Handwriting is more than just putting pen to paper—it’s a gateway to lifelong skills and academic success. But how do we nurture these capabilities amidst the daily bustle of family life, especially within a diverse homeschool or co-op environment? Teaching Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills in a Multi-Age Classroom In a homeschool setting with a…
In the whirlwind of my days as a home health care occupational therapist, time was both a friend and a foe. My job took me across three counties, weaving through traffic, indulging in heartwarming stories from clients, and occasionally encountering last-minute cancellations that sent my carefully crafted schedule into a tailspin. “I’ll be there around…
Note taking is a valuable skill that goes beyond just jotting down words on paper. It is a powerful tool that can significantly influence memory, and attention (Smoker et al, 2009). As homeschool parents, we have the wonderful opportunity to guide our children through various stages of note-taking development, helping them become proficient and independent…
Though I’ve taken a few continuing education courses on combining vision and occupational therapy throughout my career, I had no idea the impact this knowledge would have on our personal family and homeschooling journey. In January 2019, my then 7 year old was extremely frustrated with reading. He would listen to an audio book all…
Guess what, I am an OT and homeschool mom that does not hate video games. What?? My boys both spend time most days playing video games. They have used PGA and NHL to learn rules of sports. They have built fine motor skills and visuomotor skills with Forza and Joy ride turbo. They have learned…
It is a fresh start and can be a time to reset and reimagine the remainder of the school year. All of this can be overwhelming. So, I’m hoping to provide you guidance and a starting point with these 3 questions. 1. What specific skills do you or your students need to gain to do what…
As an Occupational Therapist consulting with homeschool families, one of the top questions asked is, “Do I force my child to write?” The answer depends on the child and is not as simple as a yes or no. Here are the top three considerations when helping families to make the decision to use assistive technology….
Chores as an educational opportunity I think every mom feels “mom guilt” at some point. When we started homeschooling, I felt the pressure more than ever before. I was responsible for training not only good humans but also educated good humans. I thought any negative behaviors or lack of knowledge in my children reflected a…
“Help! My child won’t sit!” When this exclamation is posed to me as a homeschool mom and occupational therapist, my first response is, “when do you need them to sit?” Research shows movement during learning not only influences physical health but also literacy, children’s emotional well-being, and it enhances motor performance (Franksman, 2018). As a result, I often…
In early 2017, my eight-year-old was hit directly in the eye with a Frisbee. He could see the Frisbee leave his friend’s hand yet did not know that it was about to give him a swollen black-and-blue eye. This occurred around the same time that he asked me, “Mom, how do you read when the…