Épisodes

  • How to Spot and Support Social and Executive Functioning Skills in Your Child

    How to Spot and Support Social and Executive Functioning Skills in Your Child
    Oct 2 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week I'm joined by Dr. Isabella "Bella" Tate, a pediatric occupational therapist and recent doctoral graduate, who shares her journey from New Jersey to Sacramento as a traveling OT. I first met Bella at the AOTA Conference in Philadelphia, where Bella was presenting her doctoral capstone research on the STASI Protocol—a new screening tool designed to assess social skills and developmental needs in youth, especially in group therapy and community settings. We'll dive into the essential social, executive functioning, and communication skills that children need to thrive, with a particular focus on the homeschool community. Bella discusses the gaps she observed in existing screening tools, how her protocol helps parents and therapists identify strengths and challenges, and why building a supportive team and meeting children where they are is crucial for growth and participation—wherever learning happens. Whether you're a fellow OT, homeschool parent, or just curious about child development, this episode is full of practical insights, encouragement, and real-life experiences to support your child's unique journey. In this episode you'll hear about: Dr. Tate’s occupational therapy (OT) journeyRecent graduation with a doctorate from Duquesne University.Her first travel OT contract in Sacramento, California.Passion for pediatric OT but desire to travel and explore different settings.Personal background: originally from New Jersey, journeying cross-country.The STASI Protocol DevelopmentPresentation at AOTA conference: Capstone project titled "STASI Protocol."Initial working title "Sassy," later changed for appropriateness.Rationale for the protocol:Bridging the gap between parent-reported intake issues and observational presentation in therapeutic groups.Need for a quick, cohesive screening tool (not a full evaluation).Key Social Skills for Children (Developmental Focus)Social skill requirements for group settings (relevant to homeschoolers)Executive functioning as a core social skill componentProblem-solving, attention to task, and "theory of mind."Reading nonverbal cues and adapting behavior to environment.Communication’s pivotal roleExpressing feelings, needs, and navigating behaviors.Overlap and collaboration between OT and speech pathology.Executive Functioning and Social DevelopmentComponents of executive functioning discussedTask initiation, persistence, flexible thinking, impulsivity/safety.Challenges of observing executive function in homeschool settings:Parental accommodations mask struggles outside the home.Socialization in Homeschooling ContextsDifferences in socialization between standard schools and homeschoolsMixed-age interactions, multi-generational influence in co-ops.Opportunities to build communication skills across various ages.Homeschooling strengths: flexibility, diverse groupings, natural mentorship.The Assessment Process & Tools for ParentsDirect, quick, activity-based screening by the therapist (STASI activities) 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 Functioning Dare To Lead By Brené BrownAmplify OT Child And Adolescent Scale Of ParticipationDevelopmental Milestones For ProductivityThe Relationship Between Children's Executive Functioning, Theory Of Mind, And Verbal Skills Social And Emotional LearningHomeschooled Children's Social SkillsEpisode 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 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling Connect With Our Guest, Isabella Tate Dr. Isabella Tate is an occupational therapist. She completed her occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) this past December from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has had a lot of experience working in pediatrics throughout her education and life. Her doctoral capstone addressed screening children for therapeutic groups at an outpatient pediatric site and the way she fell in love with the profession was by growing up watching her mom, who is also a pediatric OT. She feels not only do children have a lot to learn from us, but us from them as well, and looks forward to one day having a permanent job with the bright, young minds. She is working as a travel OT, currently on her first contract in Sacramento, CA at a skilled nursing facility.
