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RLL 02 Caitlin Curley: Diving Down Rabbit Holes and Following Kids’ Interests

 

Diving down rabbit holes with your kiddos can lead to some pretty amazing learning and fun adventures. In this epsiode, Cait Curley shares some of the ways she embraces learning adventures with her kids, and how she cultivates their curiosity while buildng a family culture around a lifelong love of learning.

 

Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast Episode Two - Diving Down Rabbit Holes and Following Kids Interests

Links and Resources from Today’s Show

  • My Little Poppies
  • The Homeschool Sisters Podcast
  • Raising Poppies Facebook Support Group for Parents of Gifted Children
  • Gameschooling Facebook Group
  • My Little Poppies Book Club
  • Coffee and Books
  • Gameschooling
  • Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators
  • Wild Tracks: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints
  • Brave Writer
  • Marker Board
  • Dry Erase Markers
  • Curiosity Stream
  • Field Trip Zoom
  • Around the World Stories
  • Wow in the World
  • Harry Potter
  • Wonder
  • Extreme Dot to Dots

 

 Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints VIZ-PRO Children Drawing Board/Kids Writing Whiteboard, Black Plastic Frame-A4 Board Dudes SRX Magnetic Dry Erase Markers 6-Pack Assorted Colors (DDM77) Harry Potter Complete Book Series Special Edition Boxed Set Wonder Extreme Dot to Dot: Wildlife Wonders Set of 3 Extreme Dot-to-Dot Dogs Puzzles for Adults from 356 to 870 Dots (Dot to Dot Books For Adults) (Volume 13)

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Colleen, gifted specialist, educational consultant, author, speaker, and homeschool mom of four gifted/twice-exceptional kids.

Grab a cup of coffee, some of that chocolate you're hiding from the kids, and join me as I learn, experiment, and explore with my kiddos -- and hopefully inspire you a little in your journey alongside smart, quirky, creative kids, too!

