulties due to head movement and posture

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Watch this episode with slides
• Join the Handwriting Focus Group
• Q&A Primitive Reflexes with Amy Bodkin Consulting
• Unveiling Primitive Reflexes: Understanding Their Impact on Learning and Development
• How Primitive Reflexes Impact Child Development and Intervention Strategies for Integration
• Primitive Reflex Podcast Series from Harkla

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

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

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Today I'm talking with Connie O'Neill about home-based learning aids for occupational therapists use with kids. Connie and I are both experienced occupational therapists. Connie shares her unique journey from working with adults to finding her passion in pediatric OT.

She has developed Big Play in a Box, innovative bedtime and play boxes, designed to aid children with sensory processing difficulties and developmental delays. These boxes are crafted to not only entertain but also support crucial developmental milestones in children aged 3 to 8. Together we highlight the importance of parental involvement and feedback in a child's day-to-day learning.

• Use of Different Types of Scissors for Children's Activities
• Developmental progression in skills like cutting
• Bedtime box designed to help children with sensory processing difficulties sleep better.
• Play boxes with activities supporting development created to provide guidance and tools to busy families.
• Tips for Integrating Educational and Social Skills Activities
• Challenges of virtual therapy and engaging parents.
• Parents need to understand and interact with children to address developmental delays.
• Benefits of a coaching model for parents.
• The research process for creating Big Play in a Box .
• Use of sensory play and open-ended activities.
• Importance of boundaries, completion cues, and teaching executive functioning skills.
• Adaptable projects with an emphasis on child-led activities and exploration.
• The Role of Failure and Imperfection in Learning
• Feedback and Materials for Skill Development
• Messy Play and Sensory Play
• Encouraging open-ended play and adaptability.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Big Play in a Box use MYFIRSTBOX15 for 15% off your entire order
• Developmental Milestones for Early Childhood
• Creative Scissor Skills Tips and Resources
• Designing Messy Play for Infants and Toddlers
• Reverse Planning & Observed Learning Homeschool Journal

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

Connie O'Neill has been an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. She began her career by working with adults in settings including inpatient neuro, skilled nursing units, and outpatient orthopedics. After 10 years, she transitioned into working with pediatrics in a rural school setting in Central Illinois. It didn't take long to discover the challenges that children with learning differences have with fitting in with their peers and an education system that is far from being capable of providing a one-size-fits-all mold for all children to fit in.

In 2021, she stepped out of direct care to help fill a void that she commonly noted among the families she worked with. Parents demonstrated the desire to be able to interact and play with their child; but struggled with time, creativity, and general knowledge on how to aid their child in moving toward the next area of development.

Big Play in a Box was created to assist parents in being able to create meaningful experiences with their children involving a child's valued occupation of being able to play. The boxes are multi-developmental, centered around a children's book, and guided by her knowledge of being able to adapt activities to fit multiple ages, developmental abilities, and interests. Over two years in, she has expanded her boxes into a quarterly subscription, online retail, and wholesale.

Follow Big Play in a Box on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest

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

We're diving deep into the fascinating yet often concerning world of screen time and its profound effects on children's brains, behavior, and development. Dr. Dunckley sheds light on how screens act as stimulants, triggering stress responses and hyperarousal, and shares insights on why younger children are more susceptible to these impacts. We'll explore how prolonged screen exposure can shut down the frontal lobe, hindering executive functioning and attention spans, and the resulting behavioral changes and physical restlessness.

We also discuss practical strategies for parents to mitigate these effects, including setting aside screen-free times and openly discussing screen use with children. Sarah shares her own experiences with her teenage daughter, and we delve into the crucial long-term effects of screens on social interactions and problem-solving skills. Plus, we'll touch on the importance of physical activities for developing fine motor skills and the potential downsides of relying on screens for hand-eye coordination.

