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The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

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
  • How Working Memory Shapes Literacy: Practical Tips to support the missing link between executive functioning and reading

    How Working Memory Shapes Literacy: Practical Tips to support the missing link between executive functioning and reading
    Nov 6 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera shares her unique journey across disciplines—spanning neuroscience, psychology, occupational therapy, and more—which led her to develop innovative frameworks and a cognitive processing model now making waves in the field. You'll also hear practical strategies for parents and educators, including how to foster working memory at home, support literacy beyond just curriculum, and make use of game-changing tools like reflexive questioning. Whether you're supporting a struggling learner, homeschooling, or just curious about how our brains organize information to drive success, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways. In this episode you'll hear about: Tera's career journey: Starting in French and math, transitioning to speech language pathology.Tera's quest for holistic approaches: Education in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, occupational therapy, and cognitive linguistics.Development of Tera's personal cognitive processing model through interdisciplinary study.What is Executive Functioning?Tera's definition: "Self cueing from the inside out."Importance of internal versus external cues.The role of executive function interventions and how many are overly external.External Tools vs. Internal SkillsExamples of external tools (planners, schedules, timers).Explanation that tools only work if internal executive function is present.The myth of tools being the ultimate solution (e.g., planners not solving disorganization).The need to support internal development rather than focusing solely on external aids.Executive Function and LiteracyHow executive functioning underpins literacy acquisition.Critical executive function skills involved in literacyImpact of impairments: Student disengagement, inability to absorb instruction."Attention flashlight" metaphor: Directing mental energy during learning.Working Memory: The Literacy BottleneckTypes of working memory: Verbal and nonverbal.Verbal working memory as an initial step in phonics and reading.The developmental trajectory of working memory (not fully developed until mid-teens).Curriculum misalignments: Demanding more from working memory than a child might currently manage (e.g., CVC words).Identifying Executive Function Challenges in LiteracySigns of processing issues: Relearning phonics, stalled progress, rapid forgetting.Recommendations to seek professional assessment for accurate diagnosis.Importance of individualized approaches rather than rigidly sticking to curriculum tools.Practical Executive Function ActivitiesAdjusting starting points to match the child's capacity (one or two sounds, not just three-letter words).Mention of specific programs (e.g., LiPS program, Phoneme Sequencing Program) and their techniques.Supporting Working Memory Throughout the DayThe link between working memory, planning, and life skills.Importance for children with anxiety: Using mental rehearsal to reduce uncertainty.Role of Sensory Experience in Nonverbal Working MemoryHow the brain creates internal maps through sensory experiences.Play as critical for wiring nonverbal working memory—why screen-based learning can be limiting.Discussion of the brain's eight sensory systems (including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception).Integrating Multi-disciplinary InsightsTera's expertise combines OT, SLP, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics.Bringing together disparate concepts for parents to understand executive function holistically. 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 Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive FunctionTera's WebsiteTera's Book & ResourcesTera's Online CommunityConnect With Tera On InstagramConnect With Tera On Facebook Connect With Our Guest, Tera Sumpter Tera Sumpter, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the author of the internationally best-selling book, The Seeds of Learning and founder of Seeds of Learning, LLC, a private practice in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in executive function, reading, speech, language, writing, and other pediatric learning challenges. She leads a global online community for professionals and families focused on executive function, presents her cognitive processing model nationally and internationally, and creates practical EF resources for professionals and parents. Tera is an adjunct instructor We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera ...
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    39 mins
  • Beyond Small Talk: Weather's Role in Learning, Connection, and Executive Function

