In this episode, I am sitting down with my friend Colleen Kessler, founder of "Raising Lifelong Learners." Colleen shares her unique approach to homeschooling with a focus on finding unique learning opportunities and tailoring education to each child's needs, especially for neurodivergent and gifted children. We'll chat about personalized education, the power of asking questions and leveraging community resources for unexpected learning experiences.

Colleen highlights the importance of project-based learning, sharing inspiring stories of her children’s diverse educational journeys, from glassblowing to environmental projects. Whether you're a homeschooling parent or simply interested in creative educational strategies, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical tips. And don't miss Colleen's advice on balancing a child's interests with essential life skills.

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In this episode you'll hear about:

• Colleen Kessler’s Approach to Homeschooling
• Emphasis on unique learning opportunities.
• Importance of local classes, museum visits, and community offerings.
• Engaging with knowledgeable people.
• Example of learning from a neighbor (glass blowing).
• Using social media to connect with communities of interest.
• Importance and Nuances of Asking Questions
• Teaching children the power of questions.
• Addressing the fear of feeling dumb when asking questions.
• Differences between asking out of curiosity vs. questioning beliefs/opinions.
• Tailoring education to individual child’s needs.
• Success stories of Colleen’s children pursuing their interests.
• Flexible and individualized teaching methods.
• Discussion on Children's Interests and Motivation
• Leveraging children’s interests in homeschooling.
• Addressing lack of motivation.
• Establishing a balance between necessary tasks and personal interests.
• Integration of Interests into Learning Projects
• Colleen describes projects like lapbooks and their educational value.
• Visual and hands-on learning benefits for neurodivergent children.
• Challenges and Successes of College Admissions
• Different methods: interest-led learning, unit studies, project-based learning.
• Lap Books and Executive Function Skills
• Explanation and benefits of lap books.
• Managing executive functions through structured learning activities.
• Project-Based Learning
• Real-world problem-solving focus.
• Examples of environmental health projects.
• Engagement in community projects like playgrounds or gardens.
• Importance of focusing on individual preferences in occupational therapy.
• Appreciation for homeschooling in accommodating individual learning preferences.
• Providing a Well-Rounded Education
• Covering essential skills while allowing personalized learning.
• Connecting educational content with practical applications.
• Balancing Fun and Practical Learning
• Project-based learning can extend to various community initiatives.
• Approaching household chores as a way to develop executive functioning skills.
• Utilizing charts or whiteboards to track learning interests and activities.
• Concept of "Strewing" from Unschooling
• Exposing children to a variety of activities.
• Balancing a child's interests with practical educational experiences.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Lapbooking with Gifted Children from Raising Lifelong Learners
• Project-Based Homeschooling from Fearless Homeschool
• What is child-led therapy? from Meaningful Speech
• Episode 11- Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
• Episode 15- From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 19- Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships
• The Homeschool Advantage by Colleen Kessler
• Raising Lifelong Learners Website
• Connect with Colleen on Instagram