Raising Lifelong Learners
Colleen Kessler
The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 15, 2021 • 15min
What It's Really Like To Homeschool A Twice Exceptional Child
There are a lot of misconceptions about twice exceptional children and homeschooling. In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen shares what it's really like to homeschool a twice exceptional child, both as a gifted education specialist and a homeschooling parent.
Jul 7, 2021 • 36min
RLL #126: What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning?
In this special episode of the Raising Lifelong Learner’s Podcast, Shawna Wingert shares valuable information about getting started with strength-based learning in your homeschool. She also answers a frequently asked question: What is the difference between interest-led and strength-based learning?
Jun 30, 2021 • 16min
RLL #125: Is Your Child Profoundly Gifted?
Wondering if your child is profoundly gifted? What does profoundly gifted even mean? In this episode, Colleen discusses how to determine if your child falls into the profoundly gifted category. She also shares the reality of homeschooling a profoundly gifted child.
Jun 23, 2021 • 40min
RLL #124: Homeschooling With Purpose, A Conversation with Pam Barnhill
Colleen is joined by her good friend and fellow veteran homeschool mom, Pam Barnhill. Honest and practical, they talk about planning, what gets in the way on a Monday morning, and provide access to resources that will help homeschoolers at any stage. If you homeschool or are even thinking about homeschooling, this episode is for you!
Jun 16, 2021 • 14min
RLL #123: When Your Child’s Giftedness Is Disguised
Giftedness is often disguised in our brightest kiddos. In this episode, Colleen explains how even as an expert in the field, her son's giftedness was difficult for her to uncover. Practical and encouraging, you don't want to miss this honest look at parenting gifted children.
Jun 9, 2021 • 55min
RLL #122: A Special Conversation With Homeschool Graduate, Trevor Kessler
In this very special episode, Colleen is joined by her son and new homeschool high school graduate, Trevor. This is a must listen for any homeschool parent wondering how their child will feel about the decision to homeschool once the journey is done.
Jun 2, 2021 • 34min
RLL #121: Finding Homeschool Community (for our children and ourselves)
One of the challenges of homeschooling is finding a community that works for your child's needs and interests. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learner Podcast, Colleen and Shawna discuss the reality of finding a homeschool community for our children and for ourselves.
May 26, 2021 • 43min
RLL #120: A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness with Celeste Orr
Do you want more for your family? Do you have bigger dreams and a desire for deeper relationships with your kids? Join Colleen in this encouraging and practical conversation with Celeste Orr, from Togetherness Redefined. They discuss creating meaningful connections with our children and sustaining a deeply satisfying family life.
May 19, 2021 • 58min
RLL #119: The Best Advice I Can Give You Is To Become A Student Of Your Child
One of the best pieces of advice I give a parent is to become a student of their child. To really pay attention and discover what your child is interested in, passionate about, or wants to explore further so you can use that information to design the best homeschool ever. In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Andrew Peterson all about how to practically become students of our children.
May 12, 2021 • 48min
RLL #118: Accepting Our Quirky Kids As They Are (not how we want them to be)
Parenting gifted and twice exceptional children can bring an entire host of fears and guilt, when our children are struggling or not typically developing. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Denaye Barahona, Ph.D. We discuss our shared experience as moms coupled, with our expertise in supporting neurodiverse children. We consider the importance and gift of authentically accepting our kids as they truly are.