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    30 min
  • How Movement Influences Learning: OT Insights for Parents

    How Movement Influences Learning: OT Insights for Parents
    Sep 25 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week I sat down with Tiffany Parsons, a pediatric occupational therapist and homeschooling mom with a deep passion for supporting families outside of traditional school settings. Tiffany shares her unique journey from clinic-based therapy to homeschooling her twin boys, and how that experience inspired her to bridge the gap for homeschool, micro school, and private school communities seeking occupational therapy resources. We break down what occupational therapy really is, how parents can identify if their child might benefit from OT support, and why movement and developmental milestones—like crawling and rolling are so crucial to a child’s learning and emotional wellbeing. We discuss practical ways parents can observe their child’s movement to spot potential challenges, creative activities to support development (hint: it’s not just about handwriting worksheets!), and friendly, hands-on advice for making therapeutic activities a natural part of everyday life at home. In this episode you'll hear about: Tiffany's background as a pediatric occupational therapistExperience in outpatient clinics and decision to homeschool her twin boysRecognition of limited OT resources for homeschool, micro school, and private Christian school familiesInitial challenges in offering therapy services to families unaware of OT benefitsShift toward educating parents and educators through in-servicesDefining Occupational Therapy and Identifying NeedsTiffany’s broad definition of “occupation” for childrenExplanation of how OT addresses all areas affecting a child’s quality of life: play, academics, self-help skillsObserving and Understanding Movement in ChildrenTiffany’s perspective on observing children’s movement as an indicator of nervous system and brain functionDevelopmental Milestones and the Link to Functional ChallengesImportance of achieving developmental milestones in orderExample symptoms: emotional regulation difficulties, picky eating, sleep issuesThe connection between early movement and later strugglesThe neurological connection between spinal rotation, brain processing, and self-regulationSimple assessments (e.g., ask a child to turn while standing, observe ability to cross midline)The Critical Role of CrawlingRelevance of crawling, despite changes in pediatric milestone recommendationsDevelopmental foundation offered by crawling: proprioception, bilateral integration, ocular motor skillsThe impact of crawling on hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and learning readinessWhat to do if a child didn’t crawl or only crawled brieflyCreative and functional ways to encourage crawling behaviors at any agePractical difficulties: shifting focus between near/far tasks, copying from board to paperHow underdeveloped crawling or movement can impact visual and physical skills needed for reading and writingTips for parents to frame OT-based activities as playful and family-wide, not “fixes” for deficitsThe importance of making adaptations natural, fun, and group-orientedHandwriting Without HandwritingWhy direct handwriting practice is often less effective than movement and play-based activitiesVertical surface activities, Play-Doh, and other proximal (core/shoulder) to distal (hand/finger) strengtheningHow developmental readiness and explicit instruction should be balanced Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersConnect With Tiffany Parsons On FacebookExecutive Functioning For Teens CourseHandwriting Motor AssessmentPrimitive Reflexes Resource GuideEpisode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting SuccessEpisode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting Episode 38: Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression Connect With Our Guest, Tiffany Parsons Tiffany is a pastors wife, bonus mom, twin mom, homeschool mom and pediatric occupational therapist. She is a 2014 graduate from West Virginia University. She is passionate about educating others on what occupational therapy is and how it can benefit
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    29 min
  • Turning Letters Into Play: How Doodling Builds Handwriting Skills with Sarah Muldoon

    Turning Letters Into Play: How Doodling Builds Handwriting Skills with Sarah Muldoon
    Sep 18 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Sarah Muldoon shares her journey from working in school systems, where she noticed traditional methods weren’t engaging kids—to self-publishing a series of imaginative, doodle-driven books that help children build core handwriting skills through play and storytelling. They dive deep into the foundational skills behind handwriting, from core strength and visual-motor integration to the magic that happens when kids are having fun and using their imagination. Whether you’re an OT, a parent, an educator, or part of the growing homeschool world, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for making learning both functional and fun. Plus, hear about the importance of the “pre-writing” stage, the power of art in literacy, and how Muldoon’s journey led her to national recognition. In this episode you'll hear about: The motivation for bringing Sarah Muldoon onto the podcast: sharing her products and story with educators and the homeschool communitySarah Muldoon’s Occupational Therapy JourneySarah Muldoon’s background as a school-based occupational therapist (OT)Challenges with existing handwriting materials: lack of engagement for kidsThe significance of handwriting as a referral point (“canary in the mine”) for OT-related problemsThe OT perspective: the importance of imagination and play in