• Effects of Screen Time on the Brain and Behavior
• Screen time as a stimulant triggering fight or flight response and Chronic stress and hyperarousal from screen exposure
• Impact on Executive Functioning and Attention Span including Frontal lobe shutdown due to prolonged screen exposure
• Younger children are more sensitive to screen effects
• Immediate calming effects vs. long-term dysregulation of chronic screen use
• Impact on hunger, thirst, and behavior, including irritability and discomfort from screen timing
• Impact of parental screen use on children's attachment
• Importance of open conversations with children about screen use
• Book Discussion: "Hold on to Your Kids"
• Long-term effects of screens on children's connections
• Importance of problem-solving and adaptation
• Examples of teens finding alternative means of communication
• Decrease in tolerance towards end of the day due to cognitive exhaustion
• More energy in the morning for coping with tasks
• Positive Effects of Reduced Screen Time including improved kindness, relationships, and academic performance and reduced grogginess and dysregulation
• Debunking Myths about Screen Activities
• Importance of delayed gratification and resilience in the medical field
• Fine motor control dependent on core strength and shoulder stability
• Physical activities such as throwing a ball vs. screen time
• Weakened cores and musculature from prolonged sitting
• Family Strategies for Reducing Screen Time
• Strategies for parents: removing social media apps, reducing notifications

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Video Games in the Homeschool
• ADHD and Video Games: Is Your Child Hooked?
• Dr. Dunckley's Free Screen Time Minicourse
• Dr. Dunckley's Website
• Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time.
• Dr. Dunckley's Blog "Mental Weath" hosted by Psychology Today

Dr. Victoria Dunckley is an award-winning child and adolescent psychiatrist based at the Centre for Life in Los Angeles. She is a nationally recognized expert on the impact of screen time on brain health and development and a leading voice regarding screen time's influence on misdiagnosis and overprescribing in children. Recently named one of "America's Top Psychiatrists," Dr. Dunckley and her work have been featured on numerous media outlets, including

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

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

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In this episode, Karen will break down the concept of sleep pressure and its relevance across different age groups, from babies to school-age children. We'll explore the critical relationship between physical activity, screen time, and sleep readiness. You'll hear insightful tips on managing screen influence on sleep, touching on both metabolic processes and circadian rhythms.

Karen shares some incredible resources for parents, including key sites like the Sleep Foundation, pathways.org, and the must-read book "The Rested Child" by Chris Winters. You'll also get to know about Karen's journey from launching a cloth diaper business to returning to occupational therapy with a focus on infant and community-based sleep therapy—a path that perfectly complements her homeschooling endeavors.

We'll discuss the importance of sleep for the entire family's well-being, especially in neurodivergent children, and provide actionable strategies for parents, including sensory-sensitive routines and safe practices around the use of weighted sleep tools. Plus, Karen gives her top techniques for calming a child's nervous system before bedtime and shares her favorite experiences in combining occupational therapy with homeschooling.

• Sleep Pressure and Its Impact on Different Age Groups
• Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep Drive
• Impact of Sedentary Behavior on Sleep
• Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sleep Readiness
• Influence of Screens on Sleep
• Metabolic Processes Affected by Screen Time
• Impact on Circadian Rhythms
• Karen's Experience Applying Occupational Therapy in Homeschooling
• Collaborative Goal Identification
• Creative Application of Learning Goals through Activities
• Importance of Sleep as a Pillar of Occupation
• Effects of Poor Sleep on Family Dynamics
• Addressing Sleep Issues in Neurodivergent Children
• Age-Appropriate Sleep Patterns
• Occupational Therapy Techniques to Address Sensory Needs
• Techniques to Calm a Child's Nervous System Before Bedtime
• Concern Over Weighted Sleep Sacks for Babies
• Activities to Regulate Sensory-Seeking Children Before Bedtime
• Strategies for Children Who Have Difficulty Staying Asleep

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• The Rested Child by Chris Winters
• Sleep Foundation
• Articles on Babies and Sleep from Pathways.org
• How Occupational Therapy Can Treat Children with Sleep Problems
• Children's Best Bedroom Environment for Sleep manual
• Simple Sensory-Based Sleep Strategies from Sleep for Kids

With 24 years of experience, Karen combines her knowledge in Pediatric OT with a deep understanding of Sleep Science to support Neurodivergent and Neurotypical families to achieve healthy sleep patterns as a foundation for their meaningful participation in everyday life.

Using frameworks and learning from the areas of development, sensory processing, psychology, and mental health, with a focus on providing a neurodiversity-affirming approach to care, Karen provides OT services that meet the needs of both the child and the family as a whole.

