x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

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

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

38:22

Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/05/01

As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime. Key Takeaways: Connection Over Correction: Before jumping into discipline, prioritize building strong, trust-based connections with your kids. A safe and validating

en

26:04

Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/04/23

This week’s episode of the podcast is truly close to my heart. We dove deep into what it means to truly embrace our kiddos’ unique sparks and passions, especially for our neurodivergent learners. If you sometimes worry about your child being “too focused” on one thing, or wonder how to support their big interests when the world doesn’t always get it, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Why Intensity is a Feature, Not a Bug: It can feel overwhelming when your child

en

34:12

The Power of Connection in Homeschooling...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/04/16

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of connection and how it can transform your homeschool and family life. Homeschooling, especially with differently wired kiddos, comes with its set of challenges, and prioritizing connection over perfection is the key to a thriving environment where your children feel safe, seen, and valued. Key Takeaways: The 'Why' Behind Connection: It's not just a nice-to-have; it's neurologically necessary, especially for our neurodivergent kiddos.

en

28:04

Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/04/02

This week's episode is all about cultivating leadership skills in our kiddos, especially those amazing outside-the-box thinkers. We dive into a type of leadership that’s less about rallying a group and more about creativity, kindness, and empathy. We go over ways to nurture these qualities in your homeschool environment and everyday family life. This is part of our focus for the month in the Learner's Lab, where leadership takes center stage. Key Takeaways: Why Leadership Matters: Discover

en

28:16

Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/03/27

We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids. As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and talk practical strategies to support them in everyday scenarios. Key Takeaways: Create a Flexible Learning Environment: Shorter lessons with

en

41:05

Inspire a Love for Learning at Home

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/03/12

In today's episode, we dive into the concept of nurturing a lifelong love of learning for our children. It's all about cultivating curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, and guiding them through self-directed projects. You'll hear personal stories of fostering self-discovery and adaptability in kids, emphasizing the power of modeling this mindset ourselves. We explored practical ways to inspire an atmosphere of learning at home and how to balance structure and freedom. Remember, it's the

en

26:54

Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/03/06

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into what executive function skills actually are, likening them to a control center or the CEO of your body. These skills encompass planning, organization, time management, task initiation, working memory, and self-regulation, among others. But why do so many gifted and neurodivergent kids struggle with them? The answer often lies in asynchronous development. Different parts of their brain mature at different rates, leading to a brilliant child who can

en

36:32

Understanding Asynchrony in Gifted Children

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/02/12

In this week's episode, we talk about the Columbus Group's definition of giftedness as asynchronous development—a combination of advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity that requires modifications in parenting and teaching. This unique development makes our children particularly vulnerable, demanding that we think outside the box. So, what does this mean for us as homeschooling parents? It means we have the opportunity to enrich our children's learning experiences far beyond what a

en

23:32

Developing Confidence in Differently Wired Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/01/29

This week, we wrap up our series on the 6 Cs of Homeschooling Success from Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage. In this final episode, we dive deep into the power of Confidence and how to nurture it in our kiddos. Key Takeaways: Encourage the Willingness to Try: Confidence begins with the courage to take risks and step out of comfort zones. Emphasizing the effort over instant understanding encourages kids to keep trying new things. Develop Persistence and Grit: Persistence, or

en

25:19

Embracing Creativity in Homeschooling

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/01/17

In this week's episode, we dive deep into a favorite topic—creativity. This episode is all about how to nurture and develop creativity in your children, teaching them to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to everyday problems. Here's a snapshot of what to expect in this episode: Key Takeaways: Understanding Creativity: Creativity extends beyond just the arts and can be applied in science, business, and problem-solving. Nurturing Creativity: It's important to create an

en

25:05

The Role of Critical Thinking in Homeschooling

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2025/01/08

In today's episode, we chat about the fourth C of homeschooling success: Critical Thinking. This indispensable skill is more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, information-saturated world. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from Episode 267: Key Takeaways: Definition and Importance of Critical Thinking: Understand what critical thinking truly means and why it's crucial for our kids to develop this ability. Engaging Your Kids: Learn practical strategies, such as asking open-ended

en

32:08

Rethinking Content | Transforming Education Through...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/12/04

