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the OT is IN

the OT is IN

Auteur(s): Sarah Collins
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 The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.2024
Épisodes
  • 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
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