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the OT is IN

the OT is IN

By: 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
Episodes
  • Rethinking Rhythm: Starting With Your Child, Not the Curriculum

    Rethinking Rhythm: Starting With Your Child, Not the Curriculum
    Jan 22 2026
    Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If your homeschool days seem to run smoothly one season and unravel the next, this episode will help you understand why. Today we're exploring how the rhythm of your day shifts as your children grow and why what worked before may suddenly feel impossible. In homeschooling, these changes aren't problems to fix, but transitions to understand. I'll walk you through how I observe children's patterns and needs using a practical framework: the PEO model—person, environment, and occupation. You'll learn why starting with curriculum often misses the mark, and how putting your child's individuality, regulation, and interests at the center creates learning that actually sticks. This matters because in a homeschool setting, you have the flexibility to shape both space and schedule to fit where your child is developmentally. Recognizing these shifts gives you clearer options, replaces urgency with confidence, and helps you build days that support connection before curriculum, especially for kids who didn't fit in traditional environments. In this episode you'll hear about: Understanding Changes in Homeschool RhythmRecognizing developmental shifts versus problems to fixConcept of "Connection over Curriculum"Managing Urgency and Educational DecisionsStress around leaving traditional school or seeking a fresh homeschool startThe tendency to rush into curriculum choicesThe Foundation: Start with the Child, Not the CurriculumEducation works best when child-centered, not curriculum-centeredIntroduction to the PEO Model (Person, Environment, Occupation)Two key truths: Parents know and love their child bestScriptural reference: Ephesians 2:10—children as unique and purposefulReference to Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy—children as "born persons"Definition of acceptance (seeing the child without comparison or urgency)Definition of expectancy (believing in meaningful and supported growth)Importance of holding both acceptance and expectancy togetherObserving and Understanding Your Child (The OT Lens)Observational strategies for understanding "the person" in the PEO modelNoticing regulation and sensory needsNoticing the role of joy and interests as "doorways" into learningShifting Away From "What's Wrong" to "What's Needed"Changing focus from problems to supports needed for a child to thrivePrioritizing connection and emotional safety before curriculumThe Neuroscience Behind Connection and LearningIntroduction to Stephen Porges and Polyvagal TheoryEnvironment: Designing Supportive Spaces and RhythmsAdapting Rhythms as Children GrowPractical Examples of Supporting Regulation and RhythmStory of a preschooler whose meltdowns improved with a more predictable daily flowStory of a teenager whose engagement improved by shifting his schedule later in the dayEnvironmental Reflections for ListenersInviting listeners to evaluate and make simple changes to their physical spaces and daily anchorsUsing Interests to Drive LearningIdentifying interests via observation in free time and conversationPractical examples of adapting curriculum and learning activities to interests and needs (movement, chunking tasks, choice) Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In HomeschoolingWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide Polyvagal Theory: A Science of SafetySystematic Review of School-Wide Trauma-Informed Approaches Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX WebsiteEpisode 4: The Evolving Landscape of Homeschool Community SupportEpisode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha BerryEpisode 18: Practical Sleep Solutions for Children: Insights from Occupational Therapy Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentEpisode 35: Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney B. Explains it All Episode 48: Transforming Fashion for Sensory Needs: An Interview with Julia, Adaptive Apparel Pioneer Episode 50: Ask The OT, A Special 50th Episode Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here.
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    31 mins
  • Balancing Acceptance and Expectation: Building Executive Functioning in Homeschooling and Parenting

