Homeschooling

Power Struggles in Homeschooling: Independence Without Surrendering Expectations

Why do some children seem to “know” the material but still struggle to follow directions, complete tasks, or remember what they just read? In this episode of The OT Is In Podcast, occupational therapist Sarah Collins and cognitive trainer Sandra Zamalis unpack the role working memory plays in homeschooling, learning, and executive functioning. Together, they explore cognitive overload, regulation, scaffolding, and the difference between accommodation and cognitive growth—offering practical insight and hope for homeschool families navigating learning challenges.

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Speech, Language, and the Brain: A Developmental Lens for Homeschool Families

A homeschool parent recently described her child this way: “He can explain everything he learned. He can tell me every detail of the story. But when I ask him to answer questions or write about it, it’s like everything disappears.” If you’ve ever had a child who seemed capable in conversation but struggled to demonstrate…

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Homeschooling Literacy: Reading Development Through Phonemic Awareness

Why do some children seem to “know” the material but still struggle to follow directions, complete tasks, or remember what they just read? In this episode of The OT Is In Podcast, occupational therapist Sarah Collins and cognitive trainer Sandra Zamalis unpack the role working memory plays in homeschooling, learning, and executive functioning. Together, they explore cognitive overload, regulation, scaffolding, and the difference between accommodation and cognitive growth—offering practical insight and hope for homeschool families navigating learning challenges.

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Real Regulation, Real Readiness: Scaffolding For Executive Function at Home

Homeschooling parents live in the space where support and expectation meet. When our children struggle to get started on a lesson, complete a routine, or manage a transition, frustration often bubbles up—for them and for us. It is tempting to wonder, “Is this a motivation problem, a behavioral choice, or a deeper developmental obstacle?” Occupational…

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Understanding and Building Working Memory at Home: An OT Perspective

Why do some children seem to “know” the material but still struggle to follow directions, complete tasks, or remember what they just read? In this episode of The OT Is In Podcast, occupational therapist Sarah Collins and cognitive trainer Sandra Zamalis unpack the role working memory plays in homeschooling, learning, and executive functioning. Together, they explore cognitive overload, regulation, scaffolding, and the difference between accommodation and cognitive growth—offering practical insight and hope for homeschool families navigating learning challenges.

Read More Understanding and Building Working Memory at Home: An OT Perspective
Handwriting or Technology? How to Support Both in Your Homeschool

Homeschooling often puts parents in the position of making daily decisions about what to hold onto and what to adapt. Handwriting is one of those decisions, especially as tools like speech-to-text, AI, and digital writing become more accessible. In Episode 93 of The OT Is In, I sit down with Leslie Catlett, occupational therapist and founder…

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Supporting Handwriting Development, Legibility and Growth

Handwriting is more than pencil grip and practice. This OT-informed guide explains why children struggle with handwriting, what legibility really means, and how to build skills at home without frustration.

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Designing Home Spaces for Sensory Regulation Scaffolding Development, Not Shortcuts

Homeschooling is not just about choosing the right curriculum. It is about creating a home environment where your child can focus, regulate, and participate in learning. For many families, the biggest challenges are not academic. They show up as constant movement, difficulty sitting still, sibling conflict, or a day that feels full of friction instead…

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Homeschooling and Sensory Regulation: Understanding Proprioception in Daily Life

An Occupational Therapist
explains proprioception and why kids need movement to regulate their nervous system—plus practical ideas for homeschool families.

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Reading Aloud Developmentally: A Neuroscience-Informed Perspective for Homeschool Families

Homeschool parents carry the unique role of supporting both learning and connection at home. Read alouds may seem simple on the surface, but they often become one of the most powerful rhythms in a family’s day. From an occupational therapy perspective, reading together creates a natural kind of support that helps children grow into new…

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