At present, Karen works with ND school-aged children, infants, toddlers, and children to support sleep, and works in a NICU to provide developmental care, parent education, and feeding support. Outside of work, Karen is a mom to two teens who homeschooled for 7 years and enjoys spending time boating the coastal waters with her family.

Visit Karen's Website, Follow her on 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

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

Welcome to another episode of "Homeschool OT: The OT is in," where we delve into the world of homeschooling through the lens of occupational therapy and speech therapy. In today's episode, we are joined by Keisha Berry, a Speech Language Pathologist and seasoned homeschooling mom. Keisha brings a wealth of experience and insight into managing education at home, especially for children who are neurodiverse. We'll explore her journey from being a special education teacher to choosing homeschooling for her own children, leading to the establishment of her practice, Spectrum Education and Therapy Center.

Our conversation with Keisha will cover the challenges and triumphs of homeschooling, the importance of community support like co-ops, and how parents can navigate educational spaces for children with diverse learning needs. Keisha also sheds light on how to create neuro-affirming environments and the crucial role of conflict management and advocacy in nurturing inclusive and supportive educational experiences. This promises to be an enlightening discussion filled with practical tips and profound insights for both new and veteran homeschooling parents alike. So, let's dive in!

• Combining roles as an educator, speech therapist, and a homeschooling parent.
• Keisha's decision to homeschool based on her child's experience in traditional school settings.
• Founding motives behind Spectrum Education and Therapy Center.
• The expansion of services offered, such as counseling, psychological evaluations, and behavior support.
• Challenges and Strategies in Homeschooling Neurodiverse Children
• Understanding and adapting co-op environments for neurodiverse learners.
• The importance of neuro-affirming approaches and terminology.
• Implementing and supporting various communication ways, including use of communication devices.
• Encouraging appropriate responses and flexibility in behavioral expectations.
• Managing Expectations and Conflict in Homeschool Co-ops
• Preparing homeschool co-ops for embracing neurodiversity.
• Role-playing and scenario analysis to help children advocate for themselves and manage interactions.
• Social Skills Development including the distinction between manners and social skills.
• Creating inclusive and supportive educational environments that prepare neurodiverse students for real-world interactions.
• Teaching neurodiverse children to advocate for themselves.
• The double empathy problem and mutual adaptation needs for inclusive interaction.
• Preparatory Advice for Homeschoolers and Co-op Leaders
• Recommendations for books and resources to educate both neurotypical and neurodiverse children about diversity and inclusivity.
• Importance of proactive conflict management planning in educational settings.

• Handicrafts in Your Homeschool
• What is Bullying?
• Double empathy, explained
• Explicit Instruction of Self-Advocacy Skills
• ADA Accommodations at a Homeschool Co-op

Keisha Berry is an accomplished professional with a background in education and communication sciences. Beginning as a special education teacher and co-chair of an Autism program, she transitioned to become a speech-language pathologist in 2010. Keisha holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University, demonstrating her dedication to advancing her expertise. In 2019, she founded Spectrum Education and Therapy Center, focusing on supporting homeschool families with neurodiverse learners.

Keisha is passionate about partnering with parents to maximize learning at home. Over the last 13 years, not only has she homeschooled her own 4 children, but she has also been an advocate for families, championing children's rights to receive optimal support. She sees culturally responsive education and therapy as powerful tools for accessing opportunities.

Find Spectrum Education and Therapy Center on Facebook

Find Spectrum Education and Therapy Center 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

This is a special bonus episode featuring my daughter, Annabelle Collins. In our previous episode, Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning, we dove deep into prioritization, planning, and organizing within our homeschool day. We received an abundance of positive feedback, so we decided to follow up on one of your burning questions: How do we decide what activities to participate in?

In this bonus episode, we'll revisit the key points from her previous episode, discuss the important principles of balance in work, play, rest, and sleep, and delve into how these concepts are applied in our family's homeschool journey. Annabelle and I will share our experiences, including her personal transition from swimming to volleyball and the factors we consider when choosing extracurricular activities. We'll also touch on the significance of community and the influence of adult mentors in shaping our children's development. So, whether you're a homeschooling parent, an educator, or just curious about our approach, stay tuned for some insightful and practical advice.

• Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
• The Evolving Landscape of Homeschool Community Support
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
• Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
• Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl

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