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 The Transformative Power of Play in Homeschooling: Key Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins

In this episode of The Feast Life, host Julie Ross welcomes occupational therapist Sarah Collins to dive into a subject that is often overlooked but essential in homeschooling: the power of play. From developing motor and social skills to building confidence and emotional resilience, play is foundational for children. Plus, it’s not just for kids—moms can benefit greatly from incorporating play into their own lives!

Here’s why play is essential in a well-rounded homeschool experience, including key insights on risky play, executive function skills, and how to encourage healthy, unstructured play that enriches both children and parents.

What is Play, and Why Is It So Important in Homeschooling?

Sarah Collins defines play as any activity that is intrinsically motivated, internally controlled, and freely chosen. Play allows children to develop essential skills—such as problem-solving, motor abilities, and emotional regulation—within a natural, engaging environment. For homeschooling parents, understanding the value of play can transform how they approach education, fostering both academic success and lifelong resilience.

Key Benefits of Play:

1. Boosts Motor Skills: Activities like climbing, building, and exploring help children develop balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. These foundational abilities support more structured tasks like writing.

2. Builds Cognitive and Social Skills: Play encourages critical thinking, persistence, and teamwork, helping children learn to navigate social interactions and build relationships.

3. Supports Executive Functioning: Skills such as planning, attention, and self-control are developed through playful activities, making it easier for children to handle academic challenges.

The Role of Risky Play: Encouraging Safe Exploration

Collins explains the concept of “risky play,” which includes activities like climbing, handling tools, and even rough-and-tumble interactions. While these may seem daunting for parents, risky play is essential in teaching children their physical limits, improving risk assessment skills, and building resilience.

Allowing children to engage in risky play helps them understand what they can safely handle. This type of play fosters confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which are invaluable in a homeschooling setting where independence and self-motivation are key.

Tips for Managing Risky Play:

- Know your child’s physical and emotional limits.

- Introduce risky activities gradually, such as climbing lower branches before attempting taller trees.

- Use observation to assess when to intervene and when to let children work through challenges independently.

Structured vs. Unstructured Play: Finding the Balance

In a structured activity like sports or swimming lessons, children gain discipline and learn specific skills. However, Collins emphasizes that unstructured play, which is free from adult-imposed rules, is equally critical. Unstructured play offers children the freedom to experiment, imagine, and self-regulate.

Unstructured play fosters intrinsic motivation—children choose their own activities, which is important for building self-discipline and creativity. Balancing both types of play can provide a comprehensive approach to skill development in a homeschooling environment.

Benefits of Unstructured Play:

- Encourages creativity and flexible thinking.

- Enhances problem-solving skills as children navigate challenges on their own.

- Allows children to take initiative, fostering self-confidence and independence.

Why Play is Important for Homeschooling Moms, Too

Play isn’t just beneficial for children; it’s also essential for moms! Collins points out that when moms engage in activities they find enjoyable—whether it’s dancing, crafting, or a hobby—they model lifelong learning and self-care. Playful activities allow parents to recharge, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation, which has a positive impact on the homeschooling environment.

Simple Ways for Moms to Incorporate Play:

- Try a new physical activity, like a dance class or outdoor hiking.

- Engage in creative hobbies that allow you to “play” in a way that feels natural.

- Join your children in playful activities whenever possible, even if it’s simply a game of tag or drawing together.

Key Takeaways for Homeschool Parents

The role of play in homeschooling cannot be overstated. Here are some key takeaways from this episode to keep in mind:

1. Play is Learning: Play is not a distraction but a foundational aspect of learning, supporting motor, social, and cognitive skills.
2. Risk is Good: Allowing controlled risky play fosters resilience, independence, and a sense of achievement in children.
3. Balance Structure and Freedom: Incorporate both structured and unstructured play to provide a holistic learning experience.
4. Moms Need Play, Too: When moms engage in playful activities, they model self-care and emotional resilience, enhancing the overall homeschool atmosphere.

By embracing play as a central component of homeschooling, parents can foster a learning environment that’s filled with joy, growth, and meaningful connections.

About our Guest:

Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a background in both pediatrics and home health, and a homeschooling parent. She currently serves families as an occupational therapist through HomeschoolOT.  She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set all while working towards what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time (hello occupation!). She does this by consulting with parents around the world, teaching month long classes on specific topics, building community in an online membership, and communicating nationally at conferences. 

Connect with Sarah Collins at:

• Website: HomeschoolOT.com 
• Facebook: @thehomeschoolot 
• Instagram: @homeschool_ot 
• Podcast: The OT is IN Podcast 

This discussion highlights the immense value of play for children and parents alike, helping homeschool families cultivate a life-giving education filled with creativity and connection.