    Beyond Small Talk: Weather's Role in Learning, Connection, and Executive Function
    Oct 23 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! t down with Ross Forsyth, Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Together, we explore an unexpected but universally relatable topic: the weather. From its role as a classic conversation starter to its powerful ability to spark curiosity and connection, we dive into how weather can serve as a gateway for building social skills, executive functioning, and even fostering shared experiences within families and homeschool communities. Ross shares his personal journey and the story behind the National Weather Museum, revealing how weather brings together people with different interests—whether it's science, photography, music, or even aviation. He explains how their Weather Kids program helps students find excitement and learning opportunities in the weather all around them, and why understanding and discussing the weather can be such a valuable tool for growing curiosity and meaningful relationships. In this episode you'll hear about: Ross Forsyth shares his personal and professional backgroundExecutive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center.How the museum was founded by his father, a retired meteorologist.Evolution from a mobile museum to a permanent facility.The museum's unique artifacts, like the thunderstorm-research plane.Weather as a Shared Social Experience and Tool for ConnectionImportance of weather as a conversation starter and social glue.Weather as a "common denominator" and part of daily lived experience.How discussing weather fosters relationships and teaches social skills.Children sharing personal weather-related stories at the museum.Building rapport through shared, relatable experiences (e.g., bad weather, event cancelations).Piquing Curiosity and Fostering Interests Through WeatherWeather as a gateway to multiple interests and disciplinesWeather's Role in Building Deeper Social and Academic SkillsDeeper connections formed as kids engage with weather topicsUse of personal experiences to express themselves.Facilitating early conversations and "ping pong" exchanges around weather.Weather in Diverse Areas of Life and LearningHow weather connects to various academic and creative fieldsMusic (e.g., "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks).Storytelling and entertainment (e.g., Wizard of Oz tornado scenes).Food supply, gardening, and farming.Careers: aviation, emergency management, entrepreneurship (e.g., weather-related products). The possibilities for integrating weather into nearly any domain of learning or professional path.Weather as a Real-World Lens for STEM EducationWeather's application in teaching advanced mathematics and science:Real-life examples of thermodynamics and calculus via weather phenomena.Making abstract concepts tangible and relevant for students.Sensory Experience and Self-Reflection Through WeatherOccupational therapy perspective: Weather as a tool for teaching sensory awareness (interoception) in children.Developing self-reflection and communication about bodily sensations and emotional states. "What to wear" as an entry point for young children to connect with weather.The Weather Kids App and Interactive LearningDashboard adapts to age level (basic choices for young kids, more data for older).Incorporating self-reflection and shared parent-child activities.Executive Functioning and Forward Planning SkillsWeather as a tool to teach flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional control.Reacting and adapting to uncontrollable events (like weather changes).Building planning and forecasting skillsThe Weather Kids Program, Curriculum, and Parent Involvement 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 FunctioningConnect With Ross On InstagramConnect With Ross On FacebookEpisode 26: Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind Connect With Our Guest, Ross Forsyth Ross Forsyth is a seasoned startup founder with experience managing multi-million dollar projects. He is an engineering graduate from the University of Oklahoma who began his career working in oil/gas field operations, later transitioning to reservoir engineering where he was responsible for over $100 million in reserves estimates. Finding his passion in building digital and technology experiences, he transitioned to software development and led teams to design and build digital experiences. He's worked with clients such as Pepsi, Balance Athletica, Punch Bowl Social, Climate Reality Project, US Air Force and many others. He is an entrepreneurial engineer with experience in the space of Virtual/Augmented Reality and product development. He most recently followed in his father's love for weather in helping to create the National Weather Museum and Science...
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    29 mins
  • Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids

    Understanding Social Pressures and Masking in Kids
    Oct 16 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Liz Downing, a pediatric occupational therapist from Wilmington, Delaware, whose passion for nature-based therapy and supporting children's emotional and sensory needs shines through her practice, In the Woods OT. We first connected at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, where we bonded over our shared interest in helping children navigate social and environmental pressures. In this episode, we dig deep into the realities kids face both in traditional school settings and beyond. Including overwhelming schedules, academic demands, and the increasing lack of unstructured play. Liz explains how children—especially those who are neurodivergent, often feel compelled to "mask" their true selves to meet external expectations, and how this can take a real toll on their nervous systems and emotional well-being. In this episode you'll hear about: Introduction of Liz DowningHow Sarah and Liz met (AOTA conference)Liz's professional background: pediatric occupational therapy, hospital-based experience, transition to nature-based OTLiz's family background and experiences traveling during COVIDFounding of "In the Woods OT" (nature-based practice in Wilmington, DE)Focus on emotional regulation and supporting both kids and parentsDefining Social and Environmental PressuresExplanation of "social pressures" and "environmental pressures" from Liz's perspectivePrimary struggles observed in children, especially in school environmentsGrowing expectations placed on children (school duration, structured activities, reduced unstructured play)The adult perspective: cultivating compassion and re-evaluating expectations for childrenThe Concept of Masking in ChildrenDefinition of masking, particularly among neurodivergent childrenAttempts by children to "fit in" or meet external expectations at the expense of authenticityEmotional and psychological impacts of masking: shame, energy drain, and exhaustionThe daily versus occasional need to "wear a different persona"Comparison to adult experiences of situational maskingThe Neuroscience of Masking and the Nervous SystemThe nervous system's "safe/connected" versus "protected" (fight/flight/freeze) modesHow masking keeps kids in a protected, energy-draining statePhysical and emotional consequences: fatigue and aftermath (e.g., after-school meltdowns)The parent's role: understanding, empathy, and recognizing dysregulationParental Strategies for Supporting Dysregulated KidsManaging after-school meltdowns: recognizing the need for reconnection and restorationPractical strategies: providing snacks, space, co-regulation, and minimizing choices when overwhelmedImportance of parental regulation to support the childBalancing support with age-appropriate expectationsAvoiding perpetually low expectations; instead, nurturing growth and capacityPracticing body/sensory awareness in regulated momentsBuilding emotional language and self-awareness in children for proactive regulation 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 FunctioningConnect With Liz On FacebookConnect With Liz On InstagramIn The Woods OT Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in HomeschoolEpisode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentEpisode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children Connect With Our Guest, Liz Downing Liz Downing is a pediatric occupational therapist with 17 years of experience supporting kids and families across hospitals, early intervention, schools, and private practice. She now runs In the Woods OT, a nature-based solo practice in Wilmington, DE, with a focus on emotional regulation and whole-family support. Outside of work, she's a wife, mom to three awesome kids, and a new dog mom to a rescue mini poodle.
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    29 mins
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