children’s occupationsDevelopment of Play-Based Handwriting MaterialsThe spark for creating imaginative, play-based handwriting booksRealization of a gap in the market for handwriting materials that link letter formation to creativity and storySarah Muldoon’s process: self-publishing, using graphic design and illustration skillsRapid success: from publishing the first book to creating 15 titles, role of social media in her growthUnderstanding Underlying Skills in HandwritingDiscussion of foundational skills involved in handwriting:Core strength, wrist/hand strength, and their importanceVisual motor integration and oculomotor skillsThe complex interplay of visual scanning, board-to-paper copying, and neurological processesOT interventions: warming up muscles, adapting equipment, building visual-motor skillsImportance of Play in Learning and Skill AcquisitionRole of play in accelerating skill learning (“400 repetitions vs. 20-30 when play-based”)Ways to incorporate play into handwriting practiceHow Sarah Muldoon’s books embed playful, imaginative activities aligned with OT strategiesModifying Activities to Support Individual NeedsHow to adapt doodling and handwriting exercises for different children or needsExample: breaking down drawing steps, allowing for tracing, providing multiple attemptsEmphasizing creativity and engagement over perfectionDefining Play and Its Role in HandwritingOT’s definition of play: flow state, imagination, creation, intrinsic enjoymentLinking letter formation to storytelling and meaning-makingHow her books foster both skill development and personal expressionStandardized Assessment in Occupational TherapyIntroduction to standardized tests like the BOT (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test)What OTs are assessing and why: focus on function and “occupation”Using tests for pre/post measurements rather than just “teaching to the test”Translating test scores into meaningful activitiesBridging Functional Skills and Playful PracticeThe rationale behind combining assessment-driven skill-building and playful activitiesExamples of how handwriting and drawing practice support broader life skillsEncouraging continued skill reinforcement throughout daily activitiesExpanding the Reach: Products for Different Ages and NeedsOverview of Sarah Muldoon’s product line 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 CourseHandwriting Motor AssessmentHandwriting CourseDoodles Help Handwriting Website Connect With Sarah Muldoon On IGFree DoodlesImproving Handwriting Without Actually WritingSkills Nature Builds Building Fine Motor skills Using HandicraftsEpisode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloEpisode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentEpisode 39: Outdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression Connect With Our Guest, Sarah Muldoon Sarah is an occupational therapist who has worked with kids as an OT and beyond. She has always been interested in drawing and loved handwriting.
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    27 min
  • Body Awareness- Indoor Activities

    Body Awareness- Indoor Activities
    Sep 11 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're joined by Renee Mathews, an occupational therapist known for her innovative activity ideas geared toward kids both indoors and out. This lively conversation dives into Renee’s journey from working in inpatient rehab to becoming a leader in the world of school-based teletherapy, where she helps students and families access vital OT services no matter where they are. We'll chat about the ins and outs of teletherapy, exploring what it looks like for families in remote areas or those who choose virtual schooling, and how occupational therapy can be adapted creatively for the online space. Renee shares her process for developing fun, accessible activities that support kids’ body awareness, motor skills, and overall development—using everyday household items and a spark of creativity! Plus, you’ll hear practical tips for parents considering teletherapy, advice for building an at-home OT toolkit, and resources to help keep kids moving and engaged throughout the year. Whether you’re new to occupational therapy or looking for inspiration to shake up your daily routine, this episode is packed with fresh ideas, expert wisdom, and plenty of encouragement for both parents and professionals. In this episode you'll hear about: Renee Mathews’ professional journeyEducation: Master's in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall UniversityInitial work in inpatient rehabilitation and transition to school-based OTExperience coaching a Special Olympics unified track and field teamMove to teletherapy in 2019, especially with COVID-19’s onsetCreation of digital resources (YouTube, Instagram, Teachers Pay Teachers)Current role as a teletherapy clinical managerTeletherapy: What It Looks Like and Who It ServesTeletherapy as an option for families far from OT services or choosing virtual educationRoles of caregivers, schools, and support staff in teletherapyDispelling myths about teletherapyFlexibility: Activities can be hands-on, in different environments (even outdoors)Creativity and adaptability required for effective teletherapy sessionsConsiderations for Choosing TeletherapyHow to find a teletherapistThrough school assignments, private providers, or online searchesAssessing whether teletherapy is the right fitActivities for Body Awareness and MovementRenee’s approach to designing activitiesEngaging her audience for feedback on needed activitiesTheming activities (e.g., summer-themed surfboard video)Making activities accessible using common household itemsTips to adapt video pace for varying child needsImportance of movement for children 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 CourseHandwriting Motor AssessmentConnect With