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
May 5, 2021 • 31min
RLL #117: Encouraging Empathy In Our Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids
Empathy is a word we emphasize a lot when it comes to our children's social and emotional development, but what does it really mean? Even more so, how can we encourage empathy in our gifted and twice exceptional children? In today's episode, Colleen and Shawna tackle the topic of empathy,
Apr 28, 2021 • 48min
RLL #116: A Conversation With Dr. Meg Meeker About The Unique Needs Of Our Children
This encouraging and informative conversation with Dr. Meg Meeker, is all about her expert perspective on meeting the individualized needs of our children. She is bit of a hero of mine, so I am thrilled to share this episode.
Apr 21, 2021 • 24min
RLL#115: Does my gifted child really need a label?
At some point most parents of gifted kids will ask, “Does my gifted child really need a label?” In this audioblog episode, Collen tackles this question and looks at the pros and cons of giving your gifted child the "label."
Apr 14, 2021 • 59min
RLL#114: Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional Kids
How do we best support the unique social and emotional needs of gifted and twice-exceptional kids? In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris of The Neurodiversity Podcast joins Colleen to discuss the specific, intense needs of our neurodiverse children and how we can best help.
Apr 7, 2021 • 35min
RLL#113: The Powerful Relationship Between Confidence And Learning In Our Homeschools
Homeschooling a gifted/2E child is often far more about helping our children develop confidence as learners than it is teaching any one subject. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, we talk about the relationship between confidence and learning, as well as some of the ways we can intentionally help our children in this area.
Mar 31, 2021 • 49min
RLL#112: FAQ "How Do I Work With My Child's Doctor or Therapist?"
In this bonus episode, Colleen and Shawna answer a homeschooling mom's question about doctors, therapists, and homeschooling. What do we do when doctors don't support our decision to homeschool? How can we prepare for therapist visits and doctor appointments? When is it time to switch to a more homeschool friendly doctor?
Mar 24, 2021 • 50min
RLL#111: Homeschool Graduate Turned Business Owner, Samantha Shank
Have you ever wanted to ask a homeschool graduate what they thought about their homeschool experience? Are you curious about what an adult life after homeschool looks like? Colleen gets all the answers from Samantha Shank, a brilliant homeschool graduate, highly successful business owner, and highly gifted, multi-talented individual.
Mar 17, 2021 • 11min
RLL #110: Rethinking Achievement and Helping Kids Thrive At Home
Education and achievement doesn’t have to look like school, and it doesn’t have to follow a prescribed path. In this audio-blog episode, Colleen shares the reality of rethinking achievement and how homeschooling helps our gifted children thrive.
Mar 10, 2021 • 48min
RLL #109: Homeschooling High School with Heather Woodie
Homeschooling high school, particularly when your child is gifted, has its own unique set of challenges and rewards. In this conversation with Heather Woodie, from Blog, She Wrote, Colleen explores the ins and outs of homeschooling gifted high schoolers. Encouragement, practical tips, and real examples you won't want to miss!
Mar 3, 2021 • 36min
RLL #108: A Conversation About Self-Care with Shawna Wingert
Self-care has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, and for good reason. As parents, we simply have to take care of ourselves in order to take care of our children. But what about our kids? How do we help them learn coping skills and emotional regulation? Join Colleen and Shawna as they discuss practical strategies for their own self-care and for their kiddos.
