In this episode, we explore the importance of collaboration as a foundational skill for our children. From understanding the science behind our social brains to practical homeschooling tips, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring anecdotes.   Key Takeaways: The Six Cs:Dive into the six key skills identified by Dr. Kathy Hirsch Pasek—Collaboration, Communication, Content, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Confidence—that foster lifelong learning. Storytime:Listen to Colleen's heartfelt story about her daughter Molly's innovative approach to a homeschool science project, illustrating the power of collaboration. Practical Tips:Discover ways to build collaborative skills at home, whether or not you're involved in a homeschool co-op, including creative projects, family meetings, and pretend play.   Sneak Peek at Next Week Next week, we'll be focusing on Communication, the second of the six Cs. Colleen will discuss how this vital skill acts as a cornerstone for effective collaboration and how we can foster strong communication abilities in our kids.   Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins The Anxiety Toolkit Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler

In this week's episode, we dive deep into a topic that's a challenge for many families: sleep. Whether you're homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, navigating giftedness, twice-exceptionality, or simply dealing with heightened anxiety, quality sleep is essential—and tricky to achieve.   Key Takeaways: Establish Consistent Sleep Routines: Structure is essential for signaling our brains to wind down. Even simple routines like a warm bath, brushing teeth, and reading can make a substantial difference over time. Optimize the Sleep Environment: Tailor the bedroom setup to your child’s sensory preferences. From using white noise machines to experimenting with bedding textures, creating a sleep-friendly environment is foundational. Addressing Anxiety and Screen Time: Tools like worry boxes, guided meditation, and limiting screen time before bed can significantly reduce nighttime anxieties and help improve sleep quality.   Here's a challenge for you -- try to shake up your family's sleep routine, then share what's working! You can share and tag us on social media or hit reply to this email. Let's celebrate improved habits together!   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Do Gifted Kids Need Less Sleep? {Establishing Better Sleep Habits} This is Why Your Gifted Child Struggles to Fall Asleep 100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted The Anxiety Toolkit   Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of play and why it matters at every stage of childhood!  Whether you're homeschooling or just juggling parenting, incorporating play can ignite a lifelong love of learning and create magical moments of discovery.  From mealworm mazes to Viking bread, we explore how playful learning leads to unexpected adventures and lasting knowledge. So, gather your kids, embrace the fun, and let's make learning an exciting journey together! Tune in now and discover practical tips and heartwarming stories that will inspire you to add more play into your routine.    Key Takeaways: Importance of Play: Play is crucial at all stages of development, not just early childhood. It supports critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving, and social and emotional development, which are essential for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Incorporating Play into Homeschooling: Play should be integrated into homeschooling to make learning enjoyable and effective. This can range from using building blocks and sensory bins for younger children to strategy games and creative projects for older kids. Adaptation of Play with Age: Play evolves as children grow. For young children, it might involve sensory play and role-playing. For older kids and teens, it can include activities like strategy games, creative hobbies, and physical activities. Educational Benefits of Play: Research indicates that playful learning is more effective than passive instruction. It allows kids to retain more information through hands-on, engaging activities. Social and Emotional Learning: Play enhances emotional intelligence and social skills. It helps children manage emotions, develop empathy, and understand different perspectives, which is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children. Unstructured vs. Structured Play: Both unstructured play (imaginative play, free play) and structured play (board games, organized sports) have unique educational benefits. Unstructured play fosters creativity and imagination, while structured play helps reinforce concepts and critical thinking. Play as a Gateway for Neurodivergent Kids: Playful learning can help neurodivergent children grasp difficult concepts more easily. For instance, kids with dyslexia might benefit from interactive word games, while children with dysgraphia could engage in playful handwriting exercises. Family Bonding through Play: Engaging in playful activities as a family strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. This could be through family game nights, outdoor adventures, or creative projects done together. Resilience and Perseverance: Embracing play, even when it deviates from expectations, models resilience and perseverance for children. It demonstrates that it's okay to enjoy the learning process and adapt to different situations. Continual Offering of Play: For children who resist play, it's important to keep offering and introducing new playful activities. Over time, they may find something that resonates with them, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.   Here's a challenge for you -- reflect on your week’s learning adventures and share them on social media (don’t forget to tag us!) or with us directly through the Learner's Lab. Let's celebrate curiosity and lifelong learning together!   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board Games The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally Teaching Kids to Play with Others The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega Magnificent Music Games The Ultimate Guide To Using Games In Your Homeschool Great Geography Games to Czech Out Games to Get You Moving Math Games to Multiply The Fun! Games to Help Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence Games to Help Kids Control Their Anger Games to Help Your Kids Learn Mindfulness at Home Learning with Games | Blocks Rock! Nature Themed Games Your Kids Will Love Amazing Science Games Your Kids Will Love One Person Logic Games that Rock Family Night Game Guide Top 25 Board Games Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler

In our latest episode, we dive into how to ignite your child's curiosity by exploring topics together, even if it means using Google searches or watching fun educational videos. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and foster a growth mindset by focusing on the process, not just the outcomes.  This episode, along with Colleen’s new book, offers tips for personalized education, especially for neurodivergent kids. Listen now, and let’s create a family culture of learning and make education an adventure!  Key Takeaways: Modeling Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Encourage your children to explore their curiosities by actively engaging with them. Whether it's a topic they discovered on a show or an interest they saw in a book, learning together can be a fun and enriching experience.   Embrace and Celebrate the Learning Process: Focus on the journey rather than the outcome. Celebrate both the small and big milestones, helping children appreciate their efforts and persistence. This can cultivate a growth mindset in them.   Tailored Educational Experiences: Craft learning activities based on your child's unique interests and needs. This is especially effective for neurodivergent children. Personalized approaches, like using creative projects or alternative assessments, can make learning more impactful and engaging.   Here's a challenge for you -- reflect on your week’s learning adventures and share them on social media (don’t forget to tag us!) or with us directly through the Learner's Lab. Let's celebrate curiosity and lifelong learning together!   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Smart Underachievers: Reigniting a Love of Learning 8 Ways to Foster a Love of Learning in Your Children Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally   Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler

In this episode, we explore the beautiful intersections of joy, wonder, and learning in your homeschooling journey. Colleen opens up about her struggles with perfectionism and how it has impacted her homeschooling and parenting. She encourages us to embrace the messiness of life to enjoy deeper connections and create memorable moments with our children. Understanding and meeting our children’s sensory, emotional, and social needs can be challenging. Colleen shares practical ways to foster their interests and paving the way for curiosity-driven explorations. Whether through spontaneous activities like a surprise trip or simple joys like watching a favorite show, these moments enrich our relationship with our children. Key Takeaways: Embracing life's messiness leads to deeper connections and memorable moments. It's vital to address and understand kids' sensory, emotional, and social needs. Meeting these needs can help them be more open to trying new things and reduce resistance. Joyful activities create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Being present and modeling joy, curiosity, and gratitude has a profound impact on children. It helps in nurturing their emotional well-being and encourages a positive outlook on life.   Finding wonder and joy in everyday homeschooling can create a rich and rewarding experience for both parents and children. It’s about embracing imperfections, adapting to unique needs, celebrating growth, and being present. Let's make room for joy and wonder in our homeschooling journey, nurturing a love for learning that will last a lifetime.   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. RLL #52: Overcoming Perfectionism and Finding Joy in Homeschooling 5 Ways to Enjoy Homeschooling Your Gifted Child Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day When Homeschool Looks Different: Embracing the Chaos and Finding Joy A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners RLL 13 Misty Bailey: Homeschooling, Finding Joy, and ADHD RLL 08 Melissa: Following Their Joy Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler

