Raising Lifelong Learners

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.

• 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 Colleen's heartfelt story about her daughter Molly's innovative approach to a homeschool science project, illustrating the power of collaboration.
• Practical Tips:Discover ways to build collaborative skills at home, whether or not you're involved in a homeschool co-op, including creative projects, family meetings, and pretend play.

Next week, we'll be focusing on Communication, the second of the six Cs. Colleen will discuss how this vital skill acts as a cornerstone for effective collaboration and how we can foster strong communication abilities in our kids.

For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• The Anxiety Toolkit

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler

On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners.

As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is everywhere: in our backyards, kitchens, and local parks.

• Adventure Builds Resilience & Confidence: Trying new things (even small ones!) helps kids learn to fail, adjust, try again, and discover real-world bravery.
• Stronger Social & Emotional Bonds: Shared adventures—big or small—create lasting memories and connections, especially important for neurodivergent kids who might find peer relationships challenging.
• Academic & Life Skills in Action: Everyday adventures offer hands-on opportunities for kids to practice executive function skills like planning, flexibility, and problem-solving, making learning “sticky” and relevant.

Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. What matters most is showing up for your kids, following their interests, and saying “yes” to making memories—whether you build a pillow fort, try a new food, or plan a mystery dinner together.

Ready for More?

• Don't forget to grab your free download: 100 Simple Adventures for Your Homeschool
• Join our June Family Connection Challenge in The Lab! Everyone’s invited—members and non-members alike—and there are prizes and loads of fun planned.

Adventure is all around—let’s make it a part of our everyday!

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens
• How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich
• Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board Games
• The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family
• Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally
• Fabulous Outdoor Play Spaces

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler

Want to make the most out of your parenting -- in just ten minutes a day? Listen in to find out the super (not so) secret way Sarah MacKenzie connects with her kids, builds meaningful relationships with all six(!) of them, and cultivates a passionate love of learning through books. The power of a great book cannot be underestimated and this deceptively simple action may be just what your family needs to turn things around and form those lasting bonds and shared memories you hope bring your kiddos home long after they've flown the nest. Tune in to this fun episode and listen in on a conversation between friends, and then listen to the sweetest future-published-author fourteen year old talk about her love of books too.

Strengthening your family, simplifying your homeschool, and savoring the subjects that matter most is a piece of cake when you take a moment to soak in the wisdom of today's guest, my friend Pam Barnhill. She has a knack for putting things into perspective and easing the tension homeschool mamas feel when faced with the overwhelm that doing all the things often brings. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and pop n your earbuds -- you're in for a treat.

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 education an adventure!

• Modeling Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Encourage your children to explore their curiosities by actively engaging with them. Whether it's a topic they discovered on a show or an interest they saw in a book, learning together can be a fun and enriching experience.
• Embrace and Celebrate the Learning Process: Focus on the journey rather than the outcome. Celebrate both the small and big milestones, helping children appreciate their efforts and persistence. This can cultivate a growth mindset in them.
• Tailored Educational Experiences: Craft learning activities based on your child's unique interests and needs. This is especially effective for neurodivergent children. Personalized approaches, like using creative projects or alternative assessments, can make learning more impactful and engaging.

Here's a challenge for you -- reflect on your week’s learning adventures and share them on social media (don’t forget to tag us!) or with us directly through the Learner's Lab. Let's celebrate curiosity and lifelong learning together!

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Smart Underachievers: Reigniting a Love of Learning
• 8 Ways to Foster a Love of Learning in Your Children
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day
• Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler