{"product_id":"the-homeschool-advantage-isbn-9781394205738","title":"The Homeschool Advantage","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFocus on your child's strengths and passions to support lifelong learning\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eDiscover how a strengths-based approach to homeschooling can help your kids thrive\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLearn how to foster your children's social, cognitive, and creative development at home\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGet practical tools for enriching childhood and creating a homeschool you'll love\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eBuild a deeper connection with your children by fostering a shared love of learning\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgments xiii\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout the Author xv\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAuthor’s Note xvii\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForeword xix\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroduction xxi\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1 Why Homeschool? 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Gift 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCognitive Advantages 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMental and Physical Health Advantages 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial-Emotional Advantages 10\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2 Exploring Strengths 15\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Strengths-Based\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning Approach 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRooted in Positive Psychology 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCultivating Resilience and Gratitude 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHelping Neurodivergent Kiddos 25\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding Our Children’s Strengths 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3 Finding Wonder 33\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing Interests and Rabbit Trails 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransitioning Beyond the Home 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Power of Self-Direction 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat If My Child Isn’t Interested in Anything? 45\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 50\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4 A Love of Learning 53\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat About Curriculum? 54\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrafting a Unique Learning Experience 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Literature-Rich Home 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimplifying to Foster a Climate of Learning 62\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5 Play Matters 67\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Purpose of Play 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChild-Directed Play 70\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmotional Resilience Through Play 73\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlay-Based\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGameschooling 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6 Six Key Learning Skills 87\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy Learn About the 6 Cs? 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollaboration 90\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunication 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContent 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCritical Thinking 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreativity 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConfidence 109\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7 Can Creativity Be Taught? 115\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eElements of Creativity 119\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Power of Questions 121\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting the Stage 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 135\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8 Embracing Adventure 137\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExperiences Big and Small 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping It Simple and Purposeful 141\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrusting the Process 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNurturing Resilience and Imagination 145\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 149\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9 The Family Team 153\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrowing Relationships 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing and Supporting Differences 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeing a Family Team 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNurturing Through Shared Experiences 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10 The Most Important Thing 169\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConnection, Connection, Connection 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eActive Engagement 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConnecting with Older Kids 175\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Soft Place to Land 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeing Their Person 179\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11 Start Now 183\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYou’ve Got This! 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnow the Laws 186\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnow Your Why 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnow Your Kids 188\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Need to Deschool 188\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTry This! 193\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12 Final Thoughts 195\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditional Resources 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOLLEEN KESSLER, M.Ed.,\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePRAISE FOR The Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“As homeschooling grows in popularity, \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage \u003c\/i\u003eoffers 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.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—KERRY MC DONALD,\u003c\/b\u003e Author of \u003ci\u003eUnschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“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.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—RACHEL MARIE MARTIN,\u003c\/b\u003e Founder of Finding Joy and Author of \u003ci\u003eMom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“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.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—CINDY WEST, M.Ed.,\u003c\/b\u003e Author of \u003ci\u003eHomeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"As homeschooling grows in popularity, \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eKerry McDonald\u003c\/b\u003e, Author of \u003ci\u003eUnschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eRachel Marie Martin\u003c\/b\u003e, Founder of Finding Joy and Author of \u003ci\u003eMom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eCindy West, M. Ed.,\u003c\/b\u003e Author of \u003ci\u003eHomeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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 \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e, she will inspire you, too.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003ePam Barnhill\u003c\/b\u003e, Host of the Homeschool Better Together Podcast\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e 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!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDennis Dinoia, M.Ed.\u003c\/b\u003e, Mr. D Math\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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 \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e, 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!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJamie C. Martin\u003c\/b\u003e, Veteran Homeschool Parent, Editor of \u003ci\u003eSimpleHomeschool.net\u003c\/i\u003e and Bestselling Author of \u003ci\u003eGive Your Child the World\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eS.D. Smith\u003c\/b\u003e, Author of \u003ci\u003eThe Green Ember Series\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eShanda Jacobs\u003c\/b\u003e, This Devoted Life (thisdevotedlife.com)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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 \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eChristy-Faith\u003c\/b\u003e, Author of \u003ci\u003eHomeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSarah Collins\u003c\/b\u003e, Occupational Therapist, Owner of HomeschoolOT\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"In \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e, 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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMichelle Brownell\u003c\/b\u003e, Founder of Homeschool Essentials\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Colleen Kessler combines a passion for homeschooling with real-life experience and research. \u003ci\u003eThe Homeschool Advantage\u003c\/i\u003e 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!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eAmy Sloan\u003c\/b\u003e, HumilityandDoxology.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jossey-Bass","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47990259417317,"sku":"NP9781394205738","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781394205738.jpg?v=1761787100","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-homeschool-advantage-isbn-9781394205738","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}