What do experienced homeschool moms wish they had known when they first started? In this episode of The OT Is In Podcast, occupational therapist Sarah Collins and Colleen Kessler explore common misconceptions about homeschooling, trusting your instincts, neurodivergent learners, and how to build a homeschool that fits your unique child instead of chasing someone else’s expectations.
Power struggles in homeschooling often aren’t about defiance—they’re a signal that a child needs different support. In this episode of The OT Is In Podcast, occupational therapist Sarah Collins explores how to balance high expectations with appropriate scaffolding, helping children build independence without sacrificing connection, confidence, or long-term growth.
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…
Learning to read starts long before a child picks up a book. In this episode, occupational therapist Sarah Collins and literacy specialist Melanie Jeffrey discuss how phonemic awareness forms the foundation for reading success and share practical ways homeschool parents can build early literacy skills through meaningful, play-based experiences.
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…
Why can a child understand a lesson one moment but forget the directions the next? In this episode of The OT Is In Podcast, Sarah Collins and cognitive trainer Sandra Zamalis explore the role of working memory in learning, executive functioning, and homeschool success, while offering practical strategies to reduce cognitive overload and strengthen this essential skill.
What does graduation feel like for a homeschool parent? An occupational therapist and homeschool mom reflects on identity, change, and what comes next.
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…
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.
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…