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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

Connect With Our Guest, Sarah Muldoon

Sarah is an occupational therapist who has worked with kids as an OT and beyond. She has always been interested in drawing and loved handwriting.