In the latest episode we dive deep into the evolving and sometimes chaotic world of homeschooling. Join Colleen as she shares her family's "Not Back to School Day" traditions, how they're adapting amid a jam-packed schedule, and the heartfelt challenges of balancing multiple roles.   Key Takeaways: Homeschools adapt from year to year, and new traditions can be fun. The struggle of managing homeschooling alongside numerous activities and professional commitments is challenging for all -- you're not alone. It's important to be present and mindful of the mental load carried by homeschooling parents.   From meltdowns to mini victories, this episode is a candid reflection on the beautiful messiness of homeschooling life. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, you'll find comfort and camaraderie knowing that you're not alone in this journey.   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. RLL #52: Overcoming Perfectionism and Finding Joy in Homeschooling 5 Ways to Enjoy Homeschooling Your Gifted Child Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day Supporting and Understanding Levels of Giftedness in Homeschooled Children with Deborah Ruf A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado Responding to Homeschool Critics Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

In today's episode, Colleen had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Dr. Deborah Ruf about homeschooling, giftedness, and the evolving landscape of education. Key Takeaways: Evolving Homeschooling Landscape: With more resources available, being intentional in selecting activities and groups is crucial. Giftedness Beyond Scores: Giftedness is multifaceted, with variations beyond high IQ scores, requiring tailored support. Understanding Personality and Interests: Recognizing personality types and allowing children to explore their interests can significantly impact their educational journey. Parental Roles: Parents should support their children’s true selves and sometimes ‘get out of the way’ to let them pursue their passions effectively. Ultimately, this episode reinforced the importance of appreciating and nurturing the unique traits and strengths of gifted children, creating an environment where they can thrive intellectually and emotionally. Recognizing and supporting these unique needs is integral to raising lifelong learners.   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise  RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond Spooky Unit Studies For October Interest-Led Learning Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning? Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child   Connect with Dr. Ruf You can find Deborah Ruf at FiveLevelsOfGifted.com Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

Today’s episode dives deep into the strengths-based approach to homeschooling, offering valuable insights and practical tips for creating a child-focused learning environment. Key Takeaways: Learn how to adapt curricula like math and history to better suit your child's preferences and learning style.  Gain inspiration from Colleen's personal stories about her brother and daughter, emphasizing the power of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.  Get a sneak peek into Colleen's recently released book The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners, filled with actionable content and conversational style.    Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! Listen now and share your thoughts! And if you love the episode, please leave a review for Colleen's book on Amazon or ask your local library to stock it. Every bit of support helps!   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise  OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond Spooky Unit Studies For October Interest-Led Learning Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning? Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question   Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/  

Dive into this episode of the podcast with the inspiring Lydia Rosado! We discuss the magic of interest-led homeschooling, the power of films in education, and the beauty of embracing each child’s unique journey. Lydia shares her wisdom on nurturing passions, cultivating independence, and trusting the homeschooling process. Plus, get insights on balancing kids' interests with foundational learning and discovering creative ways to make education come alive!   Key Takeaways: Using Films in Education: Lydia discusses how movies are not only entertaining but also educational. She provides tips on choosing appropriate films and using them as part of homeschooling. Cultivating Independence: Learn how Lydia nurtures her children's passions and strengths, making their educational journey rich and fulfilling. Family Learning Dynamics: Lydia details her relaxed, project-based approach, balancing individual interests within a homeschool setting with multiple children. Challenges and Rewards: Both Lydia and Colleen Kessler discuss the nuances and joys of homeschooling, emphasizing perseverance and tailored learning approaches.   Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise  OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond Spooky Unit Studies For October Interest-Led Learning Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning? Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question Connect with LydiaConnect with Lydia on Instagram Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

In this week's podcast episode, we explore the concerns many new and seasoned homeschooling parents face, especially during the back-to-school season. I'll share advice on how to address questions and criticisms about your homeschooling choices.   Key Takeaways: Ignore the common misconception that homeschooled children lack socialization and academic achievement, research supports the opposite. You know your children best and have their best interests at heart. Trust in your decision to homeschool. Feel confident in your choices and remember that you don't owe explanations to others. Understand that curiosity, concern, and ignorance are often behind questions about homeschooling. Respond with patience and reassurance. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise  OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person RLL #83: [Audioblog] Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith 100 Things to Never Say to the Parent of a Gifted Kid The Challenge Of Being Gifted in Schools Today Homeschooling A Gifted Only Child Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/