The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT Podcast Por Sarah Collins arte de portada

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

De: Sarah Collins
Escúchala gratis

Obtén 3 meses por US$0.99 al mes + $20 crédito Audible

The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.2024
Episodios
  • Breaking Perfectionism: Encouraging Creative Process and Resilience in Art
    Nov 13 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Ryan, who is a lifelong artist, educator, and founder of faith-based art initiatives, including Shako Art Space, the Maker Institute of Studio Art and Theology, and Made Makers—a K-12 online art curriculum rooted in theology. Ryan shares his inspiring journey from a childhood shaped by art as a means of self-expression and healing, to leading art education at the country's top public art school, and ultimately, designing resources to empower homeschoolers and families everywhere. We explore the profound ways that art influences our brains, builds executive functioning skills like persistence and flexibility, and helps us make meaning from the world around us. We'll dig into why creativity is inherent in all of us, how to nurture it in children (and ourselves!), and embracing the process over perfection—whether your child is pointing to someone else as "the artist" in the room or discovering their own unique spark through baking, building, or problem-solving. Plus, Ryan offers practical advice and fresh perspectives for parents wanting to cultivate expressive, curious, and resilient learners at home. Get ready to rethink what art means—beyond the paintbrush, beyond the outcome, and into the heart of how we learn, grow, and flourish. In this episode you'll hear about: Brief account of Ryan's personal and professional background in artChildhood interest and affirmation in artArt as a coping mechanism in a difficult family environmentEducation (BA, MA, MFA); 17 years teaching at VCUFounding of Shako Art Space, Maker Institute, and Made Makers (Christian art curriculum)Ryan's Perspective on What Art IsChallenging the narrow definition of art as just expression or creativityImportance of combining art, design, and craft as interconnectedArt, design, and craft as pervasive in everyday lifeExamples: design of household objects, typography, music, architectureImagination, Creativity, and the Making ProcessDebunking the myth that only some people are creativeImagination as synthesizing what you know with new possibilitiesCreativity as rooted in prior knowledge and contextEveryday examples of imagination in problem-solving (e.g., pouring coffee, driving)Value of play, risk-taking, and freedom from perfectionism in creative processesSupporting Children's Creativity and Executive FunctioningAddressing perfectionism and its root in self-protection rather than the processThe importance of process over product in creative educationExecutive functioning skills in art: Flexibility, time management, task initiation, emotional regulation, prior knowledge, impulse control, self-monitoringTypical reinforcement of perfectionism in schools (praising realism, narrow definitions of creativity)Broader vision for making and creative knowledge in childrenValue of imparting knowledge as a means of growth and blessing for othersBalancing Structure and Flow in LearningSetting big-picture goals for children's growth each yearUsing larger family and life purposes as reference points to manage structure versus creative flowPractical Tips for Encouraging Creativity at HomeBroadening the definition of art to uncover creativity in various domains Looking for and naming creative behavior in non-traditional areas (baking, engineering, sports, fashion)The Value of Creativity for Today's Children Real-life story: an "at-risk" student flourishes academically through artArt as a serious, knowable subject—not just a freeform activityThe arts as an entry point to learning and self-understandingArt fostering optimism, encouragement, and persistenceBuilding intrinsic knowledge, perseverance, and curiosity for lifelong growth Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersExecutive Functioning For Teens Course Social Skills & Executive Functioning Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive FunctionMade Makers Christian Art EducationMaker Institute Of Studio Art And TheologyEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseveranceEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in HomeschoolEpisode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families Episode 46: Navigating Homeschool Priorities with Amy Sloan: From Family Dynamics to Crisis Management Connect With Our Guest, Ryan Lauterio Ryan is a Christian conservative, multi-award-winning studio artist and educator whose work has been recognized with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his induction into the Palmdale High School Hall of Fame. Ryan's professional journey weaves through the dynamic realms of painting, drawing, studio methods, curating, and deeply exploring the intersection of art and theology with over 30 years of experience. Ryan boasts a ...
    Más Menos
    40 m
  • How Working Memory Shapes Literacy: Practical Tips to support the missing link between executive functioning and reading
    Nov 6 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera shares her unique journey across disciplines—spanning neuroscience, psychology, occupational therapy, and more—which led her to develop innovative frameworks and a cognitive processing model now making waves in the field. You'll also hear practical strategies for parents and educators, including how to foster working memory at home, support literacy beyond just curriculum, and make use of game-changing tools like reflexive questioning. Whether you're supporting a struggling learner, homeschooling, or just curious about how our brains organize information to drive success, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways. In this episode you'll hear about: Tera's career journey: Starting in French and math, transitioning to speech language pathology.Tera's quest for holistic approaches: Education in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, occupational therapy, and cognitive linguistics.Development of Tera's personal cognitive processing model through interdisciplinary study.What is Executive Functioning?Tera's definition: "Self cueing from the inside out."Importance of internal versus external cues.The role of executive function interventions and how many are overly external.External Tools vs. Internal SkillsExamples of external tools (planners, schedules, timers).Explanation that tools only work if internal executive function is present.The myth of tools being the ultimate solution (e.g., planners not solving disorganization).The need to support internal development rather than focusing solely on external aids.Executive Function and LiteracyHow executive functioning underpins literacy acquisition.Critical executive function skills involved in literacyImpact of impairments: Student disengagement, inability to absorb instruction."Attention flashlight" metaphor: Directing mental energy during learning.Working Memory: The Literacy BottleneckTypes of working memory: Verbal and nonverbal.Verbal working memory as an initial step in phonics and reading.The developmental trajectory of working memory (not fully