Celebrate the 2023 school-based OT practitioners of the year!

Join us in this episode, where we recognize the contributions of three exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to support students, teachers, staff, and the profession. These three OTPs are receiving awards from the OT Schoolhouse for impacting the 2020 to 2023 school years as OTPs.  

Tune in to hear their inspiring stories, and click here to learn more about them. 

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Why do you love school-based OT? 

In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, explores the world of school-based occupational therapy by highlighting the many advantages of being a school-based OTP. Jayson shares his experiences and insights, highlighting the power of collaboration, the importance of a student’s natural context, and advocating not only for the students but also for ourselves as OTPs. 

Tune in to learn more about the ways occupational therapy transforms the lives of students.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the difference between school-based OT and clinic-based OT
• Learners will identify how to collaborate on a systems or classroom level
• Learners will recognize how modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology are used in a school setting
• Learners will recognize ways to advocate for students and themselves as OTPs

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Ready to transform your classroom into an engaging and supportive learning environment?

Join us on this episode, where we explore the topic of setting up the classroom for success with Kelly Wilk-Downs.

Discover important tips and strategies to optimize the learning environment, from creating individual workspaces to mastering sound and lighting. Kelly also introduces the TEACCH method, a tool that benefits not only children with autism and ADHD but all students.

As occupational therapy practitioners, we can collaborate with teachers and administrators to implement these changes and facilitate student learning. 

Tune in to hear more about how design affects the classroom environment!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

•  Learners will identify strategies for creating individual workspaces that meet the needs of different students. 
  
  
• Learners will identify the benefits of using visual supports, work systems, & sensory strategies within a classroom
  
  
• Learners will identify and understand the importance of classroom design in promoting structure and student success.

Are you a member of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative?

Members of the OTS Collaborative can earn a certificate of completion for listening to this course and taking a quiz.  Click here to learn more. 


View the full show notes here.

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

On this episode of OT Schoolhouse Podcast, host Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, welcomes guest Jenna Rufo, Ed.D., to discuss post-pandemic special education. 

Jenna shares her philosophy on education and inclusion, offering strategies on how to get administrators on board with an inclusive approach. As an educator with over 20 years of experience, Rufo also emphasizes the importance of parent interaction and the role of OTs in providing support to students in areas such as executive functioning and fine motor skills. 

Rufo also highlights positive outcomes of virtual learning during the pandemic, including increased collaboration among teachers and parents and a greater understanding of individual student needs. Tune in to this informative episode for practical tips on creating more inclusive schools and supporting all students.

Click here to view the full show notes. 

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Have you heard of the Kawa model? 

On this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, We'll discuss the advantages of understanding this model for occupational therapy practitioners. Dr. Iwama talks about the interrelatedness of the different factors contributing to a person's well-being and performance through the metaphor of a river. 

We'll learn about how cultural differences impact the concept of occupation, and how the Kawa model emerged. Additionally, we discuss how occupational therapy practitioners can identify where the clients' water flows and work with their strengths to overcome obstacles. 

Tune in to learn more!

View the full show notes here.

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

How much do you really know about dyslexia?

Join us as we explore this often-misunderstood learning disorder. Jayson and Penny dive into the importance of evaluation, therapy, and the crucial support needed for teachers and students facing dyslexia. Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the ties between dyslexia and mental health
  
  
• Learners will identify what dyslexia is and the common misconceptions.
  
  
• Learners will identify effective teaching strategies for supporting students with dyslexia in the classroom. 

Earn Continuing Education

Members of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative can earn 1 hour of professional development by listening to this episode and taking the quiz inside the community. 

OTS Collab members, click here to log in and take your quiz

Not a member? Sign up here to start earning CEUs.


Timestamps

[00:07:16] Understanding Dysgraphia and Dyslexia with Penny Stack.
[00:10:32] Podcast Creator Chooses Talking Over Writing
[00:13:31] Dyslexia: More than Just Poor Grades
[00:16:47] Experts discuss diagnosing dyslexia: professionals and tests
[00:23:35] Choosing Assessments for Visual Processing Skills
[00:36:06] Dyslexia hint
[00:38:37] Children's Perspectives Often Overlooked in Education
[00:43:59] Teachers crave OTP support; students may mask dyslexia
[00:52:02] The Hidden Impacts of Dyslexia Beyond Reading
[00:57:29] Creating a Supportive Community for Dyslexia
[00:58:26] Wrap-Up of OT Schoolhouse Episode 125

View the full show notes at otschoolhouse.com/episode125

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

In this podcast episode, Maggie Aschenbrener discusses how she applies her passions for water, children, and occupational therapy by utilizing aquatic therapy in a school-based setting. In addition, she shares valuable insights on the benefits of aquatic therapy, the types of individuals who can benefit from it, and how occupational therapy practitioners can incorporate it into their practice.