Renee On IGConnect With Renee On YoutubeMiss Renee's Teachers Pay TeachersEpisode 5: Beyond 20/20 vision: understanding crucial aspects of visual assessment in childrenEpisode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and LearningEpisode 7: How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and AcademicsEpisode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting SuccessEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling PerspectiveEpisode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to IntegrationEpisode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex IntegrationEpisode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingEpisode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for HomeschoolersEpisode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers Connect With Our Guest, Renee Mathews Renee is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University. She brings extensive experience across diverse settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, private and public schools, and teletherapy. Throughout her career, she has supported a wide range of populations and collaborated closely with families navigating both asynchronous and synchronous virtual learning environments. Renee is highly skilled in the use of teletherapy tools/resources and has developed original educational content to support therapists, educators, and families. Under the brand "Miss Renee OT," she shares resources through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Currently, she serves as a clinical manager, providing guidance to therapists and school districts to ensure student needs are met with evidence-based, individualized support.
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    27 min
  • Teaching Kids Healthy Habits: Building Lifelong Wellness

    Teaching Kids Healthy Habits: Building Lifelong Wellness
    Sep 4 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Ashton Tate, a passionate innovator in the homeschool community and creator of the FORM curriculum. Ashton takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing how his own struggles with health, self-confidence, and weight in his teen years inspired him to transform not only his life, but the lives of countless children and families across the country. In this episode you'll hear about: Ashton’s Health Transformation JourneyIssues with self-confidence and health during middle and high schoolStruggling with weight and lack of health knowledgeMajor personal transformation: losing 130 pounds by graduationInfluence of mentors and support systemsBuilding a Career in Health and FitnessInitial interest in helping others through personal trainingSwitching college degree to focus on healthFounding a home gym and building a local training facilityTransition to Online Health Education and Curriculum DevelopmentChallenges of in-person training during COVID-19Recurring feedback from adult clients: wishing they’d learned these principles as kidsThe inspiration to create a health curriculum for childrenCreation and Structure of the Health Curriculum for KidsCollaborating with curriculum writers and kids’ authorsMaking health concepts simple and accessible for younger audiencesDevelopment of an online platform for families and schools nationwideThe Role of Occupational Therapy and Body AwarenessOverview of occupational therapy in the context of homeschool and healthDefining body awareness and its relationship to fitnessDiscussion of cultural pressure and guilt around fitnessUnderstanding Hunger, Nutrition, and InteroceptionAshton’s personal experiences with food habits and cues during adolescenceThe challenge of distinguishing hunger, thirst, and emotional states in childrenIntroducing interoception and its role in fitness and nutritionTeaching Nutrition: “Food as Fuel” and “Food as Fun”The importance of balancing healthy eating with occasional treatsMethods for helping kids become intentional and mindful about food choicesUsing analogies (like cars needing fuel) to explain nutrition to childrenPractical Strategies for FamiliesEmphasizing simplicity in health routines and messagingNavigating conflicting nutrition advice and keeping it approachableSharing personal anecdotes (like sports nutrition questions from Connie’s son)The FORM Curriculum: Four Pillars for Healthy LivingExplanation of the FORM methodology: Functional Fitness: Routine movement and physical activityOptimal Nourishment: Balanced nutrition and healthy eating habitsRest and Recovery: Preventive routines for sleep and stress managementMultiplied Maintenance: Maintaining habits through community, goal setting, and support Encouraging long-term health habits over quick fixesAddressing Resistance and Engagement in KidsOccupational Therapy Strategies for Increasing Body Awareness Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGExecutive Functioning For Teens CourseHandwriting Motor AssessmentConnect With Ashton On IGFORM PE WebsiteEpisode 7: How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloEpisode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingEpisode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentEpisode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills Episode 51: Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Neurotypical Spaces: Practical Tips and Insights Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest Connect With Our Guest, Ashton Tate Ashton Tate is the founder of Glory to Glory Fitness in Nashville, TN and the creator of The F.O.R.M. Curriculum. He partners with homeschool families all over America to help them approach health and PE from a Biblical worldview. His mission is to equip and empower homeschool families so every student in America can have a quality health education. His work has been featured in publications such as USA Today and Fox News.