developed until mid-teens).Curriculum misalignments: Demanding more from working memory than a child might currently manage (e.g., CVC words).Identifying Executive Function Challenges in LiteracySigns of processing issues: Relearning phonics, stalled progress, rapid forgetting.Recommendations to seek professional assessment for accurate diagnosis.Importance of individualized approaches rather than rigidly sticking to curriculum tools.Practical Executive Function ActivitiesAdjusting starting points to match the child's capacity (one or two sounds, not just three-letter words).Mention of specific programs (e.g., LiPS program, Phoneme Sequencing Program) and their techniques.Supporting Working Memory Throughout the DayThe link between working memory, planning, and life skills.Importance for children with anxiety: Using mental rehearsal to reduce uncertainty.Role of Sensory Experience in Nonverbal Working MemoryHow the brain creates internal maps through sensory experiences.Play as critical for wiring nonverbal working memory—why screen-based learning can be limiting.Discussion of the brain's eight sensory systems (including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception).Integrating Multi-disciplinary InsightsTera's expertise combines OT, SLP, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics.Bringing together disparate concepts for parents to understand executive function holistically. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersExecutive Functioning For Teens Course Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive FunctionTera's WebsiteTera's Book & ResourcesTera's Online CommunityConnect With Tera On InstagramConnect With Tera On Facebook Connect With Our Guest, Tera Sumpter Tera Sumpter, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the author of the internationally best-selling book, The Seeds of Learning and founder of Seeds of Learning, LLC, a private practice in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in executive function, reading, speech, language, writing, and other pediatric learning challenges. She leads a global online community for professionals and families focused on executive function, presents her cognitive processing model nationally and internationally, and creates practical EF resources for professionals and parents. Tera is an adjunct instructor We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera ...
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • Beyond Small Talk: Weather's Role in Learning, Connection, and Executive Function
    Oct 23 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! t down with Ross Forsyth, Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Together, we explore an unexpected but universally relatable topic: the weather. From its role as a classic conversation starter to its powerful ability to spark curiosity and connection, we dive into how weather can serve as a gateway for building social skills, executive functioning, and even fostering shared experiences within families and homeschool communities. Ross shares his personal journey and the story behind the National Weather Museum, revealing how weather brings together people with different interests—whether it's science, photography, music, or even aviation. He explains how their Weather Kids program helps students find excitement and learning opportunities in the weather all around them, and why understanding and discussing the weather can be such a valuable tool for growing curiosity and meaningful relationships. In this episode you'll hear about: Ross Forsyth shares his personal and professional backgroundExecutive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center.How the museum was founded by his father, a retired meteorologist.Evolution from a mobile museum to a permanent facility.The museum's unique artifacts, like the thunderstorm-research plane.Weather as a Shared Social Experience and Tool for ConnectionImportance of weather as a conversation starter and social glue.Weather as a "common denominator" and part of daily lived experience.How discussing weather fosters relationships and teaches social skills.Children sharing personal weather-related stories at the museum.Building rapport through shared, relatable experiences (e.g., bad weather, event cancelations).Piquing Curiosity and Fostering Interests Through WeatherWeather as a gateway to multiple interests and disciplinesWeather's Role in Building Deeper Social and Academic SkillsDeeper connections formed as kids engage with weather topicsUse of personal experiences to express themselves.Facilitating early conversations and "ping pong" exchanges around weather.Weather in Diverse Areas of Life and LearningHow weather connects to various academic and creative fieldsMusic (e.g., "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks).Storytelling and entertainment (e.g., Wizard of Oz tornado scenes).Food supply, gardening, and farming.Careers: aviation, emergency management, entrepreneurship (e.g., weather-related products). The possibilities for integrating weather into nearly any domain of learning or professional path.Weather as a Real-World Lens for STEM EducationWeather's application in teaching advanced mathematics and science:Real-life examples of thermodynamics and calculus via weather phenomena.Making abstract concepts tangible and relevant for students.Sensory Experience and Self-Reflection Through WeatherOccupational therapy perspective: Weather as a tool for teaching sensory awareness (interoception) in children.Developing self-reflection and communication about bodily sensations and emotional states. "What to wear" as an entry point for young children to connect with weather.The Weather Kids App and Interactive LearningDashboard adapts to age level (basic choices for young kids, more data for older).Incorporating self-reflection and shared parent-child activities.Executive Functioning and Forward Planning SkillsWeather as a tool to teach flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional control.Reacting and adapting to uncontrollable events (like weather changes).Building planning and forecasting skillsThe Weather Kids Program, Curriculum, and Parent Involvement Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersExecutive Functioning For Teens Course Social Skills & Executive FunctioningConnect With Ross On InstagramConnect With Ross On FacebookEpisode 26: Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind Connect With Our Guest, Ross Forsyth Ross Forsyth is a seasoned startup founder with experience managing multi-million dollar projects. He is an engineering graduate from the University of Oklahoma who began his career working in oil/gas field operations, later transitioning to reservoir engineering where he was responsible for over $100 million in reserves estimates. Finding his passion in building digital and technology experiences, he transitioned to software development and led teams to design and build digital experiences. He's worked with clients such as Pepsi, Balance Athletica, Punch Bowl Social, Climate Reality Project, US Air Force and many others. He is an entrepreneurial engineer with experience in the space of Virtual/Augmented Reality and product development. He most recently followed in his father's love for weather in helping to create the National Weather Museum and Science...
    Más Menos
    29 m
Todavía no hay opiniones