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Sarah Muldoon shares her journey from working in school systems, where she noticed traditional methods weren't engaging kids—to self-publishing a series of imaginative, doodle-driven books that help children build core handwriting skills through play and storytelling. They dive deep into the foundational skills behind handwriting, from core strength and visual-motor integration to the magic that happens when kids are having fun and using their imagination.

Whether you're an OT, a parent, an educator, or part of the growing homeschool world, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for making learning both functional and fun. Plus, hear about the importance of the "pre-writing" stage, the power of art in literacy, and how Muldoon's journey led her to national recognition.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• The motivation for bringing Sarah Muldoon onto the podcast: sharing her products and story with educators and the homeschool community
• Sarah Muldoon's Occupational Therapy Journey
• Sarah Muldoon's background as a school-based occupational therapist (OT)
• Challenges with existing handwriting materials: lack of engagement for kids
• The significance of handwriting as a referral point ("canary in the mine") for OT-related problems
• The OT perspective: the importance of imagination and play in children's occupations
• Development of Play-Based Handwriting Materials
• The spark for creating imaginative, play-based handwriting books
• Realization of a gap in the market for handwriting materials that link letter formation to creativity and story
• Sarah Muldoon's process: self-publishing, using graphic design and illustration skills
• Rapid success: from publishing the first book to creating 15 titles, role of social media in her growth
• Understanding Underlying Skills in Handwriting
• Discussion of foundational skills involved in handwriting:
• Core strength, wrist/hand strength, and their importance
• Visual motor integration and oculomotor skills
• The complex interplay of visual scanning, board-to-paper copying, and neurological processes
• OT interventions: warming up muscles, adapting equipment, building visual-motor skills
• Importance of Play in Learning and Skill Acquisition
• Role of play in accelerating skill learning ("400 repetitions vs. 20-30 when play-based")
• Ways to incorporate play into handwriting practice
• How Sarah Muldoon's books embed playful, imaginative activities aligned with OT strategies
• Modifying Activities to Support Individual Needs
• How to adapt doodling and handwriting exercises for different children or needs
• Example: breaking down drawing steps, allowing for tracing, providing multiple attempts
• Emphasizing creativity and engagement over perfection
• Defining Play and Its Role in Handwriting
• OT's definition of play: flow state, imagination, creation, intrinsic enjoyment
• Linking letter formation to storytelling and meaning-making
• How her books foster both skill development and personal expression
• Standardized Assessment in Occupational Therapy
• Introduction to standardized tests like the BOT (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test)
• What OTs are assessing and why: focus on function and "occupation"
• Using tests for pre/post measurements rather than just "teaching to the test"
• Translating test scores into meaningful activities
• Bridging Functional Skills and Playful Practice
• The rationale behind combining assessment-driven skill-building and playful activities
• Examples of how handwriting and drawing practice support broader life skills
• Encouraging continued skill reinforcement throughout daily activities
• Expanding the Reach: Products for Different Ages and Needs
• Overview of Sarah Muldoon's product line

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
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Handwriting Course
• Doodles Help Handwriting Website
• Connect With Sarah Muldoon On IG
• Free Doodles
• Improving Handwriting Without Actually Writing
• Skills Nature Builds
• Building Fine Motor skills Using Handicrafts
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 39: Outdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo
• Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

Connect With Our Guest, Sarah Muldoon

Sarah is an occupational therapist who has worked with kids as an OT and beyond. She has always been interested in drawing and loved handwriting.