In this episode, Colleen shares the unique role that community plays in the life of a gifted and twice exceptional child. She discusses why it matters and how to go about finding the right community for your family. 

RLL #156: Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids

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

In this week's episode of the podcast, we're talking with Rachel Figg, a trailblazer in the homeschooling world and the creator of Spark Schooling. As homeschooling parents, we recognize some challenges come with teaching children at home. This conversation focuses on sparkschooling, a novel approach to learning designed to ignite curiosity and engage students more deeply by integrating art, music, physical education, and STEM into daily learning activities. The heart of sparkschooling lies in its curiosity-driven approach, tailoring learning to align with a child’s natural interests. Rachel explains how Spark Schooling integrates non-traditional methods like using buckets and kitchen utensils to teach musical rhythms, or video classes for varied subjects to cater to diverse learning preferences and paces. This method not only respects each child’s learning journey but also fosters a supportive environment where learning is associated with joy and discovery rather than pressure and memorization. Key Takeaways:  Curiosity-Driven Learning: Rachel Figg emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in children as a fundamental aspect of sparkschooling. This approach encourages students to pursue their own interests and questions, leading to deeper engagement and understanding.     Integrating Creative and Analytical Learning: Both Rachel and Colleen discuss the importance of combining left and right brain activities—such as art and STEM—into homeschooling to develop both creative and analytical skills in children, enhancing overall learning and problem-solving abilities.     Hands-On Experiences: The episode highlights the significance of hands-on learning experiences, like the real-life application of physics concepts in a homeschooling with horses class to understand inertia. This method helps cement knowledge through practical application.     Resource Accessibility: Sparkschooling is likened to a Netflix-like library where children can choose from a variety of activities based on their interests, all available in a simple, self-paced format. This accessibility makes learning adaptable and tailored to each child's pace and interests.     Higher-Level Thinking Skills: The discussion underlines the need to focus on developing higher-level thinking skills from an early age, moving beyond basic knowledge to analyzing, evaluating, and creating. This prepares children for complex problem-solving and independent thinking.     Low-Pressure Learning Environment: The sparkschooling program is designed to create a low-pressure, non-judgmental learning environment that encourages exploration and reduces the fear of failure, enabling children to explore new subjects and discover their passions.     Simple Integration of Diverse Subjects: Rachel suggests practical ways to integrate diverse subjects like music, art, physical education, and STEM into daily homeschool routines to ensure a holistic education that keeps children engaged and promotes well-rounded development.     Encouraging Physical Education: Physical activities are highlighted as crucial for children's education, not just for physical health but also for teaching persistence, coordination, and critical thinking through physical challenges.     Engaging and Fun Learning Activities: The episode emphasizes the importance of making learning fun and engaging through activities like using kitchen utensils as drumsticks to learn musical rhythm, which helps sustain children's interest and enthusiasm for learning.     Following Children's Natural Curiosities: Both host and guest stress the need for parents to pay attention to and nurture their children's natural curiosities, as this will lead to more meaningful and self-motivated learning, making education a joy rather than a chore.    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.  Spark Schooling HUB  Join The Hands-on Homeschool Virtual Enrichment Program   Free Gift: Sample Classes | Spark Schooling (The Hands-on Homeschool)  RLL #94: The Importance of Music with Jessica Peresta    Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool Environment  Awesome Art Additions   Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues    How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich  Sneaking In Summer Learning    Make a Paper Plate Maze STEM Challenge    Real-Life Science Mysteries Book     Connect with Rachel Check out Rachel’s website at https://sparkschooling.com/You can find Rachel  @TheHandsOnHomeschool onInstagram or Facebook with the handle @thehandsonhomeschool   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/ 

Sparkschooling | Engaging Children in Music, Art, and STEM

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 #156: Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids

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