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Don't you just love the concentration? Play is ser Don't you just love the concentration? Play is serious work -- don't forget that. And don't forget to give yourself credit, mama, for gifting your child with the opportunity to play his way through his childhood. ⠀ ⠀ So much learning takes place when we allow our kiddos open-ended time to explore and play. And that is crucial, but even more than the "learning" we are dreaming of when we open up to play-based homeschooling, there's so much joy in our kids' lives when we let them play and dream and explore and create. ⠀ ⠀ There's no better gift. ⠀ There's no better childhood.⠀ There's no better education.⠀ ⠀ Play IS life for our kids. 💕
There are some school years that just don't go the There are some school years that just don't go the way you plan. We had a rocky start to this year after a challenging summer of ups and downs that just continued on dow the path of one huge thing after another. ⠀ ⠀ In a conversation with a friend yesterday, I talked about something my husband's cousin told him, "Losing someone you love is enough to knock you down. Moving to a new home and city is enough to knock you down. Taking on the details of caring for a family member is enough to knock you down. Having a sick spouse is enough to knock you down. Selling houses, settling estates, caring for a family... doing all those things in the midst of any one challenge is enough to make all other things in life seem impossible and you had every single thing happen to you within the span of two months and are now settling enough for the trauma of all of that to hit with full force. It's okay to ask for -- and accept -- help where you need it."⠀ ⠀ This is the year I've learned that lesson. Help is there, but we need to ask and accept. ⠀ ⠀ We've done minimal homeschooling as a result and are hoping to add things back in as we can, but we've relied heavily on help from amazing resources like No Sweat Nature Study Live classes every other week (you can join for $14/month at rll.bz/OJW) taught by Cindy at @ourjourneywestward, the @arthistorykids studio membership downloadable lessons, audio stories from our audible library and from @aroundtheworldstories, and games, games, games. ⠀ ⠀ Somehow, despite me really, my kids are still thriving. Yeah... they've had a lot more screen time than I'd like, but they've also slowed down and realize that adults get into funks, too. Adults struggle with depression when one too many things happen to them. They know, too, that moms who have always struggled with a touch of anxiety (and who understood theirs) can get triggered and suffer setbacks that make the day to day tough for a time. ⠀ ⠀ They know that life can be hard.⠀ That things inevitably get better.⠀ That life does -- truly -- go on.⠀ ⠀ If you're struggling or going through a tough season, I see you mama. You're not alone, it WILL get better, and your kids will be okay. I promise.
Reflecting on the season one last time before the Reflecting on the season one last time before the tree is taken down this weekend and the ornaments packed away for another year.⠀ ⠀ Our beautiful planter box from @cadesandbirch reads, "Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us" and it couldn't be more perfect. Right now it's filled with bulbs and sparkles in the light of the tree, but by Monday it'll be filled with greenery -- need to infuse the kitchen with life to ward off the dismal January-February grays that I know are coming...⠀ ⠀ How is your 2020 shaping up to be? I'm seriously excited about this year. There are SO many things I have planned for you to support you in parenting and homeschooling your differently-wired kiddo. ⠀ ⠀ ❣ There will be two new resources coming to you just in time to snap them up at conventions this season (I'll share more about them soon!)⠀ ❣ I'm speaking in SEVEN different states (possibly eight, but I'm still chatting with one place) AND in Saskatchewan (brrr!) ❣ A Crash Course for Homeschooling THAT Kid was just updated yesterday, and you can join in at rll.bz/HTK (or click the link in my profile).⠀ ❣ There's a brand-new community coming your way where you can get resources, access to expert talks, group coaching, live Q&As with me, and a member forum off social media that's secure and filled with mamas like you ⠀ ❣ AND I'm working on a brand-new book for a brand-new (to me) publisher that I'm ridiculously excited about -- more details soon 😉⠀ ⠀ All in all, I'm glad 2019 is behind us and I can look forward to an amazing 2020 with my fun, amazing, and quirky kiddos, super-dad husband, and all of you. 💕
Right?! 🤣🤣🤣⠀ ⠀ How many of you regula Right?! 🤣🤣🤣⠀ ⠀ How many of you regularly receive advice on how to raise your differently-wired kiddos from well-meaning friends and family who don't actually have kids (or have neurotypical kids)?⠀ 🌺⠀ Hang in there... YOU really do know what YOUR kiddo needs. ⠀ 🌺💕