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    30 min
  • Navigating the Teen Years: Building Connection and Independence at Home

    Navigating the Teen Years: Building Connection and Independence at Home
    Aug 28 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Ivan Hardcastle, an experienced occupational therapist and parent coach from Idaho with nearly two decades of expertise. Ivan shares his journey from therapy rooms to parent coaching, highlighting the powerful impact that empowered, informed parents can have on their children’s development especially in the teen years. We take a deep dive into the realities of adolescence, busting the myth that the teenage years are doomed to chaos and disconnection. Instead, Ivan reframes teens’ push for independence as a natural, beautiful part of development. The episode is full of practical wisdom on supporting teens’ changing brains and bodies, managing explosive emotions, and fostering respectful, connected family relationships. With stories from his own family and actionable strategies, including how to balance boundaries with autonomy and why modeling self-care matters, Ivan equips parents to engage their teens with confidence and compassion. In this episode you'll hear about: Ivan’s experience as a pediatric occupational therapist in IdahoMotivation for moving into parent coachingThe critical impact of parent involvement in therapy outcomesTransformation of home environments when parents are engagedParenting Teenagers: Changing PerspectivesCommon stigmas and negative perceptions about parenting teensSarah’s positive experiences with her own teenagersRecognition that parenting teens can be challenging but also rewardingTeen Development: What’s Really Happening?Physical, emotional, and neurological changes in adolescenceThe drive for independence and how it manifests as “rebellion” or “angst”The necessity of teens developing their own skill sets and opinionsIvan’s observations with his own children’s developmentReframing Teen Independence and Emotional GrowthRecognizing the beauty and necessity of teens seeking independenceUnderstanding emotional reactions as part of healthy brain developmentThe importance of parents’ attitudes toward these changesParental Self-Reflection and GrowthThe challenge and opportunity for parents to adapt their approachesAwareness that parents themselves are continually “growing up”Emphasizing lifelong learning by modeling adaptability for kidsThe Generational Gap & Today’s Teen ExperienceDifferences between parenting in the past (e.g., the 1990s) and todayAcknowledgment of new pressures teens face (technology, social media, societal change)Recognizing that today’s environment presents unique challengesParents and teens both doing their best with available resourcesParents identifying and utilizing support systemsBridging the gap between parents and teens to foster success togetherRisks of being too authoritarian (overly directive) or too hands-offThe goal of finding a middle ground—modeling and invitationThe significance of parental emotional regulation and self-awarenessHow parents’ emotional states affect teensThe Value of Modeling Rest and MindfulnessChallenging cultural norms equating “busyness” with worthThe importance of modeling self-care, rest, and mindfulness for teensEmbracing a “full” life over a “busy” lifePractical Strategies for Connection and CollaborationUsing chore charts and shifting from commands to invitationsImplementing “notice and respond” approaches to household responsibilitiesPersonal examples of increasing teen ownership/responsibilityDedication to preserving and growing the parent-teen bondCreating Opportunities for One-on-One ConnectionScheduling individual time with each child (e.g., “daddy-daughter dates”)Adapting activities to each child’s personality and interestsUsing special routines (like sushi outings or art sessions) for deeper connectionFostering Sibling RelationshipsIntentional creation of spaces for siblings to connectRotating opportunities for family members to interact one-on-oneThe importance of sibling bonds alongside parent-child relationships Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGGames That Teach Executive FunctionExecutive Functioning For Teens Course Insights To Reaching And Teaching TeenagersTips For Communicating With Your TeenConnect With Ivan On FacebookConnect With Ivan On IG Connect With Ivan On TiktokIvan's WebsiteEpisode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy BodkinEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and RelationshipsEpisode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families Episode 54: Strengthening Executive Functions through Play: Insights from Carol Brown of Equipping Minds Episode 62: 62 Strategies for Enhancing Cognitive Skills in Children Connect With Our Guest, Ivan Hardcastle, OTR/L Ivan ...
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    30 min
  • Rethinking Note Taking: Strategies, Mindsets, and Making It Work for Your Child

    Rethinking Note Taking: Strategies, Mindsets, and Making It Work for Your Child
    Aug 21 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! who specializes in reading and writing instruction. Together, we dive deep into the world of note taking—what it really means, why it’s essential, and how it can be tailored to fit every kind of learner (yes, even the ones who love doodling during Shark Week!). Michelle shares her personal journey of transitioning from traditional teaching to homeschooling her neurodivergent daughter, and how this experience shaped her approach to individualized learning. The conversation covers everything from the benefits of classic note taking methods like Cornell Notes, to the creative freedom of sketchnoting, to practical strategies for kids who struggle with handwriting or prefer digital tools. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, an educator, or someone just curious about how to help learners capture and process information in ways that work for them, this episode is packed with actionable tips and a refreshing reminder: the best notes are the ones your child will actually take. In this episode you'll hear about: Brief overview of Michelle’s background as both a homeschooling parent and a college professorMichelle’s unexpected journey into homeschooling due to her daughter’s needsComparison of homeschooling environment vs. public school and college-level teachingTransition from traditional teaching to online homeschool classes for middle and high schoolersCommunity and philosophy behind her educational approachMichelle’s Teaching Platform and CommunityIntroduction to Dayla LearningDescription of available classes, resources, and the supportive parent communityThe Role and Value of Note TakingAddressing parental concerns about note taking and working memoryIs note taking necessary in the digital age?Emphasis on note taking as a process rather than a productValue of making thought processes external and the variability among individual learnersAnecdotes demonstrating different note-taking styles (color-coding, outlines, etc.)Importance of experimentation and flexibility with note takingNote Taking Methods: Personal ExperiencesSarah’s experiences teaching her son to take notes using Shark Week as a topicReflection on traditional outline format and contrast with her son’s drawing/sketchnoting styleThe challenge of letting go of preconceived ideas about note-taking formatsResearch and Best Practices in Note TakingExplicit Note-Taking Strategies and Teaching ApproachesSketchnotingVisual note-taking as a supplement to standard methodsUse of mind maps, columns, bullet points, and illustrationsCustomization and Flexibility in Note TakingThe value of having multiple templates and options for different subjects (e.g., timelines for history, concept maps for analysis)Encouraging learners to create their own templates and systemsHandwriting vs. Digital Note TakingResearch indicating the benefits of handwriting for retention, with caveats regarding digital nativesPrioritizing accessibility and separating skills as needed (writing vs. synthesizing content)Supporting students who struggle with handwriting through guided notes and breaking down tasksAnnotation as a Note-Taking MethodBenefits of annotating texts (writing in books or using transparent sticky notes)Michelle’s personal annotation symbol system and its long-term usefulnessAnnotation as a lower-pressure way for reluctant writers to engage with contentPracticing Note Taking Across FormatsIn-class practice: taking notes on articles, videos, stories, and visual materialsSelf-evaluation of strategies to foster metacognition and executive functioningRecommended Resources and ToolsPrepped Cornell Note material (printed or drawn)Direct instruction resources (e.g., YouTube library tutorials)Hands-on, personalized approaches (choosing or designing their own materials) Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGGames That Teach Executive FunctionExecutive Functioning For Teens CourseVerbal to Visuals: Sketchnoting With Cornell Notes Cornell Note-Taking System From Cornell Itself! Middle School Writing Foundations Series: Setting Up for Long-Term Academic Writing Success!Connect With Michelle On FacebookDaya LearningEpisode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive FunctioningEpisode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy BodkinEpisode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children’s Book for Sensory Processing Awareness Connect With Our Guest, Michelle Parrinello-Cason Michelle Parrinello-Cason is a writer, educator, and lifelong seeker of stories that embrace tension and complexity. She holds a Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition from Saint Louis University, where she...
