Episodios

  • Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning

    Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning
    Apr 24 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Katie Zelinski discusses the intricacies of motor planning, also known as praxis, and its impact on handwriting and daily activities. Katie, with over 11 years of experience in pediatric OT and founder of The Well Balanced OT, shares her wealth of knowledge on how motor planning affects children, from dressing themselves to participating in activities like catching a ball. Katie explores how challenges in motor planning manifest in tasks such as handwriting, and she offers insightful strategies to help parents support their children's development through creative play and practice without the pressure of traditional writing tasks. Whether you're a parent or therapist, this episode provides valuable insights into understanding and addressing motor planning challenges in children. In this episode you'll hear about: Katie Zelinski's BackgroundKatie's experience of 11 years as an Occupational Therapist (OT).Focus on pediatrics.Establishment of Katie's business, The Well Balanced OT.Discussion on Motor Planning and PraxisDefinition and explanation of motor planning and praxis.Multiple components of motor planning.Steps involved in motor planning: Ideation, Sequencing, Execution.Practical examples of motor planning in learning activities.Differentiation between practicing motor planning as a skill and it becoming innate.Observations of Motor Planning ChallengesSigns of motor planning challenges in children.Examples like dressing, catching a ball, play activities.Handwriting and Motor PlanningConnection between motor planning challenges and handwriting difficulties.Ideation’s impact on writing.Ways motor planning affects holding and using a writing tool.Strategies for practicing handwriting without writing.Motivating Children with Motor Planning ChallengesImportance of making learning engaging and incorporating play.Use of resources and creativity to support idea generation.Avoiding stress by focusing on underlying skills.Addressing Motor Planning in Older ChildrenChallenges faced by older kids.Strategies including using technology and alternative methods.Focus on typing and voice-to-text as alternatives to handwriting. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?The Well Balanced OT From Clumsy To Capable: The Surprising Impact of Martial Arts on Kids' Motor Skills Motor Planning: What You Need To Know Motor Planning and Praxis: Understanding, Assessing, and TreatingHow Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and AcademicsBlending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingUnderstanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for HomeschoolersReading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting SkillsMaking Sense of the Handwriting Puzzle – Homeschool OT Course Narration- A Path To Thoughtful LearningConnect With Sarah on Instagram Connect with our Guest, Katie Zelinski Katie is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in regulation and sensory processing. She has a certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration. Katie has worked in various settings including early intervention, preschool, and a pediatric outpatient clinic. She is the founder of The Well-Balanced OT which offers online resources, professional development, and mentorship programs for pediatric OTs. Connect With Katie On Instagram Connect With Katie On Facebook
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    33 m
  • Benefits of Outdoor Education to Meet Sensory Needs

    Benefits of Outdoor Education to Meet Sensory Needs
    Apr 17 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! This week I am talking with Rachel Tidd, an innovative educator renowned for her groundbreaking approach to learning through nature. Rachel has developed curricula like Wild Math and Wild Reading that I have been recommending to families for years. Her knowledge and insights into the outdoor learning world will leave you wanting to expand your homeschooling classrooms. In this episode you'll hear about: Introduction of Rachel Tidd and her workBackground on Rachel's Children and Sensory NeedsDiscussion about her children attending an outdoor forest preschool.Focus on her youngest child's sensory issues and how the environment helped meet those needs.Challenges and Homeschooling DecisionRachel's consideration of traditional schooling challenges for her sensory-seeking child.Decision to homeschool and the process of developing outdoor-focused curriculum materials.Development of Wild Math and Reading CurriculumSteps Rachel took to create learning materials that integrated outdoor activities.Specifics on starting with math due to its hands-on nature and later addressing reading needs.Understanding Sensory Needs and RegulationDetailed description of her son's sensory-seeking behaviors at home.Discussion on sensory-seeking versus regulation and how outdoor environments supported her son.Advantages of Outdoor LearningBenefits of outdoor environments for sensory input and increased engagement.Support for executive functioning, risk-taking, and decision-making in children.Health benefits including improved vision and less illness.Adapting Outdoor Learning as Children AgeContinuation of outdoor learning into older grades; adjustments as curriculum expands.Integration of indoor activities while maintaining outdoor experiences.Parental Tips for Outdoor LearningAdvice for parents who aren't naturally drawn to the outdoors.Importance of having the proper gear to enhance outdoor experiences for both parents and children.Addressing Fears and Challenges in Outdoor LearningStrategies for dealing with kids' fears of outdoor elements like bugs or weather.Emphasizing gradual exposure and flexibility in outdoor activities.Wild Learning Resources and Access Links and Resources From Today’s Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Outdoor Education: Research Summary What Is Outdoor Education And How Does It Help Students?Handwriting Without Actually WritingSkills Nature Builds Building Fine MotorskillsHarnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloSupporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentOutdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo Narration: A Path To Thoughtful LearningDiscover Wild LearningRachel's BookConnect with Sarah on Instagram Connect with our Guest, Rachel Tidd Rachel Tidd is passionate about using outdoor and place-based learning to enhance literacy and math instruction. She is the author of the book Wild Learning: Practical Ideas for Bringing Teaching Outdoors and the Wild Math® and Wild Reading® Curricula series. Rachel is a former elementary special education teacher with an M.S. Ed. in Elementary and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, specializing in Educational Sustainability with a focus on literacy. Her research explores integrating sustainability and language arts. You can find her at discoverwildlearning.com. Connect with Rachel on Instagram here. Connect with Rachel on Facebook here
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    27 m
  • Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

    Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression
    Apr 10 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- Julie, a prolific author and expert in writing education, shares her journey from growing up with an award-winning author as a mother, to navigating the world of professional writing and homeschooling. We dive into the unique ways professional writers teach writing, contrasting it with traditional school methods that focus heavily on mechanics over the creative content of children's writing. In this episode you'll hear about: Writing Education and MethodologyDifferences between how school teachers and professional writers teach writingThe emphasis on mechanics versus content in educational curriculumsProfessional writers' strategies focusing on ideas and self-expressionJulie's observations on how these methodologies affect children and her personal anecdotesPractical Strategies for WritingImportance of jotting down children's thoughts to bridge ideas and writingRole of parents in supporting children's writing processes and ideasAffirming children's thoughts through transcription and recorded memoriesSignificance of engaging children in reading to develop writing skillsWriting in the Context of Modern TechnologyDiscussion on the use of AI and ChatGPT in writingBalancing technology with original thoughtEthical considerations of AI written content versus personal expressionPersonal and Emotional Connection to WritingWriting as a dialogue with oneselfExamples of practical journal use and value in preserving thoughtsEmotional and creative benefits of recording significant memoriesEncouraging a Writing and Reading HabitStrategies to foster reading habits to improve writingCreating shared reading times without digital interruptionsUnderstanding the difference between oral language and written languagePractical Implementation and AdviceHelping children struggling with writing through transcription methodologiesIntegration of speech-to-text tools for students with writing challengesBook Information and Resources Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? A Brave Writer's Life in Brief Podcast How To Help Your Kid Become A Better Writer Narration: A Path To Thoughtful Learning Teaching Kids To Write Who "Hate Writing"- The Occuplaytional TherapistEpisode 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 SuccessThe Brave Writer WebsiteThe Brave Writer BlogWriting BlitzJulie Bogart Author BooksRaising Critical ThinkersConnect With Sarah On Instagram Connect with our Guest, Julie Bogart Julie Bogart is known for her common sense writing, critical thinking and home education advice. Julie’s the creator of the award-winning, innovative online writing program called Brave Writer serving 191 countries and hundreds of thousands of families. Her highly anticipated new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing, comes out in April 2025. Julie is also the author of the popular books The Brave Learner and Raising Critical Thinkers. Her Substack, podcast, and social media are wildly popular sources of support to weary, well-intentioned parents. Julie home educated her five children who are now adults and she has three grandchildren. Today, Julie lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Connect with Julie on IG Connect with Julie on FB
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    36 m
  • Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers

    Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers
    Apr 3 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We're diving deep into the world of dysgraphia with our special guest, Cheri Dotterer. Cheri and I first connected through a shared passion for handwriting education, and our journey since has led to fruitful discussions and collaborations. Cheri shares her insightful journey from recognizing her own child's struggles with spelling to exploring the intricate connections between giftedness and learning disabilities, particularly dysgraphia. We'll walk through the neurological underpinnings of writing challenges, dive into the concept of flow states, and explore practical interventions for improving writing skills. She also talks about her groundbreaking work with both handwriting and math education, including her popular book, Handwriting Brain-Body Disconnect, and offers valuable resources like the Dysgraphia Checklist. Lets jump right in! In this episode you'll hear about: Sarah and Cheri explain how they met and their work together.Book: Handwriting Brain Body DisconnectFlow State in LearningDefinition and explanation of flow state.Impact of flow state on writing skills.Difference between automatic writing and explicitly taught writing.DysgraphiaDefining dysgraphia.Different types of dysgraphia.The neurological, language, and cognitive developmental hierarchy of writing skills.Interventions and Tools for DysgraphiaAddressing memory and visual perception issues.Discussion of tools like Real OT Solutions’ alpha triangle.The importance of memory and visual perception in overcoming writing issues.Fine Motor Skills and WritingUsing Otter AI for creating motivated writing prompts.The Charlotte Mason method in homeschooling.Providing confidence to parents in recognizing effective education methods. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?AlphaTrangleDysgraphia ChecklistHWBBD Book HWBBD PaperbackJoin Cheri's FB GroupConnect With Cheri on LinkedinThe Writing Glitch PodcastDotterer Educational ConsultingBrain Body Disconnect Guide Narration: A Path To Thoughtful LearningEpisode 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 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 ChildrenConnect With Sarah on Instagram Connect with our Guest, Cheri Dotterer Battling writing challenges firsthand, Cheri has emerged as a global authority, pioneering innovative, neuroscience-backed strategies to overcome dysgraphia seamlessly within the classroom setting. Author of "Handwriting Brain-Body DisConnect" and contributor to seminal works, she’s set to release "Math DYS-connected," co-authored with Jonily Zupancic. She owns Dotterer Educational Consulting and The Writing Glitch Podcast. Living with her husband and son, Cheri's experiences fuel her passion to revolutionize learning. They also have a daughter in grad school. Connect with Cheri on her website here and follow her on Instagram
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    34 m
  • Strengthening Executive Functions through Play: Insights from Carol Brown of Equipping Minds

    Strengthening Executive Functions through Play: Insights from Carol Brown of Equipping Minds
    Mar 27 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! -- I am welcoming Carol Brown, an expert in neuroscience and the founder of Equipping Minds. This episode dives into Carol's inspiring journey, motivated by her experiences and research, to better understand and enhance executive functioning. Carol shares how her personal experiences as a mother led to the development of the Equipping Minds cognitive development curriculum, which is being used globally to support individuals from children to seniors facing various cognitive challenges. The conversation explores the vital differences between academic and cognitive skills, emphasizing the importance of strengthening core executive functions such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. In this episode you'll hear about: Carol's motivation: educating herself and her childrenWorking with children and families with strugglesSon’s traumatic birth and need for interventionRecognition of unmet needs in cognitive developmentCarol’s background in neuroscienceTransition from strategies to direct strengthening of executive functionsFoundation of Equipping Minds in 2009Use and reach of Equipping Minds curriculumIdentification of cognitive skills as foundationalOverview of executive functioningInhibitory control, attention, self-controlWorking memory and cognitive flexibilityHandling the question of "fixing" a childEmphasis on whole-brain developmentAligning training with the child’s goals and aspirationsExplanation of Equipping Minds cards and gamesHow activities help with processing speed and cognitive trainingEncouragement to start using the materials and accessing resources Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Equipping Minds WebsiteNCBI- WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic ESQ-R Self Report Assessment Tool- Smart but Scattered KidsThe Brown Model of ADD/ADHDConnect with Sarah on InstagramEpisode 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 EditionWhat Are Executive Functioning Skills?Is My Child Ready To Handle Current Events?Field Trips Can Build Executive Function Skills Connect with our Guest, Carol Brown Dr. Carol Brown has over 40 years of experience as a principal, teacher, cognitive-developmental therapist, social worker, reading and learning specialist, speaker, special needs consultant, and mother. She is a contributing author in the book Neuroscience and Christian Formation and Human Development: Equipping Minds with Cognitive Development, Equipping Minds Cognitive Development Curriculum, and School Violence and Primary Prevention. She has served as a learning specialist, teacher, principal, and head of school in classical Christian schools in North Carolina, Georgia, Northern Virginia, and Lyon, France. Carol trains public, private, and homeschool educators in the Equipping Minds Cognitive Development Curriculum she created.
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    38 m
  • Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest

    Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
    Mar 20 2025

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

    Rebecca Ray Hodgson, a dedicated occupational therapist based in New Zealand, is a professional who works closely with neurodivergent and chronically ill adults. Rebecca brings her personal lived experience into the discussion, sharing invaluable insights into the nuanced world of rest.

    Rebecca passionately unpacks the misconceptions surrounding rest in modern society and provides an in-depth analysis of the essential types of rest we often overlook. We dive into the societal pressures of self-care and the ways in which rest is misconstrued as a luxury, rather than a necessity.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Rebecca Ray Hodgson's Background
    • Modern Society's Misconceptions About Rest
    • Reframing the Concept of Rest
    • Types of Rest According to Rebecca's Model
    • Spiritual Rest
    • Physical Rest
    • Cognitive Rest
    • Emotional Rest
    • The Importance of Rest and Self-Care
    • Practical Strategies for Incorporating Rest

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Different Kinds Of Rest - Chronic Resilience
    • Resources Shop- Chronic Resilience: Lived Experience Occupational Therapy
    • Keep A Balance Between Work, Play, Rest & Sleep- Saimaalife
    • Chronic Resilient OT Website
    • 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 Santangelo
    • Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships
    • Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
    • Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
    • Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support
    • Connect with Sarah on Instagram

    Connect with our Guest, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson

    Rebecca, otherwise known as The Chronically Resilient OT, is a neurodivergent and chronically ill Occupational Therapist. She combines her clinical knowledge and lived experience to support neurodivergent and chronically ill clients in private practice and is passionate about educating other health professionals to improve care for a larger number of people.

