The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners

by Colleen Kessler, Sarah MacKenzie (Foreword by)

Overview

Focus on your child's strengths and passions to support lifelong learning

This book provides parents with practical tools to teach and engage their children at home. By focusing on their children's strengths and passions, rather than on their limitations, parents can foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime. All children have passions, talents, and interests that can be promoted and developed, supporting their achievement and wellbeing. In this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how to shift their mindset from focusing on deficits to tapping into a child's strengths. Whether their child has a passion for reading, sports, theater, or anything else, this book will help parents focus on the passions of their homeschooled child.

This versatile book will encourage both new and experienced homeschooling parents, caregivers, and educators. It describes strengths-based and child-focused educational practices and offers clear instructions for using them inside any home, with any age learner. The book features anecdotes from homeschooling parents and children from around the world, and it will help parents spark a love of learning that will last a lifetime!

• Discover how a strengths-based approach to homeschooling can help your kids thrive
• Learn how to foster your children's social, cognitive, and creative development at home
• Get practical tools for enriching childhood and creating a homeschool you'll love
• Build a deeper connection with your children by fostering a shared love of learning

This conversational and informative book is essential reading for homeschool parents. It inspires parents to empower their children to approach life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and confidence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394205752
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/17/2024
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	88 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

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.

Table 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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"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

"As a type-A box checker, I have struggled to embrace the unique benefits of homeschooling. Colleen Kessler has been the mentor who inspired me to understand that I can best serve my kids by embracing those benefits instead of staying stuck in a public school paradigm. With The Homeschool Advantage, she will inspire you, too."
—Pam Barnhill, Host of the Homeschool Better Together Podcast

"The Homeschool Advantage is a must-read for any parent considering or currently homeschooling. It stands out not just as a guide but as a source of encouragement.  Discover and be reminded of the profound impact parents can have when they step into the driver's seat of their children's education. This book is both a memoir and a manifesto from Colleen Kessler for her love for teaching but subsequent disillusionment with the education system. This book is a one-size-fits-all approach to education and highlights the significant advantages of homeschooling in fostering a child's unique abilities and interests. Empowering, enlightening, entertaining and so much more!"
—Dennis Dinoia, M.Ed., Mr. D Math

"Colleen Kessler shares from the depth of her experience as a long-term homeschool parent, a mother of differently-wired kids, and a recognized authority on gifted studies. In The Homeschool Advantage, she strengthens our resolve and self-trust as homeschooling parents, reminding us that home education is not just one alternative for our kids’ learning, but that it may in fact be the best option of all!"
—Jamie C. Martin, Veteran Homeschool Parent, Editor of SimpleHomeschool.net and Bestselling Author of Give Your Child the World

"Many people support homeschooling or recommend certain methods of homeschooling, and that's all fine, but Colleen Kessler is a passionate advocate for homeschoolers. She is in the trenches, fighting for the real families and their always-unique kids. She pairs energetic advocacy with a bright mind alive with inspiring ideas and a generous heart to serve. Uncertain, worried, and overwhelmed families are desperate for a champion like Colleen Kessler."
—S.D. Smith, Author of The Green Ember Series

"Colleen combines her passion for homeschooling with her real-life experiences to share the value and benefits of homeschooling. Whether you are thinking of homeschooling or need a reminder of why you chose to homeschool in the first place, this book will encourage you and share practical insight into the beauty of homeschooling."
—Shanda Jacobs, This Devoted Life (thisdevotedlife.com)

"Colleen Kessler delivers such a rock-solid blueprint for why homeschooling better aligns with how our kids learn and what they need to succeed that you'll never even be tempted to place your kids in the system again. This book is a must-read for all homeschooling parents, offering practical steps for immediate action and profound insights that will forever transform your ideas about education. After delving into these pages, you will be profoundly thankful because you will witness firsthand how embracing homeschooling truly grants your children The Homeschool Advantage."
—Christy-Faith, Author of Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System

"This book is a support for any homeschooling parent. Through Kessler’s experiences and other parents' stories, it reminds us how to build up our kids, set up their environment, and choose the best adventures."
—Sarah Collins, Occupational Therapist, Owner of HomeschoolOT

"In The Homeschool Advantage, Colleen Kessler masterfully captures the holistic nature of education—academically, emotionally, and socially—while highlighting the significance of following your child's interests and strengths. With her insightful guidance, you'll feel equipped to embrace your child's unique path, making this book an absolute must-have for any homeschooling family."
—Michelle Brownell, Founder of Homeschool Essentials

"Colleen Kessler combines a passion for homeschooling with real-life experience and research. The Homeschool Advantage is filled with actionable tips you can implement right away, plus mindset shifts that will bring long-term improvement to family life. Colleen encourages us that we really are the best teachers for our kids, and reminds us that we have the freedom to pursue what works best for our own unique families. I especially love her encouragement to prioritize adventure, connection, love, and listening in our homeschool life. If you need fresh inspiration or if you need a reminder that you CAN do this homeschool thing (and do it well), you won't want to miss this book!"
—Amy Sloan, HumilityandDoxology.com