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
Jun 17, 2020 • 16min
RLL #73: [Audioblog] Falling Unexpectedly In Love with Homeschooling My Gifted Child
In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — written by contributor and community manager, Jennifer Vail. She details how she came into homeschooling under duress but as a result, found a true, loving adventure with her quirky son.
Jun 10, 2020 • 55min
RLL #72: Profoundly Gifted Kids and Radical Acceleration with Michelle and Elliott Tanner
Today, Colleen speaks with Michelle Tanner and her profoundly gifted son, Elliott, about the wonderful journey they've taken to radically accelerate Elliott to college at the tender age of 11.
Jun 3, 2020 • 29min
RLL #71: Resiliency and Why Our Kids Need It
Listen as Colleen explains what resiliency is, how it can be nurtured in our kids and how we should work towards more of it for healthier families.
May 27, 2020 • 50min
RLL #70: More Than Enough with Kara Anderson
In today's podcast, Colleen speaks with Kara Anderson, author of More Than Enough: Grow Your Confidence, Banish Burnout and Love Your Homeschool Life. You'll find that these two friends have a lot to say about how you aren't alone and there are plenty of ways to feel stronger and more encouraged.
May 20, 2020 • 13min
RLL #69: [Audioblog] Seven Tools for Peaceful Parenting that You Can Use Today
Parenting is tough. No matter how rock-solid your discipline strategies are, you probably lose your temper and yell from time to time. Even the most well-meaning of parents may find themselves yelling at their kiddos in a moment of angry frustration. In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — offering some of her favorite tools and tips for peaceful parenting.
May 13, 2020 • 1h 18min
RLL 68: Self-Directed Education with Peter Gray, PhD
Today, Colleen speaks with Peter Gray, PhD and author of "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life." Peter and Colleen discuss his journey to understanding how self-directed learning is a most successful model of education, empowering kids to take ownership of their learning from young ages.
May 6, 2020 • 47min
RLL 67: Ideas for Nurturing Our Kids' Strengths
Research shows that when we encourage our learners to pursue their interests and utilize their strengths in their learning, we can also see gains in areas that they aren't as strong in. Colleen dives a little deeper into understanding what strength based learning is and how there are simple, practical steps we can take to nurture our kids' strengths.
Apr 29, 2020 • 1h 6min
RLL #66: Strength Based Learning With Differently-Wired Kids
In today's podcast, Colleen talks with Shawna Wingert of Different By Design Learning about taking a strength-based approach and using it in our homeschooling in a way that encourages and empowers our differently-wired kiddos in their learning.
Apr 22, 2020 • 9min
RLL #65: Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids
Gifted children have characteristics that can often cause them to struggle socially and emotionally. In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — outlining some common challenges facing gifted kids and offering real guidance to help you help your child manage his or her emotions.
Apr 15, 2020 • 28min
RLL #64 What To Do When School Doesn't Work
School choice is extremely personal. It really comes down to what are you most comfortable with, what can you afford and what kinds of sacrifices are you willing to make with regards to this decision for educating your differently-wired kiddos. In today's solocast, Colleen discusses the different options to best meet your children's needs when school just doesn't work.
