Podcast
The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps parents — especially homeschooling parents — encourage their differently-wired kids to learn, explore passions, cultivate creativity, and become fascinated by the world around them. Join host Colleen Kessler — educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and speaker — for interviews, audioblogs, tips, and encouragement to help your differently-wired kiddos become lifelong learners — children who know that they can find the answers to anything they want to know if they can just view their world with play, passion, and fascination.
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Supporting and Understanding Levels of Giftedness in Homeschooled Children with Deborah Ruf
As parents homeschooling gifted and twice-exceptional kiddos, we navigate a constantly evolving educational landscape that offers both challenges and rewards. Methods change, kids’ needs change, and we must reevaluate how we do things constantly. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the last fifteen years of homeschooling is recognizing when to persevere and…
A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
As homeschooling parents, we know the challenges and rewards of guiding our children’s education. We’re not just teaching academics; we’re nurturing curiosity, fostering independence, and creating lifelong learners. If you’ve ever wondered how to amplify these benefits, my brand-new book, The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners, is the guide you’ve been…
Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado
A significant advantage of homeschooling is the flexibility to tailor education to your child’s interests. This personalized approach can reignite a love for learning, especially for children who struggled in traditional school settings. For instance, if your child has a passion for art, incorporating more artistic activities into their curriculum can help them excel and…
Responding to Homeschool Critics
As the new school year rolls around, many of us feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The back-to-school season often comes with a barrage of questions from friends, family, and even strangers. “Why are you homeschooling?” “Aren’t you worried about socialization?” These questions can sometimes make us second-guess our choices. But remember, you know…
Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
Parenting can be challenging. Add neurodivergence to the mix, and the usual bumps of the journey can feel like mountain ranges. But don’t worry; we’ve got some empowering insights and practical advice to share with you. Let’s explore how creating visual prompts, secure attachment, and a connection-based approach can transform your homeschooling experience. Imagine your…
Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children
As homeschooling parents, we’re always looking for ways to better support our children’s unique learning needs. For neurodivergent kids, particularly those who are gifted or twice-exceptional, incorporating self-directed learning can be a game-changer. Self-directed learning is a child-centered approach that allows students to take ownership of their education. The focus is on curiosity, exploration, problem-solving,…