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…
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.
As homeschool parents, we often wear many hats—from teacher and coach to cheerleader and investigator. There’s so much to consider, especially when it comes to teaching foundational skills like handwriting. If you’re imagining a serene scene with your child quietly tracing their letters, absorbed and happy—well, reality tends to paint a different picture: squiggly lines,…
Is note-taking actually necessary for our children? And what does “taking notes” even look like in the age of digital resources, moving targets for handwriting, and the many variations in our children’s learning styles and abilities? This is a question that comes up time and time again among homeschool parents. Maybe, like me, you have…
Writing, much like handicrafts, is an essential skill that serves as a gateway to lifelong occupation and multifaceted academic accomplishments. But how do we nurture this skill in our children, especially in a homeschooling environment with varied ages and abilities? Encouraging The Writer Within In a recent conversation with Julie Bogart, a notable advocate for…