  In the latest episode of the podcast, we chat about a skill that often leaves even the most adept homeschooling parents in search of guidance: handwriting.    Sarah Collins, our favorite occupational therapist with a homeschooling background and a love for nurturing writing skills in children, unpacks the multifaceted journey of handwriting, from the initial scribbles to fluent cursive.    Key Takeaways From This Episode Include:     Encouraging fine motor skills in everyday play.  Understanding and leveraging technology to support writing.  Instilling self-advocacy in your learners.  The vital role of grip strength and motor control in writing.  Strategies for boosting endurance without causing burnout.          ✍️ Actionable Insights for Your Homeschooling Adventure    The episode is more than a mere dialogue.    It’s a treasure trove of actionable tips and heartwarming humor (don’t miss the part about being “raised by wolves”!).         

RLL #238: Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins

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.

Kids & Family

Parenting

Education for Kids

Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience

  In the latest episode, we dive into the fascinating world of puzzles and their role in fostering lifelong learning. Eric Berlin, a renowned puzzle maker and author, shares his experiences with puzzles in educational settings and their impact on child development.    Eric discusses the integration of puzzle-solving into educational curricula. He shares a time when his daughter, influenced by puzzle video games, designed video game levels herself, showcasing how such engagement can foster a practical understanding of complex concepts like coding and design.    Key Takeaways:     Foster Critical Thinking: Puzzles encourage critical thinking and creativity, essential skills in today’s rapidly changing world.     Tech-Savvy Learning: Incorporating puzzle video games can promote visual thinking and problem-solving skills among children.     Community Collaboration: Participating in community puzzle events can build teamwork and social skills.     Find Eric and his engaging puzzle books at puzzlesnacks.com and ericberlin.com. Connect with him on social platforms for more puzzle fun!    Whether you’re a parent, educator, or puzzle enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into making learning a playful and engaging journey. Tune in to discover more  Links and Resources from Episode 242:   Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math    Pre-Order - 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.   The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin   Puzzlesnacks by Book by Eric Berlin  Free Gift: Puzzlesnacks Sampler  Ever So Logical | PuzzleNation.com Blog   Creative Thinking Activities for Kids    How to Encourage Innovative Thinking in Your Kids   Raising Problem Solvers   One Person Logic Games that Rock    The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega   Giving Your Child Life Skills | Metacognition  Connect with Eric To try out Eric’s puzzles click over to Puzzle Snacks: http://www.puzzlesnacks.comYou can find Eric  @puzzlesnacks Instagram or Facebook with the handle @puzzlesnacks 

Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking | A Conversation with Puzzlemaker Eric Berlin

 As the days grow longer and the flowers bloom, it's the perfect moment to refresh your homeschool approach and cater to the bright energy of the season. On this episode of the podcast, we dive into the art of embracing change and the beauty of flexible learning environments.   Colleen, an advocate for shaping education around a child’s needs and curiosity, guides you through the perks of adjusting your homeschool routine to sync with spring's lively vibe.       Key Takeaways from the Episode:        Flexibility is Your Superpower: Harness the adaptability that homeschooling offers. Shift learning times to enjoy the splendid spring weather, and don't shy away from eclectic approaches to fit your family's unique rhythm.     Create Unforgettable Stories: Prioritize shared family experiences and connection. Whether it's "just because we can days" or diving into a "bucket list of mini adventures," these moments foster not just learning, but lifelong memories.     Embrace Your Homeschool Journey: There’s no one-size-fits-all in education; tailor your teaching style and schedule to what resonates with your family—Colleen's insights can guide you on this personalized path.    From combating the infamous mid-year slump with spontaneous outings to leveraging Colleen's extensive experience in homeschooling, the episode is packed with gems that will revitalize your educational outlook.   Tune in for the full episode on changing things up in your homeschool routine, accessing exclusive resources, and joining a community that uplifts and inspires.  Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math Links and Resources from Today's Episode:   Pre-Order - 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.   Masterclass | Building Family Connections - Raising Lifelong Learners   Masterclass | Raising Resilient Families   How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich   RLL #43: Getting Your Kids Outside with Justin Wren    Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith   Growing Gardens with Kids (includes free printable garden journal)    Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool  Navigating Summer Learning With Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids   5 Things to Do on Your Next Nature Walk  A Week of Epic Backyard Nature Science Fun | Summer Camp at Home    Backyard Nature Activities for Kids   Create the Best Homeschool for Your Family   Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids: Eskridge, Greta - needs affiliate link   100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever by Colleen Kessler M.Ed.   Hands-On Ecology Book by Colleen Kessler M.Ed.   Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter,  Facebook,  Instagram How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz! 

