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.
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