    • Connect With Rebecca on Facebook
    • Connect With Rebecca on Linkedin
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    32 m
  • Navigating Feeding Challenges from picky eaters to feeding disorders

    Navigating Feeding Challenges from picky eaters to feeding disorders
    Mar 13 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I’m so excited to share a conversation with my longtime friend and fellow OT, Hana Eichele. We go way back to when we were both starting our occupational therapy businesses, navigating the ups and downs of building something from the ground up. While my work has focused on supporting homeschool families with sensory processing, executive functioning, and handwriting, Hana has carved out a specialized niche in pediatric feeding disorders. Hana's expertise in feeding therapy is incredible, and she has a gift for breaking down the complexities of challenges in a way that makes sense. If you’ve ever wondered what signs to look for when it comes to struggles, Hana shares key developmental milestones and when it might be time to seek professional support. In this episode you'll hear about: Overview of Hana's private practice, Roots Pediatric TherapyServices offered, including virtual telehealthExplanation of how eating fits into the framework of OTConnection between motor skills, meal times, and social componentsWhat families should look for in developmental milestonesIndicators that something might be wrongStages of development for eating and chewingRecognizing when children are behind milestonesImportance of timely interventionDifferences between behavioral-based and responsive approachesFinding the right professionals and programsResources and practical steps for seeking helpMention of Hana's contributions, such as books and online resourcesEncouragement to look into support networksFinal thoughts and reiterating the importance of supportive connections Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?What is Pediatric Feeding Disorder?- Feeding Matters Why Parents Should Use Responsive Feeding With Their Babies- Harvard Health Beyond A Bite Parent Edition: Playful Sensory Food Exploration For ASD & Neurodivergent KidsDevelopmental Milestones- SOS Approach To FeedingRoots Pediatric TherapyEpisode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday seasonDo You Need Help Implementing These Strategies In Your Family?Connect With Sarah On Instagram Connect with our Guest, Hana Eichele Hana Eichele, MOT, OTR/L is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Specialist with a strong background in providing effective therapy services through her private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy LLC. Hana's approach is rooted in the tenets of Responsive Feeding Therapy, which means honoring Autonomy, Relationships, Competence, Holistic ideas, and Individualized solutions during the process. Above all else, this means she partners with families to build new skills needed for successful feeding relationships - and easier mealtimes. Hana is the co-founder of the feeding collective, an educational platform for professionals. In her love to educate, she also co-authored two books with a dietitian in 2021: Beyond a Bite Professional Edition and Beyond a Bite Parent Edition, both can be found anywhere books are sold. You can connect with her on Instagram at: @the.mealtime.maven, @roots.pediatricfeeding, or @thefeedingcollective.
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    35 m
  • Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Neurotypical Spaces: Practical Tips and Insights

    Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Neurotypical Spaces: Practical Tips and Insights
    Mar 6 2025

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

    I address how to help children navigate group participation designed for neurotypical children, such as Sunday school, sports and summer camps, and offer practical advice for parents. I share my personal experiences as a mother and educator and explore how identity and family stories contribute to a child's courage and belonging. Drawing inspiration from Amber Johnston's book "A Place to Belong," nurturing a strong, harmonious family story to combat societal pressures.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Helping Children Navigate Participation in Neurotypical Groups
    • Importance of family and faith in forming identity
    • Double empathy problem: communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals
    • Role play scenarios at home
    • Focus on strengths
    • Allow breaks for regulation
    • Supporting an Autistic Child with Severe FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
    • Reframe FOMO as an issue of prioritization and commitment
    • Importance of teaching prioritization (executive functioning skill)
    • Create rituals and visual calendars
    • Addressing fear aspect of FOMO
    • Coping skills and regulation techniques

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Anxiety and Sensory-Based Coping Skills For Kids- The OT Toolbox
    • Addressing Childhood Anxiety- OT Strategies For Calm
    • The Anxiety Toolkit
    • Episode 31: Cultivating Calm
    • Connect With Me On Instagram
    • If you need help implementing these strategies, book a call with me!
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    24 m
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