Colleen Kessler, M.Ed., has four children, a background in traditional education, and has been homeschooling for over fifteen years. In The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners,” Kessler shares her vast experience and knowledge to help readers understand and embrace homeschooling.
Her homeschooling story started the way so many do: Her neurodivergent child wasn’t doing well in school. As she states, “Trevor may have been the reason we started homeschooling, but we’ve kept on going for more than fifteen years so far because it works.”
Kessler doesn’t advocate for any one type of curriculum or educational method in homeschooling. She emphasizes that “there are as many successful ways to homeschool as there are homeschooled kids.” Her own style is rather eclectic, aiming to serve the needs of her particular unique children at whatever stage they are at.
Kessler discusses the reasons for homeschooling; exploring your children’s strengths; encouraging a love of learning.; embracing the value of play, creativity, and adventure; cultivating relationships; and how to get started homeschooling. It is full of practical suggestions that you can implement in your homeschool. Interspersed throughout the text are short quotes from homeschooled kids saying what they like most about homeschooling.
The Homeschool Advantage is designed for those considering homeschooling, but it is also great if you need to remember why you homeschool or want to get suggestions for how to take your homeschool in a different direction that might better serve your family. It could also be useful to give to grandparents or other well-meaning individuals who are unsure about your homeschool decision to help them understand homeschooling better. It is an inspiring exploration of the gift of homeschooling.
“Homeschooling isn’t just an alternative to traditional education; it’s a dynamic and flexible approach that you can tailor to suit your kiddos’ unique needs and interests.”
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