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Sarah Muldoon shares her journey from working in school systems, where she noticed traditional methods weren’t engaging kids—to self-publishing a series of imaginative, doodle-driven books that help children build core handwriting skills through play and storytelling. They dive deep into the foundational skills behind handwriting, from core strength and visual-motor integration to the magic that happens when kids are having fun and using their imagination.

Whether you’re an OT, a parent, an educator, or part of the growing homeschool world, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for making learning both functional and fun. Plus, hear about the importance of the “pre-writing” stage, the power of art in literacy, and how Muldoon’s journey led her to national recognition.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• The motivation for bringing Sarah Muldoon onto the podcast: sharing her products and story with educators and the homeschool community
• Sarah Muldoon’s Occupational Therapy Journey
• Sarah Muldoon’s background as a school-based occupational therapist (OT)
• Challenges with existing handwriting materials: lack of engagement for kids
• The significance of handwriting as a referral point (“canary in the mine”) for OT-related problems
• The OT perspective: the importance of imagination and play in children’s occupations
• Development of Play-Based Handwriting Materials
• The spark for creating imaginative, play-based handwriting books
• Realization of a gap in the market for handwriting materials that link letter formation to creativity and story
• Sarah Muldoon’s process: self-publishing, using graphic design and illustration skills
• Rapid success: from publishing the first book to creating 15 titles, role of social media in her growth
• Understanding Underlying Skills in Handwriting
• Discussion of foundational skills involved in handwriting:
• Core strength, wrist/hand strength, and their importance
• Visual motor integration and oculomotor skills
• The complex interplay of visual scanning, board-to-paper copying, and neurological processes
• OT interventions: warming up muscles, adapting equipment, building visual-motor skills
• Importance of Play in Learning and Skill Acquisition
• Role of play in accelerating skill learning (“400 repetitions vs. 20-30 when play-based”)
• Ways to incorporate play into handwriting practice
• How Sarah Muldoon’s books embed playful, imaginative activities aligned with OT strategies
• Modifying Activities to Support Individual Needs
• How to adapt doodling and handwriting exercises for different children or needs
• Example: breaking down drawing steps, allowing for tracing, providing multiple attempts
• Emphasizing creativity and engagement over perfection
• Defining Play and Its Role in Handwriting
• OT’s definition of play: flow state, imagination, creation, intrinsic enjoyment
• Linking letter formation to storytelling and meaning-making
• How her books foster both skill development and personal expression
• Standardized Assessment in Occupational Therapy
• Introduction to standardized tests like the BOT (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test)
• What OTs are assessing and why: focus on function and “occupation”
• Using tests for pre/post measurements rather than just “teaching to the test”
• Translating test scores into meaningful activities
• Bridging Functional Skills and Playful Practice
• The rationale behind combining assessment-driven skill-building and playful activities
• Examples of how handwriting and drawing practice support broader life skills
• Encouraging continued skill reinforcement throughout daily activities
• Expanding the Reach: Products for Different Ages and Needs
• Overview of Sarah Muldoon’s product line

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Handwriting Course
• Doodles Help Handwriting Website
• Connect With Sarah Muldoon On IG
• Free Doodles
• Improving Handwriting Without Actually Writing
• Skills Nature Builds
• Building Fine Motor skills Using Handicrafts
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 39: Outdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo
• Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

Connect With Our Guest, Sa