This podcast episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about aquatic therapy or incorporating it into their occupational therapy practice. It provides both inspiration and practical guidance on how to make the most of this modality.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Identify key benefits of aquatic therapy for individuals with a variety of conditions.
• Identify specific populations that could benefit from aquatic therapy.
• Identify potential opportunities to incorporate aquatic therapy into school-based occupational therapy services.

Click here to view the full show notes

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Ready to talk All Things Sensory?

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse podcast, Jayson interviews Rachel Harrington, COTA/L AC, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, about incorporating movement and sensory activities in the classroom and at home. 

We discuss sensory diets, fidgets, primitive reflexes, and other strategies for supporting children with sensory needs. Jessica and Rachel also share practical tips for teachers, parents, and caregivers on how to create a sensory-friendly environment and promote self-regulation.

Just hit play!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learn how sensory diets can help children regulate their sensory input throughout the day.
• Learn how fidgets can be a helpful tool for children who need to move or have tactile stimulation.
• Identify how primitive reflexes can impact a child's development and should be addressed through movement activities.
• Learn how you can help teachers to incorporate movement breaks into their lessons to help students stay focused.

Resources:

• The All Things Sensory Podcast
• Harkla.co 
• The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz (Affiliate link)
• Primitive Reflex Integration Course by Rachel Harrington 

Click here to view the full show notes

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Welcome to a special episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, where we celebrate OT Month and the anniversary of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast!

We're excited to bring you an episode packed with valuable insights, as Jayson answers questions submitted by our listeners. 

Tune in as we cover a variety of topics related to OT, such as creative contests for school-aged students, strategies to help parents prepare for changes in their child's OT services, the use of sensory checklists, and tips for becoming a more confident OT practitioner.

We'd like to extend a big thank you to all those who submitted their questions and helped make this episode possible. So sit back, relax, and let's dive in!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify how to help build confidence as a new practitioner
• Learners will identify strategies to help parents prepare for dismissal from OT services
• Learners will identify how to utilize Sensory Checklists in an educational setting.
  
  

Resources

• The Sensational Brain Sensory Checklist
• Effects of Weighted Vests on the Engagement of Children With Developmental Delays and Autism
• Systematic Review- ADHD & Autism Efficacy of Weighted Vests
• Choosing Wisely- AOTA List- Sensory-Based Interventions
• STAR for School Course
• OT Schoolhouse Podcast Ep 26 - Sensory Integration Treatment and Sensory Strategies in Schools Feat. Kelly Auld-Wright
• OT Schoolhouse Podcast Ep 64 - Sensory, Stress, & Behavior with Olivia Martinez Hauge
• OT Schoolhouse Podcast EP 89 - Handwriting and Beyond in School-Based OT Podcast Episode 
• OT Schoolhouse Podcast EP 116 - Challenging Typical Handwriting Traditions Podcast Episode
• Article on Self Regulation & ACEs 

Click here to view the full show notes.

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Do you ever wonder how much our early reflexes impact our physical, cognitive, and emotional development? What about the importance of reflex integration and rhythmic movements in shaping these abilities? 

In this episode, Sonia Story sheds light on these intriguing connections and explains why reflex integration is critical for a child's growth and development. 

Get ready to rethink the role of reflexes and discover the fascinating world of neurological soft signs and sensory integration.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify neurological soft signs and what happens when they are inhibited
• Learners will identify how sensory integration and retained reflexes are connected
• Learners will identify why reflex integration is such a fundamental foundational system of movements

Resources (May be affiliate links)

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Get your Free Supporting Evidence E-Book

Get the Infant Reflexes Chart 

Brain & Sensory Foundation Course - Use discount code: OTSH30OFF by April 30, 2023


Thanks for listening. Click here to view the full show note

Kick off the 2025-26 school year at the Back to School Conference!

Learn why so many OTPs dub the Back to School Conference their FAVORITE OT conference. Join 600+ school-based OT practitioners in accessing knowledge, resources, and support to start the school year strong. 

CLICK HERE to save $50 and secure your spot with code PODCAST25

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!