I was having a coversation with a new friend last I was having a coversation with a new friend last week about my 17yo's talent when it comes to card tricks.⠀ ⠀ He's pretty good.⠀ ⠀ But there's an interesting story behind the talent you may not know, and chatting about it with my friend reminded me that sometimes the simplest things end up having the biggest impact on a life.⠀ ⠀ You see, that brilliant, quirky, and profoundly gifted boy once struggled with social anxiety that would lead to impulsiveness and overexcitability anytime we went anywhere. He'd repeat a few dozen facts and figures -- talking AT people -- until he just got overwhelmed and silly. ⠀ ⠀ And usually in trouble for doing something stupid to someone or something.⠀ ⠀ Out of desperation, we gave him a deck of cards and a magic trick book with links to videos by the author on YouTube. ⠀ ⠀ The cards gave him something quiet to fidget with, fit in his pocket, and the tricks were something he could play with whenever he had downtime. ⠀ ⠀ The first time he did a trick succesfully for someone, and heard their shocked and impressed intake of breath, he was hooked. ⠀ ⠀ He's since spent an incredible amount of time perfecting and creating tricks, testing them out on me (the one who always catches mistakes), and sharing with others. ⠀ ⠀ Simple card tricks pretty much astound anyone who can't do them. AND they excite others who can do them since there's now someone with whom they can talk "shop." ⠀ ⠀ That deperately given deck of cards opened up a way for a socially awkward, Impulsive, but brilliantly creative kids to enter into conversations with people. He could start by burning off a little of that nervous energy by "performing," and then continue on calmly talking about the tricks, how he learned them, and then transistion into asking about others' hobbies or teaching them his.⠀ ⠀ He still struggles with anxiety, but self-regulates more easily. And, he's confident, articulate, and really interesting to talk to. ⠀ ⠀ What are some seemingly simple things you've done to help your kids manage social anxiety?
I'll never forget telling the babysitter that Trev I'll never forget telling the babysitter that Trevor would be home with the girls when she came to sit with them.⠀ 🌺⠀ We pulled Trevor, now 17, out of public school in February of his first grade year. I was freelance writing for the educational market at the time (mostly short nonfiction books for school & public libraries, textbook chapters, games, and literacy/science centers), and had a neighborhood mom coming over for 15 hours a week. She kept the girls (6 months and 2 years) at my home, playing with them while I worked, and brought Baby Logan to me every few hours to nurse. Her children went to the same school as Trevor did -- her daughter was also in first grade. ⠀ 🌺⠀ She first said the typical things those who know nothing about homeschooling say: ⠀ -- why?⠀ -- what about socialization?⠀ -- I'd never have the patience...⠀ 🌺⠀ But it soon turned to snide remarks and defensive comments, as if my decision to pull my son from the school her children attended was an attack against her decision to keep her children there. ⠀ 🌺⠀ "Well, *I* think it's a great school." ⠀ "MY daughter's teacher is doing..."⠀ "I'd never be able to take MY kids away from friends."⠀ 🌺⠀ I was (a lot) younger than I am now, and I didn't know anyone else that homeschooled, so it was really hard for me to even come to the decision to pull my son, let alone figure out how to forge ahead, and it made the first year so much more difficult. ⠀ 🌺⠀ Moms, I wish I'd had someone a few steps ahead of me in the journey to reassure me that it wasn't my responsibility to make others okay with my choices. To tell me that every family really is different, and when others question or criticize your choice to homeschool (or whatever "school" you choose), a simple "this is what is right for our family right now" is all you need to say.⠀ 🌺⠀ I'm being that person and telling you what I wish someone had told me...⠀ 🌺⠀ Repeat it if you need to, often. ⠀ Don't engage. ⠀ Don't be defensive. ⠀ 🌺⠀ It's YOUR family and you DO know what's right for them. ⠀ 🌺⠀ You've got this, friend. I promise. 🌺
We struggle with all sorts of executive function s We struggle with all sorts of executive function skills around here -- it's kind of funny since I talk about strengthening kids' EF skills at conferences and conventions all the time. ⠀ ⠀ Let's just say I am REALLY familiar with the topic. 😜⠀ ⠀ Planning and prioritizing doesn't come easily to any of us in this house, so we're really focusing hard this year. The 17yo, 12yo, and I are meeting weekly to go over calendars and due dates, appointments, rehearsals, classes, and travel. I'm showing them each how I work backwards from a deadline or a trip to plan the time needed to get things done, and teaching them to do the same. ⠀ ⠀ We're also trying to be more consistent with how and what we schedule. With my son's freelance editing business taking off, this cutie-pie's rehearsal and training schedule, and my own book deadline, we need to prioritize how we spend our time so that things don't get missed, and relationships still have time to be nurtured. ⠀ ⠀ Planning and consistency isn't just about checking off boxes. It's about managing the finite time we are all given in the way best suited to each individual's strengths and gifts. ⠀ ⠀ My buddy @hspambarnhill is a whiz when it comes to building consistent routines, plans, and structures. I often call or text her when I need a kick in the pants. She's giving others that same kick in the pants she gives friends like me in the free 3-part mini training she's offering for homeschool mamas if you want to join me there. ⠀ ⠀ You can only sign up for Guilt Free Mornings --> https://rll.bz/guiltfree <-- through January 9th, so type in the link or click through the link in my bio to join us. ⠀ ⠀ And, tell me... how do YOU help your kiddos organize themselves and their days? (I need all the help I can get!)