    Balancing Acceptance and Expectation: Building Executive Functioning in Homeschooling and Parenting
    Jan 8 2026
    Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In Homeschooling Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week we're exploring one of the most profound tensions parents face: finding the balance between fully accepting our children as they are, and encouraging them to stretch, grow, and gain independence. Drawing on neuroscience, executive functioning research, and real-life stories, I'll unpack why kids need opportunities to try, make mistakes, and try again, and how this very process helps their brains develop resilience and problem-solving skills. You'll learn about the "just right challenge," the science of how our brains learn from errors, and practical strategies for scaffolding your child's growth in daily homeschool life. From supporting hesitant writers, to helping kids take on chores and navigate perfectionism, I'll provide OT-friendly guidance you can apply today. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, a new parent, or somewhere in between, this episode offers both encouragement and actionable tools for nurturing independence, persistence, and confidence in your children. In this episode you'll hear about: Acceptance vs. Expectation in Parenting and HomeschoolingDefinition of acceptance: seeing children truly as they are now (sensory needs, executive functioning, emotional capacities)Definition of expectation: envisioning and believing in children's potential to stretch and growThe importance of balancing both for genuine child developmentKey Book Reference: Gretchen Rubin's "My Life in Five Senses"How the book's message applies to understanding and loving childrenParenting Challenges: Finding the BalanceThe need for balance for healthy growth and executive function developmentNeuroscience of Mistakes & LearningHow trial and error fosters executive skills (sequencing, planning, problem solving)Introduction to "error related negativity" (ERN) and "error positivity component" (PE)Physiology of mistake-driven learning and lifelong neuroplasticityHow Mistakes Fuel Learning & Executive FunctioningMistakes indicate active brain learning not failureImportance of applying neuroscience and OT principles at homeEmotional regulation and executive skills needed to cope with imperfectionStep-by-step modeling: starting imperfectly, co-regulating, collaborative effort, and gradual independenceAccepting where both child and parent are in the learning processCelebrating effort, process, and small steps forwardReminding parents progress is not always linear—growth happens in tiny stepsChoosing one area to support (writing, chores, routines, etc.)Questions for reflection: What does acceptance and expectation look like here?Identifying the current stage of gradual release for a childAllowing productive struggle and celebrating process over product Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Companion Guide For Acceptance & Expectancy In HomeschoolingWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGFree Trial of CTC MathHalf Priced Homeschool Discount- CTC MathThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuideMind Your Errors: Evidence for a Neural Mechanism Linking Growth Mind-Set to Adaptive Posterror AdjustmentsEpisode 7: Form DrawingEpisode 8: Kaleb's Story Episode 56: Nurturing Young Minds Through WritingEpisode 66: Declarative Language Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. Please enjoy a FREE TRIAL of CTC math from The Homeschool OT, and after your free trial enjoy half price homeschoolers discount here.
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    33 mins
  • From Checklists to Flexibility: Helping Kids Plan Their Day

    From Checklists to Flexibility: Helping Kids Plan Their Day
    Nov 20 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Pam Barnhill—longtime homeschooler, former classroom teacher, and podcasting inspiration—for an insightful conversation about fostering independence and planning skills in homeschooled kids. Pam shares her own homeschooling journey, from her early days teaching preschool at home to launching her teens into work studies and career paths. Together we discuss the ups and downs of raising independent learners, offering practical tips for developing planning muscles, navigating different organizational styles, and supporting kids with unique needs, like dyslexia. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with relatable stories, honest reflections, and actionable ideas to help your family thrive. In this episode you'll hear about: Pam introduces herself, mentioning her background as a former classroom teacher and her journey as a homeschool mom.Discussion about learning alongside children and how homeschooling has been enriching for both parents and kids.Learning Through HomeschoolingPam's experience homeschooling her children from preschool through high school.The concept of "redeeming" one's own education as a homeschooling parent.Developing Independence and Planning SkillsThe importance of teaching kids independence in setting up and organizing their school day.The idea that independence is a muscle that needs gradual strengthening, not a switch.Tools and Techniques for PlanningUsing checklists and "Sarah McKenzie's spiral notebook" for tracking daily tasks, even before children can read.Benefits of lists/checklists in reducing decision fatigue for both kids and parents.Transition to weekly lists as kids mature, allowing more flexibility in how kids schedule their work.Adjusting planning approaches for each child based on their preferences and capabilities.Time Management and Overcoming OverwhelmTeaching children to estimate how long tasks will take and tracking actual times.Dealing with "this will take forever" feelings and procrastination.Using timers (e.g., 20-minute work blocks) to encourage focus and reduce overwhelm.The myth of "one right way" for planning and organization; acknowledging various effective approaches. 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 FunctioningHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuidePam Barnhill's WebsiteEpisode 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 42: Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday EditionEpisode 67: Setting Up A Homeschool Day Connect With Our Guest, Pam Barnhill Pam Barnhill believes that you don't have to sacrifice relationships to homeschool strong. An award-winning educator, former journalist, and now homeschooling mom, she has a knack for breaking down big tasks into small, manageable steps and getting to the heart of the stories her listeners want to hear. She is the host of the popular podcast Homeschool Better Together and the author of three homeschooling books, including: Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify Your Homeschool, and Savor the Subjects that Matter Most and Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace. Pam lives in the Deep South with her husband of thirty-one years, three (mostly) awesome kids, and the dog dynamic duo. You can find her online at pambarnhill.com.
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    31 mins
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