In today's episode, we unpacked the true essence of content in homeschooling. It’s not just about memorizing dates and facts but teaching our kids how to think, explore, and find answers. We discussed tailoring education to each child's interests, embracing their natural curiosity, and making learning a lifelong journey. And remember, every child is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all curriculum. Join us next week as we dive into teaching critical thinking skills. Subscribe now and let's

en

35:44

Nurturing Communication Skills in Your Homeschool

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/11/21

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the importance of nurturing communication skills at home. From weekly family meetings to a powerful personal story about her daughter Logan's experience with anxiety, Colleen shares invaluable insights on how open dialogue can build stronger relationships and boost children's confidence. Discover how communication entwined with empathy is essential for thriving in today's world, and get tips on fostering these skills in homeschooling and digital

en

29:11

Raising Successful Children | The Power of...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/11/13

In this episode, we explore the importance of collaboration as a foundational skill for our children. From understanding the science behind our social brains to practical homeschooling tips, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring anecdotes. Key Takeaways: The Six Cs:Dive into the six key skills identified by Dr. Kathy Hirsch Pasek—Collaboration, Communication, Content, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Confidence—that foster lifelong learning. Storytime:Listen to

en

30:47

Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/10/31

In this week's episode, we dive deep into a topic that's a challenge for many families: sleep. Whether you're homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, navigating giftedness, twice-exceptionality, or simply dealing with heightened anxiety, quality sleep is essential—and tricky to achieve. Key Takeaways: Establish Consistent Sleep Routines: Structure is essential for signaling our brains to wind down. Even simple routines like a warm bath, brushing teeth, and reading can make a substantial

en

27:56

Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/10/17

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of play and why it matters at every stage of childhood! Whether you're homeschooling or just juggling parenting, incorporating play can ignite a lifelong love of learning and create magical moments of discovery. From mealworm mazes to Viking bread, we explore how playful learning leads to unexpected adventures and lasting knowledge. So, gather your kids, embrace the fun, and let's make learning an exciting journey together! Tune in now and discover

en

36:01

Sparking Curiosity | Nurturing a Love of Learning in...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/10/09

In our latest episode, we dive into how to ignite your child's curiosity by exploring topics together, even if it means using Google searches or watching fun educational videos. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and foster a growth mindset by focusing on the process, not just the outcomes. This episode, along with Colleen’s new book, offers tips for personalized education, especially for neurodivergent kids. Listen now, and let’s create a family culture of learning and make

en

45:34

Finding Wonder and Joy in Everyday Homeschooling and...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/10/02

In this episode, we explore the beautiful intersections of joy, wonder, and learning in your homeschooling journey. Colleen opens up about her struggles with perfectionism and how it has impacted her homeschooling and parenting. She encourages us to embrace the messiness of life to enjoy deeper connections and create memorable moments with our children. Understanding and meeting our children’s sensory, emotional, and social needs can be challenging. Colleen shares practical ways to foster their

en

43:21

When Homeschool Looks Different: Embracing the Chaos...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/09/19

In the latest episode we dive deep into the evolving and sometimes chaotic world of homeschooling. Join Colleen as she shares her family's "Not Back to School Day" traditions, how they're adapting amid a jam-packed schedule, and the heartfelt challenges of balancing multiple roles. Key Takeaways: Homeschools adapt from year to year, and new traditions can be fun. The struggle of managing homeschooling alongside numerous activities and professional commitments is challenging for all --

en

48:27

Supporting and Understanding Levels of Giftedness in...

Raising Lifelong Learners ·

2024/09/13

In today's episode, Colleen had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Dr. Deborah Ruf about homeschooling, giftedness, and the evolving landscape of education. Key Takeaways: Evolving Homeschooling Landscape: With more resources available, being intentional in selecting activities and groups is crucial. Giftedness Beyond Scores: Giftedness is multifaceted, with variations beyond high IQ scores, requiring tailored support. Understanding Personality and Interests: Recognizing

en

288 results

Similar Podcasts

Tale Teller Kids™

Sarnia de la Mare

米克馬故事坊

咪萊

Imagination Station

Imagination Station

Die Pferde sind nicht das Problem - und du bist nicht zu blöd. Der Aha-Podcast für Pferdemenschen

Silke Jahn & Maren Diehl

Hanna fragt Papa - Der Podcast für neugierige Kinder und Eltern

Hanna und Thomas Schamberger