The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT Podcast By Sarah Collins cover art

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

By: Sarah Collins
Listen for free

About this listen

 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
  • Setting Up a Homeschool Day: Rhythm, Flexibility, and Presuming Competence

    Setting Up a Homeschool Day: Rhythm, Flexibility, and Presuming Competence
    Jul 3 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We'll explore everything from setting the right mindset for both parents and kids, to adopting a belief in every child’s competence—no matter their age or learning style. You’ll learn how to foster a growth mindset, build routines that balance predictability with flexibility, and adapt activities for learners at all different stages. I'll also share my own daily rhythm, helpful tips for including toddlers and preschoolers, and strategies for sparking curiosity and connection in daily learning. If you’re looking for ways to create a more peaceful, productive, and connected homeschool environment—this conversation is for you. Get ready for actionable ideas, thoughtful reflections, and encouragement as you chart your own unique path in homeschooling. In this episode you'll hear about: Importance of mindset in homeschoolingCommon worries (e.g., “Am I doing enough?”, distributing attention among kids)Reassurance: homeschooling parents are not defined by perfect executionEssential values: curiosity, compassion, and connectionGrowth Mindset TheoryIntroduction to Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on Growth Mindset vs. Fixed MindsetPhrases to encourage growth mindset (e.g., “You might not understand it yet…”)Encouraging parents to shift self-talk toward growthModeling growth mindset for childrenHomeschool-specific context: lack of classroom comparison—importance of modeling struggle and correctionPresuming Competence in LearnersDefinition and importance of presuming competenceReference to “Presuming Competence” article by Douglas Biklen & Jamie BurkePotential harms of presuming incompetence (lowered expectations, limited opportunities)Examples of how to presume competence in a homeschool settingEstablishing Routine and RhythmDifference between strict schedules and flexible rhythmsValue of predictability to allow for flexibility (“predictability allows for flexibility”)Anecdotes about morning routines and handling unpredictabilitySample daily rhythm in Sarah’s homeschoolIncorporating Movement and ChoresChores as structured movement and sensory input for kidsPersonalization of chores to children’s sensory and developmental needsImportance of movement right after morning timeTransitioning Between SubjectsConnecting the Day to Family NeedsAdapting for Mixed Ages and AbilitiesManaging Homeschool with Babies and ToddlersEncouraging Curiosity in Older KidsThe COWLICKS Mnemonic for Field TripsBuilding Connection and Independence Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Carol Dwerk On Mindset- BookPresuming Competence Inclusive Schooling On Presuming Competence What To Do When Your Child Says "I Can't" WorkshopHomeschool Daily Setup: Parent Planning GuideEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling PerspectiveEpisode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and PlanningEpisode 25: Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development Episode 42: Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday EditionExecutive Functioning SkillsIs My Child Ready To Handle Current Events?Executive Functioning And Field TripsConnect With Sarah On Instagram
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Shifting From Compliance to Connection: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids

    Shifting From Compliance to Connection: The Power of Declarative Language in Supporting Kids
    Jun 26 2025

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    We’re exploring a simple yet transformative shift in how we communicate with children facing social-emotional challenges: using declarative language.

    I’ll break down exactly what declarative language is, how it differs from giving direct commands, and why this small change can make a big impact on fostering connection, self-reflection, and problem-solving skills in our kids. Drawing on resources like The Declarative Language Handbook by Linda Murphy and Communicating with Compassion by Bobbi Cook, we’ll share real-world examples, discuss both the benefits and the challenges of this approach, and bring in perspectives from autistic adults and parents.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Understanding Declarative Language
    • The Importance of Declarative Language
    • Encouraging flexible thinking, problem solving, and social awareness
    • Practical Examples of Declarative Language
    • Sample statements from Linda Murphy’s work (The Declarative Language Handbook)
    • The Shift from Compliance to Connection
    • Personal Reflections and Related Experiences
    • Early exposure to these communication strategies
    • Tips for Starting with Declarative Language
    • Navigating Common Challenges
    • Considering Neurodivergent and Autistic Perspectives
    • Addressing Parental Concerns and Objections

