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 any ...
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Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
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Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking | A Conversation with Puzzlemaker Eric Berlin
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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…
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RLL #241: Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons
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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 curi…
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RLL #240: Insights on Homeschooling and Entrepreneurship | A Conversation with Samantha Shank
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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 crea…
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RLL #239: Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
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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 fam…
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RLL #238: Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins
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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 …
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RLL#237: A Thriving Homeschool | Strategies for Setting Boundaries
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In This Episode: As homeschoolers and parents, we often find ourselves juggling the demands of educating our children, managing our professional lives, and maintaining personal well-being. It's a balancing act that calls for solid boundaries. In the latest RLL episode, Colleen dives into the art of setting and adapting these vital limits. Take a li…
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RLL #236: Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith
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In this episode: With her new book Homeschool Rising, Christy is here to deconstruct the myths surrounding the conventional educational system and to advocate for a tailored, flexible approach to teaching our kids at home. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a veteran, Christy's story—from her professional background working with affluent famili…
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RLL #235: Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool
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In This Episode: We discuss the importance of foundational skills while still leaving room for our kids to pursue their passions. We'll talk about balancing the digital with the tangible and how technology can be a powerful tool that complements our children's learning styles. Are you worried about too much screen time? Well, you're not alone. Coll…
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RLL #234: Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling
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NOTE: This episode as been re-edited due to one of the guest's sound issues. In the previously uploaded episode it seemed like the show cut out, but it was actually a very quiet mic. We've re-engineered it because the content is valuable, but know that in bringing the sound up for the one guest, it caused another's voice to be very loud in a few ca…
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RLL #233: Self-Compassion for a Healthier Mindset | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
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In this episode: This week's episode continues last week's conversation with Michelle Brownell. Join us as we dive deeper into the emotional landscape of parenting and homeschooling. Michelle shares her personal journey of connecting with her children through the highs and lows, her strategies for cultivating a nurturing environment, and the power …
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RLL #232: Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
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In this episode: Join as special guest Michelle Brownell, a veteran homeschooling parent and advocate for emotionally secure learning environments chats with us about the challenges of homeschooling twice-exceptional children and the universal lessons on setting healthy boundaries for family wellbeing. Check out these takeaways: Understand and exer…
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RLL #231: Benefits of Keeping It Playful with Teens
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In this episode: Colleen delves into why play isn't just for little ones. Join us as we debunk myths and highlight play's pivotal role in the growth and development of adolescents. Parents -or anyone invested in the wellbeing of teens – this one's for you. Tune in for insights into how shared moments of joy can forge stronger relationships and prom…
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RLL #230: Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence
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In the latest episode, Colleen sits down with the talented Millie Florence, whose literary works are captivating readers of all ages. Prepare to be swept into a world of persistent dreams, sibling dynamics, and the sheer courage of pursuing one's passion – all in the backdrop of historical and high fantasy. In this episode, you'll hear about: The u…
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RLL #229: Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool Environment
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In today's episode, we talk about managing expectations and fostering an environment where your children's uniqueness can thrive. There are incredible benefits to prioritizing and nurturing your child's creative spirit—benefits that extend far beyond the canvas. They have an impact on cognitive, emotional, and social development. Get ready to explo…
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RLL #228: The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fábrega
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Today we are talking with Ana Lorena Fábrega about interest-led, project based learning. Ana is an author, edupreneur, and Chief Evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New …
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RLL #227: Coping with Stress | Supporting Kids and Teens
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In today's episode, Colleen tackles the important topic of managing worry in your homeschool. She shares the nature of stress, its impact on children and teens, and how it manifests in their behaviors. From emotional outbursts to academic challenges, she covers the signs of stress that parents should watch for. She also shares practical strategies …
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RLL #226: Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick
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In today’s episode, Colleen has the privilege to talk with Julie Skolnick about raising and providing the best environment for gifted and 2e children. Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advise…
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RLL #225: Cultivating Commitment and Follow Through
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RLL #224: How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich
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Today we are delighted to have Ginny Yurich share with us how spending time outside will help our kids thrive. Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside, a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand meant to bring back balance between virtual life and real life. She is a thought-leader in the wor…
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RLL #223: Nurturing a Strengths-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling
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A strengths-based approach to learning is exactly what our asynchronous kids need. We may be tempted to focus on remediation in areas where they are “behind,” but remember there is no behind; our kids learn every day. It is so important to teach our children to use their strengths to help them overcome their weaknesses instead of allowing them to f…
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RLL #222: Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others
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Building social-emotional skills, nurturing generosity, and increasing confidence in our kids is important all year long, but can be great to focus on during the holiday season. In this episode of Raising Lifelong Learners, host Colleen Kessler discusses teaching kids to be empathetic and to help others, and emphasizes the benefits of nurturing emp…
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RLL #221: Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
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There are so many changes this time of year that affect our intense kiddos. Our routines are off, there are new or uncomfortable places to visit, we’re managing family members who do not understand our kids, plus all the excitement and anticipation. Sarah Collins joins Colleen again, this time to talk about ways to meet the sensory needs of our kid…
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RLL #220: Parenting Gifted Kids with Gail Post, Ph.D.
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Colleen has a delightful conversation with clinical psychologist, Gail Post, Ph.D. in today’s episode. Gail has years of personal and professional experience with the gifted community and shares so much regarding the emotional and social needs. Grab your earbuds and get ready for some practical parenting ideas and lived-in advice on raising our int…
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RLL 219: Finding Your Community with a Neurodivergent Family
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We are raising kids who are learning and developing in ways that do not fit in with the typical milestones. They may be reading at three, yet at ten are still struggling to find meaningful friendships. We, as parents can, often feel isolation when raising neurodivergent children. They notice that they are outliers, and we feel it, too. That doesn’t…
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