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
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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
  • Beyond Small Talk: Weather’s Role in Learning, Connection, and Executive Function

    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 ...
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    29 m
  • Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids

    Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids
    Oct 16 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Liz Downing, a pediatric occupational therapist from Wilmington, Delaware, whose passion for nature-based therapy and supporting children’s emotional and sensory needs shines through her practice, In the Woods OT. We first connected at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, where we bonded over our shared interest in helping children navigate social and environmental pressures. In this episode, we dig deep into the realities kids face both in traditional school settings and beyond. Including overwhelming schedules, academic demands, and the increasing lack of unstructured play. Liz explains how children—especially those who are neurodivergent, often feel compelled to "mask" their true selves to meet external expectations, and how this can take a real toll on their nervous systems and emotional well-being. In this episode you'll hear about: Introduction of Liz DowningHow Sarah and Liz met (AOTA conference)Liz’s professional background: pediatric occupational therapy, hospital-based experience, transition to nature-based OTLiz's family background and experiences traveling during COVIDFounding of “In the Woods OT” (nature-based practice in Wilmington, DE)Focus on emotional regulation and supporting both kids and parentsDefining Social and Environmental PressuresExplanation of “social pressures” and “environmental pressures” from Liz’s perspectivePrimary struggles observed in children, especially in school environmentsGrowing expectations placed on children (school duration, structured activities, reduced unstructured play)The adult perspective: cultivating compassion and re-evaluating expectations for childrenThe Concept of Masking in ChildrenDefinition of masking, particularly among neurodivergent childrenAttempts by children to “fit in” or meet external expectations at the expense of authenticityEmotional and psychological impacts of masking: shame, energy drain, and exhaustionThe daily versus occasional need to “wear a different persona”Comparison to adult experiences of situational maskingThe Neuroscience of Masking and the Nervous SystemThe nervous system’s “safe/connected” versus “protected” (fight/flight/freeze) modesHow masking keeps kids in a protected, energy-draining statePhysical and emotional consequences: fatigue and aftermath (e.g., after-school meltdowns)The parent’s role: understanding, empathy, and recognizing dysregulationParental Strategies for Supporting Dysregulated KidsManaging after-school meltdowns: recognizing the need for reconnection and restorationPractical strategies: providing snacks, space, co-regulation, and minimizing choices when overwhelmedImportance of parental regulation to support the childBalancing support with age-appropriate expectationsAvoiding perpetually low expectations; instead, nurturing growth and capacityPracticing body/sensory awareness in regulated momentsBuilding emotional language and self-awareness in children for proactive regulation 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 Liz On FacebookConnect With Liz On InstagramIn The Woods OT Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in HomeschoolEpisode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentEpisode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children Connect With Our Guest, Liz Downing Liz Downing is a pediatric occupational therapist with 17 years of experience supporting kids and families across hospitals, early intervention, schools, and private practice. She now runs In the Woods OT, a nature-based solo practice in Wilmington, DE, with a focus on emotional regulation and whole-family support. Outside of work, she’s a wife, mom to three awesome kids, and a new dog mom to a rescue mini poodle.
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    29 m
  • Raising Resilient Kids: Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation in the Digital Age

    Raising Resilient Kids: Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation in the Digital Age
    Oct 9 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! m joined by the incredible Janine Halloran—a licensed counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families as they build their coping toolkits. Janine has dedicated her career to developing accessible, effective resources for families, from workbooks and activity cards to evidence-based strategies you can use at home. In our conversation, she shares her personal journey into counseling, why healthy coping skills are so essential, and how every child’s way of managing emotions is unique. We dig into what parents can expect at different developmental stages, how the digital age is changing the way kids regulate emotions, and why having a variety of coping options is so important. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, you’ll walk away with practical insights on helping kids handle life’s stresses in healthy, safe ways—and maybe even a few new ideas for yourself! Stay tuned as we explore the colorful world of coping skills with Janine Halloran. In this episode you'll hear about: Janine’s journey to becoming a counselorExperience as a school counselor and focus on coping skillsDevelopment of resources (checklists, workbooks, card decks)Core mission: teaching coping skills to kids, teens, and adultsDefining Coping SkillsJanine’s definition: strategies for dealing with big feelings, thoughts, and stressful situationsHealthy vs. unhealthy coping skillsExample for children: handling frustration during play without harming othersThe Individual Nature of CopingEmphasis on the need for personalized coping strategiesImportance of finding what’s helpful for each individualDevelopmental and Cultural Norms in Emotional RegulationChildren’s first experiences with emotionsEmotional intensity in young children and its developmental trajectoryBrain development periods: toddlers and teensVariability in emotional regulation based on age and development stageVariability in Coping from Day to DayReasons for inconsistent coping ability (e.g., sleep, stress, environment)Parental expectations vs. daily realityHelping Kids Identify and Label EmotionsThe importance of naming and talking about emotions from a young ageUsing books and media (e.g., Bluey, Mo Willems books) as conversation startersThe Digital Age and Changing Coping SkillsImpact of growing up in a digital era (in-person vs. online interactions)Learning and managing social skills in virtual environmentsEmotional regulation during digital activities (e.g., video games, social media)Recognizing when digital engagement becomes unhealthyFamily Communication and Screen TimeImportance of open communication about screen habitsUnderstanding each child’s unique interaction with screensAligning digital habits with family valuesPractical Example: Screen FastingHost’s experience with family “screen fasts”Observations and outcomes from time off screensChildren’s awareness of their own emotions and self-regulation post-fastDeveloping and Choosing Coping Skills StrategiesJanine’s process for developing resourcesIterative development based on real-world resultsChallenges of implementing coping skills in the heat of the momentImportance of practice and early interventionUsing visuals and making concrete plans for expected stressorsPost-challenge reflection: what worked, what didn’t 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 FunctioningCoping Skills For Kids WebsiteJanine's WebsiteConnect with Janine on InstagramConnect with Janine on FacebookFollow Janine on YoutubeEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseveranceEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children’s Book for Sensory Processing Awareness Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children Connect With Our Guest, Janine Halloran Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years. She has been helping children and teens build their coping skills throughout her career in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics and in her private practice. She founded Coping Skills for Kids to help children ...
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    36 m
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