How on EARTH is this quirky baby of mine seven tod How on EARTH is this quirky baby of mine seven today?? ⠀ ⠀ We filled our day with a ridiculous amount of @hexbug sets and nanos, loads of sugar, and video games — a 7yo boy’s dream day. ⠀ ⠀ How was your second day of 2020?
Happy New Year!!⠀ ⠀ 🥂🍾⠀ ⠀ What are y Happy New Year!!⠀ ⠀ 🥂🍾⠀ ⠀ What are your biggest goals for 2020? ⠀ ⠀ 🎉⠀ ⠀ Here, we plan to settle into to our new home with new routines and adventures:⠀ ⠀ 💕⠀ ⠀ Keeping the house tidy and basics (school) completed first thing.⠀ ⠀ Going on an adventure (a day trip or overnight) every month.⠀ ⠀ Play a game and read a book (or listen to an audiobook) every day.⠀ ⠀ Eat real foods and drink lots of water.⠀ ⠀ Exercise every day.⠀ ⠀ Work on growing individual hobbies and businesses (Dad-golf, Mom-book writing, 17-audio/video editing, 12-VA work and playwriting, 10-art classes, 7-coding).⠀ ⠀ Spread kindness and love, and supporting our friends in their hobbies and businesses. ⠀ ⠀ 🎉🍾🥂💕⠀ ⠀ Okay — what are YOUR goals (individually or as a family)? Share here!!! 💕💕
We've scaled way down this year. We used to belong We've scaled way down this year. We used to belong to two co-ops -- one a class-based co-op where the kids take academic classes, and the other enrichment-based. On top of those, we met up with a field trip group once a week. ⠀ ⠀ My kids are (mostly) all extroverted. ⠀ ⠀ I am more of an introvert. ⠀ ⠀ All that running around exhausted me and on top of it, I'd have to prepare for the classes that I needed to teach in our enrichment co-op. It was a lot when coupled with our theater rehearsals, voice and music lessons, and other extra-curriculars. Three of four kids loved the schedule, but one of the kids and I were feeling like we were drowning...⠀ ⠀ It was time to pare things down and re-evaluate.⠀ ⠀ After the first session of our enrichment co-op this fall (it meets in four six-week sessions), we decided that it was time to let that go for a time. We had already pulled out of our field trip group a few years ago in favor of getting together more intentionally with close friends, and decided to let go of our enrichment co-op as well. ⠀ ⠀ It seemed counter-intuitive at first because we don't actually need the academics offered at the classes-based co-op, and enrichment is more our preference, but the enrichment co-op is all day, requires I teach or contribute in some way, and conflicts with my speaking travel dates, requiring me to find sitters to take the kids when I'm out of town. ⠀ ⠀ Co-ops and other outside of the house activities need to work for EVERYONE in the family, including mom. Now, the kids get to see their friends in classes (where they get to do amazing things like try on chain mail) we don't have to arrive to until 11am, then have lunch and play time with them. I get to drop them off at their classrooms, and then go spend an hour reading a book in the lounge -- they get to extrovert while I get to introvert! #winning⠀ ⠀ Sometimes less is so much better than more. We still make it a point to get together with close friends at least once a week, but we've let go of things that drain our already precious resources.⠀ ⠀ What kinds of changes are you making as you go into the new year?
What do YOU do to get your kids thinking creativel What do YOU do to get your kids thinking creatively and critically?⠀ ⠀ I'd love for you to share!
Stories for days...⠀ ⠀ Just like putting books Stories for days...⠀ ⠀ Just like putting books cover-side-out on shelves (thank you @readaloudrevival), setting out art and writing supplies so that kids have easy access to them WILL encourage kids to pick up and create. ⠀ ⠀ We keep a shelf in our dining room (turned school room) full of blank books, markers, colored pencils, big paper rolls, and all sorts of other art and writing supplies that kids have access to at all times. ⠀ ⠀ Sure... it CAN get messy from time to time, and I have been known to threaten to put it all away for good, but more often I marvel at the constant stream of creativity that runs through our home. ⠀ ⠀ This girl here finds solace in creating. When she wants to write, but can't spell something, she uses her Kindle Fire or our Echo Dot to spell for her. When her anxiety is spiking, she'll immerse herself in a book or drawing. ⠀ ⠀ I love that something designed for creativity can help with other challenges, too. AND I love that there's an open-ended invitation to create that the kids take advantage of often. ⠀ ⠀ What are some of your tips for encouraging creativity?
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