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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
  • Working Memory- Why Information Falls Apart Throughout the Day

    Working Memory- Why Information Falls Apart Throughout the Day
    May 14 2026
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've ever found yourself wondering why your child forgets instructions moments after hearing them or seems to struggle with multi-step tasks—even when the concept itself isn't new—this episode is for you. We're talking all about working memory today, what it actually is, and how it affects both everyday routines and academic learning at home. As homeschool parents, we have the unique opportunity to notice these patterns up close: the moments when simple directions get lost, math problems fall apart, or reading comprehension just "isn't sticking." But what if these aren't just habits or temperament, but signals about how your child's brain is managing information? In this episode you'll hear about: Overview of LearningRx and Focus on Working MemoryExplanation of LearningRx's work in cognitive training.Introduction to the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory of intelligence.Definition and Fundamentals of Working MemoryWorking memory as an "information bucket" with different capacities.Distinguishing between those with small and large working memory "buckets."Importance of holding and releasing information, and implications for learning disabilities.Identifying Working Memory Issues in Everyday LifeParental phrases indicating working memory struggles ("so forgetful," "I just told you…").Evolution of Approaches: Compensation vs. TrainingHistorical reliance on compensation strategies in education.Modern views on brain plasticity and potential for skill-building.Cognitive Skill Building: Research and MethodsDifference between the short-term workaround (accommodations) and long-term skill-building."Demonstration of a Working Memory Training GameReal-time working memory game between Sandra Zomalis and Sarah Collins.Auditory vs. visual working memory, and why targeting auditory skills can be crucial.The Role of Intensity and Processing Speed in TrainingUse of metronome to increase challenge and automaticity.Processing speed as another key automatic processing skill.Interrelation between processing speed and working memory—importance of training both together.Building Trust and Emotional Safety in Cognitive TrainingHow LearningRx prioritizes relationship and rapport between trainer and student.Advice for parents on evaluating providers—importance of one-on-one model and program research.Addressing Parental Concerns: "Are You Trying to Fix Me?"Services at LearningRx for both children and adults. 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 Sandy On InstagramConnect With Sandy On Tik TokThe Brainy Moms PodcastCheck Out Our Title Sponsor CTC MathCTC Math Free TrialExecutive Function, Regulation, and Getting Started In Your HomeschoolWhat Are Executive Functioning Skills?Field Trips Can Build Executive FunctioningEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and Parenting Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can HelpEpisode 66: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids Episode 71: Raising Resilient Learners: When and How to Talk About Diagnoses with Your Kids Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here. Connect With Our Guest, Sandy Zamalis Sandy Zamalis is the Executive Director and owner of LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg, where her passion is helping struggling learners of all ages discover confidence and success. A former homeschooling mom, Sandy found her calling in cognitive training after witnessing the frustrations of students falling through the cracks. Today, she leads two thriving centers, empowering children and adults alike to overcome learning struggles and build the strong cognitive foundation everyone deserves.
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    38 mins
  • Balancing Tech and Handwriting: Supporting Your Child's Growth

    Balancing Tech and Handwriting: Supporting Your Child's Growth
    Apr 23 2026
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're reframing handwriting as more than just pen-to-paper—it's a foundational skill that shapes how children learn, organize their thoughts, and even pay attention. In homeschooling, we have the flexibility to adapt instruction, but that also means making deliberate choices about how—and when—we build these core skills. You'll hear practical ways to approach handwriting without getting stuck in extremes, and we'll discuss how technology and multi-sensory methods can coexist to support your child's development. This conversation matters because the tools your child uses—whether it's a pencil, a laptop, or a speech-to-text app—each offer something unique. Handwriting isn't outdated; it's a critical layer in your child's learning toolkit, helping them think more clearly and keep their ideas organized as they grow. In this episode you'll hear about: Multi-Sensory and Neurodevelopmental ApproachExplanation of the neurodevelopmental (neurofirming) approachImportance of engaging multiple senses in learningUsing gross motor, body movement, and heavy work activities before sitting for tasksIncorporating multi-sensory materials: shaving cream, types of paper, chalkboardsHomeschooling ExperiencesLeslie Catlett's nine years homeschooling her childrenDifferences between her two sons' learning styles (bookworm vs. kinesthetic learner)Benefits of homeschooling for offering breaks and movement opportunitiesHandwriting Instruction in HomeschoolDaily formal handwriting instruction (5–10 minutes per day)Importance of explicit teaching (step-by-step verbal/visual cues)Not just tracing, but teaching letter formation, sizing, spacing, placementResearch supporting explicit handwriting instructionUse of diverse materials (chalk, chalkboard, vertical surfaces)The Significance of Handwriting in the Digital AgeHandwriting as a foundational skill—more than just putting letters on paperHandwriting as a "full brain workout"Cognitive benefits: engagement of hands, eyes, and brain; boosts attention, memory, learningDifferences between writing by hand and typingChallenges with Handwriting for Fast ThinkersStudents whose thoughts move faster than their physical writing abilitiesStrategies: using technology (recording or transcribing thoughts) to separate idea generation from handwritingMotor Skills, Self-Regulation, and PerfectionismRelationship between motor skills, cognition, memory, and comprehensionPracticing fine motor control, coordination, motor planning, and sensory feedbackAvoiding perfectionism: accepting mistakes, not over-emphasizing erasingUsing pens or pencils without erasers to maintain flow of thoughtIntegrating Technology: AI and Assistive ToolsPerspective on handwriting vs. technology (not anti-tech, but balanced)How dictation, predictive text, and tablets can support struggling studentsTechnology for access, but not for building foundational motor/sensory skillsAutocorrection reliance and its potential impact on spelling developmentPacing: Handwriting Slows Down, Technology Speeds UpSlowing down cognitive processes via handwriting vs. speeding up with screensHelping kids adjust to slower, more mindful pacing for foundational skill developmentBreaking tasks into manageable chunks; use of graphic organizers Links and Resources From Today's Show Download The Sensory Activity Ideas HereWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuideThe Penmanship LabConnect With Leslie On IG Check Out Our Title Sponsor LoveveryLearning RX WebsiteEpisode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry Episode 20: Tailored Kids' Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'NeillEpisode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingEpisode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for HomeschoolersEpisode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for FamiliesEpisode 35: Connecting Speech, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy: Sydney Bessard Explains it All Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills Episode 45: Engaging Children Through Project-Based and Interest-Led Homeschooling Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers Episode 65: Using Music to Support Regulation, Learning, and Connection in Homeschooling and Therapy Episode 77: Turning Letters Into Play: How Doodling Builds Handwriting Skills with Sarah Muldoon Episode 78: How Movement Influences Learning: OT Insights for Parents Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here. Connect With Our Guest, Leslie Catlett Leslie Catlett, MS, OTR/L is the founder of ...
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    28 mins
  • Beyond Perfection: How to Foster Legible and Functional Handwriting