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    31 min
  • Navigating Sibling Sensory Needs and Homeschooling Wins and Fails

    Navigating Sibling Sensory Needs and Homeschooling Wins and Fails
    Aug 14 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This episode takes a heartfelt look into the Collins family’s homeschooling journey, especially focusing on the unique sensory and learning needs of my children, Annabelle and Kaleb. The conversation dives into how homeschooling allowed both Annabelle and Kaleb to better understand and support their own learning styles—whether that meant planning and organizing, or moving around to stay focused. The family shares candidly about what worked (and what didn’t), navigating sibling relationships with different sensory needs, and the importance of communication and self-advocacy. You’ll hear anecdotes from their homeschooling days, their experiences with tools like the Zones of Regulation, and thoughtful insights about adjusting environments and parenting strategies to support each child’s growth. If you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about how families work through challenges and celebrate differences, you’ll find practical ideas, laughs, and a few candid confessions in this warm, relatable conversation. In this episode you'll hear about: Annabelle introduces herself (age, homeschooling history, activities)Kaleb introduces himself (age, schooling plans, energy differences)Contrast in homeschooling experience and personal energy levels between the siblingsEarly Homeschooling ExperiencesReflections on starting homeschooling after public schoolComparison of Annabelle and Kaleb’s temperaments as young childrenDiscussion of behavioral and learning differencesUnderstanding and Managing Energy & Sensory NeedsUse of “energy” to describe learning and activity preferencesAnnabelle as more planner/organizer; Kaleb as high-energy/movement-orientedSarah reframes “energy” in terms of regulation and sensory processingIntroduction of the Zones of Regulation framework in their homeThe role and value of using regulation languageParenting Strategies: What Helped and What Didn’tHomeschooling as facilitating better self-regulationStrategies that helped each child understand themselves (e.g. movement breaks)Honest discussion of what did not work, like forced tours and over-explaining in learning situationsAcknowledgement of the importance of self-discovery in learning stylesAdapting Educational ApproachesAnnabelle’s experiences with various learning formats (dual enrollment, asynchronous classes)Experiences with different subjects (math vs history)Discovering and leveraging personal learning styles and advocating for oneselfManaging the Learning EnvironmentThe impact of environment on focus and sensory needsAdjustments made for sibling differencesSibling Relationships & Sensory NeedsConflicts arising from mismatched sensory needs (quiet vs noise/movement)Navigating these differences as children growUse of environmental and sensory strategies to defuse tense situationsCommunication and AdvocacyLearning to speak up about personal needs (self-advocacy)How sibling dynamics evolved to include better communication and mutual anticipation of needsParental Support and FairnessReflections on uneven parental attention due to different needsAnnabelle’s perspective on independence and desire for attention/supportKaleb’s need for more movement and direct supportEvolution of parental approach to meet both children’s emotional needsLong-Term Family Dynamics & GrowthEmphasis on the ongoing process of learning and adjusting as a familyAcknowledging that sibling relationships will outlast the parental focusHighlighting continuous progress and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGGames That Teach Executive FunctionExecutive Functioning For Teens CourseZones Of Regulation How To Integrate The Zones At HomeBack To School: Student Interview QuestionsEpisode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting SuccessEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling PerspectiveEpisode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive FunctioningEpisode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy BodkinEpisode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning Episode 44: Prioritizing Slow in Homeschooling: A chat with Leslie Martino If you have more questions you want to ask two homeschooled teens, feel free to email here: sarah@homeschoolot.com
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    33 min