The Homeschool Advantage
A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
1. Edition July 2024
240 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
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.
--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