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • When Declarative Language Doesn't Work
    • When Declarative Language Activates The Nervous System
    • Declarative Language Handbook
    • Communicating With Compassion: By Bobbi Cook
    • Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
    • Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support
    • Episode 50: Ask The OT, A Special 50th Episode
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Using Music to Support Regulation, Learning, and Connection in Homeschooling and Therapy

    Using Music to Support Regulation, Learning, and Connection in Homeschooling and Therapy
    Jun 19 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We’re welcoming Anna Galloway, an occupational therapist and music therapist whose passion lies in blending the power of music with the practice of OT. With a background that stretches from working in mental health, hospice, and early intervention to championing collaboration across therapies, Anna dives into how music can regulate emotions, support sensory needs, and help families build connection. You’ll hear her expert insights on using music in everyday life, tips for navigating musical interests in large families, and practical advice for parents looking to make meaningful use of music at home. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a therapist, or someone just curious about music’s impact on the brain and learning, this episode is filled with actionable ideas and heartfelt stories. In this episode you'll hear about: Introduction and Background of Anna GallowayAnna’s professional journey:Started as a music therapist after graduating from the University of Alabama.Worked in diverse settings: with refugees’ families, older adults with dementia, inpatient psychiatric programs, hospice, home health, early intervention.Discovered occupational therapy (OT) while working in inpatient rehab, returned to school for OT.Now a faculty member with a research focus on integrating music and OT.Intersection of Music Therapy, Recreation Therapy, and Occupational TherapyDiscussion of collaborative, creative interdisciplinary teams (e.g., working with recreational therapists).Application of prior therapeutic experiences to homeschooling and daily family life.Exploring Auditory Processing and Music’s RoleTransition to a general discussion on music and the brain, separate from specific programs.How Music Affects the Brain and BodyExplanation of how music releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.Roles of these hormones: motivation, mood, attention, social bonding.Using music therapeutically:For relaxation and coping in hospice/end-of-life care.In the NICU to calm infants, regulate physiological responses, promote bonding.Broader uses for environmental and emotional support, regulation, and coping.Understanding Individual Responses to MusicImportance of individualized, person-centered music preferences for effective outcomes.Dangers of generic, prescriptive music interventions—what’s relaxing to one person might be arousing to another.Non-verbal cues in infants and medically fragile populations to gauge music’s effects:Watching for facial orientation, hand gestures, crying, physiological signs of overstimulation.Adjusting tempo and removing syncopation for NICU use.Using music to build tolerance or mask environmental noise as needed.Practical Strategies for Using Music with Children and FamiliesAdapting music use based on intent (regulation vs. education vs. leisure).Tips for group settings or families with mixed music preferences:Collaborative playlist-making, ensuring everyone’s input and adequate listening time.Observing engagement and adjusting duration to maintain participation.Using music for time management and transitions:“Three songs” as a non-ambiguous marker for children.Opportunities for social sharing and connection during music activities.Integrating Music into Occupational TherapyAnna’s doctoral research: Training OTs to use music more effectively.Barriers OTs may face: comfort with music, creativity, and ambiguity.Basic musical elements: rhythm, tempo, use of beats per minute (BPM).Using tempo to match and guide activity pace: Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?TAP BPM- Online Beats Per Minute CalculatorFind The BMP And Key For Any Song Music As An Occupational Therapy ToolMusic As Support To Occupational TherapyEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling PerspectiveEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool Episode 45: Engaging Children Through Project-Based and Interest-Led Homeschooling Episode 63: Misophonia Explained: Causes, Triggers, and Real Life Solutions Episode 64: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support for Families Connect with our Guest, Anna Galloway Anna is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida. She has been a music therapist for 13 years and occupational therapist for 7 years. Her current research explores uses of music within the occupational therapy scope of practice.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
No reviews yet