Turning Letters Into Play: How Doodling Builds Handwriting Skills with Sarah Muldoon

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! 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 communitySarah Muldoon’s Occupational Therapy JourneySarah Muldoon’s background as a school-based occupational therapist (OT)Challenges with existing handwriting materials: lack of engagement for kidsThe significance of handwriting as a referral point (“canary in the mine”) for OT-related problemsThe OT perspective: the importance of imagination and play in children’s occupationsDevelopment of Play-Based Handwriting MaterialsThe spark for creating imaginative, play-based handwriting booksRealization of a gap in the market for handwriting materials that link letter formation to creativity and storySarah Muldoon’s process: self-publishing, using graphic design and illustration skillsRapid success: from publishing the first book to creating 15 titles, role of social media in her growthUnderstanding Underlying Skills in HandwritingDiscussion of foundational skills involved in handwriting:Core strength, wrist/hand strength, and their importanceVisual motor integration and oculomotor skillsThe complex interplay of visual scanning, board-to-paper copying, and neurological processesOT interventions: warming up muscles, adapting equipment, building visual-motor skillsImportance of Play in Learning and Skill AcquisitionRole of play in accelerating skill learning (“400 repetitions vs. 20-30 when play-based”)Ways to incorporate play into handwriting practiceHow Sarah Muldoon’s books embed playful, imaginative activities aligned with OT strategiesModifying Activities to Support Individual NeedsHow to adapt doodling and handwriting exercises for different children or needsExample: breaking down drawing steps, allowing for tracing, providing multiple attemptsEmphasizing creativity and engagement over perfectionDefining Play and Its Role in HandwritingOT’s definition of play: flow state, imagination, creation, intrinsic enjoymentLinking letter formation to storytelling and meaning-makingHow her books foster both skill development and personal expressionStandardized Assessment in Occupational TherapyIntroduction 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 activitiesBridging Functional Skills and Playful PracticeThe rationale behind combining assessment-driven skill-building and playful activitiesExamples of how handwriting and drawing practice support broader life skillsEncouraging continued skill reinforcement throughout daily activitiesExpanding the Reach: Products for Different Ages and NeedsOverview of Sarah Muldoon’s product line 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 CourseHandwriting Motor AssessmentHandwriting CourseDoodles Help Handwriting Website Connect With Sarah Muldoon On IGFree DoodlesImproving Handwriting Without Actually WritingSkills Nature Builds Building Fine Motor skills Using HandicraftsEpisode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloEpisode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child DevelopmentEpisode 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, 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.