Pyramid of Learning Resources

Discover the top 8 podcasts, YouTube channels, and newsletters dedicated to the Pyramid of Learning and bottom-up approach to child development and education.

2 Podcasts 1 YouTube Channel 5 Newsletters

About the Pyramid of Learning

The Pyramid of Learning, developed by occupational therapist Kathleen Taylor and special educator Maryann Trott in 1991, is a foundational framework for understanding child development. It illustrates how academic learning, daily living activities, and behavior all grow and develop from a strong sensory foundation.

The bottom-up approach emphasizes building strong foundational skills (sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, motor development) before addressing higher-level skills (academic learning, social skills, complex reasoning). These resources provide expert guidance on implementing this evidence-based approach.

All Things Sensory by Harkla
Harkla Team (OT Professionals)
podcast

A comprehensive podcast series exploring sensory processing, primitive reflexes, and the Pyramid of Learning. Hosted by occupational therapists who provide deep dives into how foundational sensory systems impact higher-level academic and behavioral outcomes.

Why Follow

  • Expert-led episodes on the Pyramid of Learning
  • Episode #296 is a definitive guide to the framework
  • Practical strategies for parents and educators
  • Focus on the bottom-up approach to child development

Available On

SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTube
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The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast
Laura Petix, MS OTR/L (The OT Butterfly)
podcast

A weekly podcast that decodes behavior through a nervous system lens and provides sensory strategies. Laura Petix excels at explaining the 'why' behind behaviors using the bottom-up approach with practical analogies that help parents understand foundational needs.

Why Follow

  • Practical tips and actionable regulation strategies
  • Real-life case studies and behavior analysis
  • Accessible explanations of complex concepts
  • Focus on bottom-up vs. top-down approaches

Available On

SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts
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Pyramid of Potential
Kathy Johnson, MS Ed
youtube

A YouTube channel dedicated to overcoming learning struggles through brain-based exercises and the Pyramid of Potential model. Features over 60 videos explaining how to 'change the brain' by starting with primitive reflexes and sensory integration.

Why Follow

  • 60+ educational videos on learning pyramids
  • Brain-based exercises for learning disabilities
  • Direct application of bottom-up approach
  • Comprehensive coverage of primitive reflexes

Available On

YouTube
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Sensory Integration Education
Sensory Integration Education (Non-profit)
newsletter

A professional and parent-focused resource hub for Sensory Integration. As a not-for-profit organization, they provide evidence-based research and a free monthly newsletter ('EmphaSIze') that keeps followers updated on the latest SI research and clinical practices.

Why Follow

  • Free monthly newsletter with latest SI research
  • Evidence-based clinical practices
  • Professional and parent-friendly resources
  • Grounded in bottom-up framework

Available On

NewsletterWebsite
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The Sensory Code Newsletter
Laura Petix (The OT Butterfly)
newsletter

A unique monthly newsletter that takes a single real-life case study and breaks it down over four weeks, showing exactly how to apply a bottom-up, sensory-informed approach to complex behavioral challenges.

Why Follow

  • In-depth monthly case studies
  • Real-life behavior decoding
  • Practical application of bottom-up approach
  • Nervous system-focused analysis

Available On

Email Newsletter
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Science of Learning
Dr. Jim Hewitt & Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva
newsletter

An evidence-based newsletter that bridges the gap between learning science and classroom practice. Discusses how foundational cognitive processes (bottom-up) support complex problem-solving and reasoning through the latest research.

Why Follow

  • Latest research in learning sciences
  • Evidence-informed instructional practices
  • Cognitive psychology and neuroscience insights
  • Practical classroom applications

Available On

Substack
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OT Plan
Occupational Therapy Professionals
newsletter

A resource hub structured around the tiers of the Pyramid of Learning. Their newsletter and blog provide specific, actionable activities for each level of the pyramid, making the bottom-up approach highly practical for parents and educators.

Why Follow

  • Activities organized by pyramid levels
  • Specific, actionable strategies
  • Occupational therapy perspective
  • Parent and educator-friendly resources

Available On

NewsletterBlog
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Edutopia Newsletter
George Lucas Educational Foundation
newsletter

A K-12 education newsletter featuring articles and segments on 'The Science of Learning' and 'Social-Emotional Learning.' Frequently highlights how a bottom-up approach (addressing safety and regulation first) is essential for academic success.

Why Follow

  • K-12 education trends and research
  • Science of learning focus
  • Social-emotional learning emphasis
  • Bottom-up approach to student success

Available On

Email Newsletter
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