    Beyond Perfection: How to Foster Legible and Functional Handwriting
    Apr 9 2026
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! If you've found yourself wondering if handwriting still matters in a digital world, or why your child's writing looks so different from their abilities in other areas, this episode is for you. We are unpacking the real value of handwriting for learning—both print and cursive—and why these skills deserve attention in a homeschool setting. You'll hear practical insights about what "good handwriting" actually means, how to spot the foundational skills your child needs before writing even begins, and how environment and mindset have more influence than any fine motor activity alone. In this episode you'll hear about: Handwriting coaching and creation of Ledgie Liner stampsObservations from pushing into classrooms (lack of handwriting guidelines in older grades)Inspiration and development of a rolling ink stamp for handwritingTeacher and student responses, patenting the product, and building a businessThe Importance of Handwriting in a Digital AgeBrain connections and retention linked to handwritingFine motor and sensory benefits of writing versus typingThe value of handwriting for reading fluency and cognitive developmentThe renewed push to teach cursiveDefining "Good" HandwritingPrimary importance of legibility over perfection or pencil gripAnalyzing what makes handwriting legible Letter height (e.g., differentiating N vs. H)Letter closure (e.g., A vs. U)Spacing and orientation on the lineImportance of pinpointing specific issues to focus on for improvement Techniques and Strategies for Teaching HandwritingUsing lines and cues to support handwriting:Teaching with tall, small, and "fall" lettersEmploying creative analogies (sky/grass/ground, fish for underwater letters)Customizing strategies to student interests and developmental levelThe benefits of the homeschool environment for flexibility and customizationFoundational Skills and Environmental FactorsHandwriting Versus PerfectionismDifferentiating functional handwriting from perfection/neatnessEmphasis on legibility and function over picture-perfect writing Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersLegiLiner WebsitePolly Benson LinkedInPolly Benson InstagramLegiLiner YoutubeLegiLiner AmazonCheck Out Our Title Sponsor CTC MathCTC Math Free TrialPrimitive Reflexes Resource GuideHow To Think About HandwritingMaking Sense Of The Handwriting Puzzle- CourseEpisode 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 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression Episode 77: Turning letters into play- how doodling helps handwriting Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here. Connect With Our Guest, Polly Benson Polly Benson, OTR/L, also known as The OT Handwriting Coach, is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience helping children build confidence through improved handwriting and fine motor skills. She's the inventor of LegiLiner®, a popular rolling ink stamp used by thousands of educators and therapists to make handwriting practice easy and effective. Polly is passionate about making OT strategies accessible—especially for students who don't qualify for services but still need support. In addition to presenting nationally, Polly mentors other OT entrepreneurs and launched a mastermind networking group to help therapists and teachers grow product-based businesses that make a difference. Her company donates 10% of profits to support the special needs community, extending her mission of impact beyond the classroom. Polly will also be featured this year on "Legacy Makers" showing on Inside Success TV, celebrating her work in innovation, education, and advocacy. With a heart for service and a gift for making learning fun, Polly is on a mission to help every child write with confidence.
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    29 mins
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