RLL #241: Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons

  This week, we welcome the inspirational Samantha Shank to the show. From blogging as a teen to becoming a digital nomad, Samantha's journey is a testament to the power of homeschooling and following one's passions.  Here's what this can't-miss episode holds in store for you:  - Discover Samantha's transition from stifled student to a flourishing creative mind, and how homeschooling played a pivotal role in her personal growth and professional success.  - Gain insights into the ways Samantha's childhood interests in subjects ranging from Hebrew to history blossomed into invaluable skills for her travels and career.  - Embrace the beauty of imperfection to help combat perfectionism in learners of all ages.  - Explore the virtues of adaptability and resilience as we dive deep into the importance of these skills in our constantly evolving world.  In this enlightening conversation, we offer practical strategies to help you guide your child through the lifelong learning journey with curiosity, courage, and joy.  Remember, teaching kids about resilience, the normalization of failure, and the power of the "yet" mindset can make a world of difference. This episode is a gentle reminder of how embracing the learning process, including its ups and downs, can pave the way to a fulfilling life.  Don't let your child miss out on the opportunity to thrive in an ever-changing environment. Tune in to this episode and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in life, not just in the classroom. Links and Resources from Today's Show   Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math    Pre-Order - 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.   Masterclass | Raising Resilient Families  What Does A Gifted Homeschool Graduate Really Think About Homeschooling?    The Need for Flexibility When Teaching Your Gifted Kids    Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool   RLL #103: Entrepreneurial Mindset with Brian Weisfeld    Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence   10 Things I Love About Homeschooling: A Gifted Kid’s Perspective    Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith    Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning    Homeschooling High School Isn't Something to Fear  RLL 34 Ginny Kochis: Cultivating Critical Thinkers    The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega    Idiom Matching Game - Raising Lifelong Learners      Connect with Samantha   Learn more at:  https://learnincolor.com   Find Samantha on  Facebook,  Instagram  or  Pinterest  with the handle @learnincolor   Connect with Colleen   You can find Colleen on  Twitter,  Facebook,  Instagram   How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz!   

RLL #240: Insights on Homeschooling and Entrepreneurship | A Conversation with Samantha Shank

  In this week's episode, Colleen dives into the world of collaborative learning and how it can transform your homeschooling experience. Listen to gain insight into creating a dynamic, engaged, and cooperative learning environment right in your home.    Key Takeaways:     Collaboration Empowers: Discover ways to implement co-ops, community projects, and family initiatives that develop skills like cooperation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.     Shared Learning, Shared Growth: Learn how rotating leadership roles and involving the entire family can create rich educational experiences that go beyond the traditional curriculum.     Unleashing Potential: Understand the high value of tailoring education to your child's unique needs, fostering a love for learning that prepares them for a complex, interconnected future.     For any homeschooler looking to elevate their child's learning journey and unlock the full potential of their educational experience, tune in to this inspiring episode.    Our sponsor for today’s episode is  CTC Math  Links and Resources from Today’s Show    Pre-Order - 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 Your Community as a Neurodivergent Family   Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids  Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person    Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling    Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others  Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse Kids   Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team    Free Solar Eclipse STEM Printable for Your Homeschool  RLL 22: Finding a Homeschool Co-op and Creating Killer Classes | A Listener Question   Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids  Science Buddies Electronics Kit for Arduino   Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter,  Facebook,  Instagram How does your child learn best?  Take the Quiz! 

RLL #238: Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins

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