COLLEEN KESSLER, [...]., 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.

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