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PRAISE FOR The Homeschool Advantage "As homeschooling grows in popularity,
The Homeschool Advantage offers timely insights and inspiration to make learning fun and rewarding for the whole family. Filled with Colleen Kessler's personal reflections as a homeschooling mom, along with practical tips and endless encouragement, this book is a valuable resource for both new and experienced homeschooling parents."
-KERRY MCDONALD, Author of
Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom "Colleen Kessler has been the most loyal advocate for homeschooling over the last 15 years. She bends over backward to help everyone interested in homeschooling AND because of her dedication she understands the nuances, challenges, and advantages. As a homeschooling mom myself, there's no one I would trust more than Colleen."
-RACHEL MARIE MARTIN, Founder of Finding Joy and Author of
Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood "Homeschooling isn't about the method or curricula you use; it's about tailoring education and experiences for the best learning environment for your child. Colleen Kessler empowers you to trust yourself and the homeschooling process by keeping your child front and center in every decision you make."
-CINDY WEST, M.Ed., Author of
Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners
List of contents
Acknowledgments xiii
About the Author xv
Author's Note xvii
Foreword xix
Introduction xxi
Chapter 1 Why Homeschool? 1 The Gift 3
Cognitive Advantages 4
Mental and Physical Health Advantages 7
Social-Emotional Advantages 10
Try This! 13
Chapter 2 Exploring Strengths 15 A Strengths-Based
Learning Approach 17
Rooted in Positive Psychology 20
Cultivating Resilience and Gratitude 22
Helping Neurodivergent Kiddos 25
Finding Our Children's Strengths 28
Try This! 31
Chapter 3 Finding Wonder 33 Following Interests and Rabbit Trails 36
Transitioning Beyond the Home 38
The Power of Self-Direction 43
What If My Child Isn't Interested in Anything? 45
Try This! 50
Chapter 4 A Love of Learning 53 What About Curriculum? 54
Crafting a Unique Learning Experience 57
A Literature-Rich Home 59
Simplifying to Foster a Climate of Learning 62
Try This! 65
Chapter 5 Play Matters 67 The Purpose of Play 68
Child-Directed Play 70
Emotional Resilience Through Play 73
Play-Based
Learning 75
Gameschooling 79
Try This! 84
Chapter 6 Six Key Learning Skills 87 Why Learn About the 6 Cs? 89
Collaboration 90
Communication 94
Content 97
Critical Thinking 102
Creativity 105
Confidence 109
Try This! 112
Chapter 7 Can Creativity Be Taught? 115 Elements of Creativity 119
The Power of Questions 121
Setting the Stage 128
Try This! 135
Chapter 8 Embracing Adventure 137 Experiences Big and Small 139
Keeping It Simple and Purposeful 141
Trusting the Process 142
Nurturing Resilience and Imagination 145
Try This! 149
Chapter 9 The Family Team 153 Growing Relationships 155
Recognizing and Supporting Differences 158
Being a Family Team 161
Nurturing Through Shared Experiences 163
Try This! 167
Chapter 10 The Most Important Thing 169 Connection, Connection, Connection 171
Active Engagement 173
Connecting with Older Kids 175
A Soft Place to Land 176
Being Their Person 179
Try This! 181
Chapter 11 Start Now 183 You've Got This! 185
Know the Laws 186
Know Your Why 187
Know Your Kids 188
The Need to Deschool 188
Try This! 193
Chapter 12 Final Thoughts 195 Additional Resources 201
Index 205
About the author
COLLEEN KESSLER, M.Ed., is an award-winning educator, educational coach, consultant, and advocate for the needs of differently-wired children and their families. She spent 10+ years in the traditional classroom, where she worked with gifted students and developed programs that focused on students' passions. After leaving the classroom, Colleen had her own twice-exceptional kiddos and began homeschooling them. Since then, Colleen has founded Raising Lifelong Learners-a website and podcast where she shares tools, stories, and advice on homeschooling and teaching neurodivergent children.
