Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play

Release Date: 10/17/2024

Finding the Sweet Spot – Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Homeschool

Raising Lifelong Learners

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let’s be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn’t for the faint of heart! This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here’s a peek at what we covered: Structure is Comforting… Until It Isn’t Structure helps our kids (and us!) feel safe. Predictable routines can seriously reduce anxiety, especially for those with executive functioning challenges, ADHD, autism, or sensory processing issues....

Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We’re Unpacking This Episode: Why friendships can be challenging for neurodivergent kids (think asynchronous development, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or intense interests that aren’t always shared by peers). Supporting your child: From...

Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week’s episode of the podcast is all about executive function—what it is, how struggles in these skills show up in homeschoolers, and, most importantly, what you can do at home to support your child as they grow. Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or has a neurodivergence like ADHD or autism, these ideas are for you. Here are some highlights and key takeaways: Executive function is more than organization. It encompasses a whole set of skills: from planning and prioritizing to task initiation, working memory, emotional regulation, and more. Many neurodivergent...

Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week on the podcast, Colleen revisited one of the most common, sometimes thorny, and always essential homeschool topics: finding your people and creating a support system, especially when you’re parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent, gifted, or otherwise outside-the-box kiddos. After 17 years on this journey, she can assure you: you’re not alone if building community feels overwhelming at times—whether you’re coming back from a pandemic pause, have tricky past experiences, or your kids just don’t “fit in” with typical local groups. Here are some highlights and key...

Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week on the podcast, we dive into a topic close to the hearts of many parents and educators: helping neurodivergent kids build flexible thinking skills. Whether you’re parenting or teaching gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, or otherwise wonderfully-wired kiddos, you know that rigid thinking can turn even minor changes into big challenges. You’ll hear real-life stories, practical strategies, and compassionate guidance to help you nurture adaptability—without forcing your kids to just “go with the flow.” Key takeaways from this episode: Validate Their Experience: Begin by...

Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week on the podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that comes up all the time in our community: helping our neurodivergent kids make decisions. If you’ve ever watched your creative, outside-the-box thinker freeze up over choosing a research topic or panic trying to pick a co-op class, you’re not alone. Decision-making—something that seems so simple—can sometimes send our brilliant kids into full-on meltdown mode. Why is that? And more importantly, what can we do to support them? Why Decisions Are So Hard for Neurodivergent Kids As I shared in this week’s...

Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning

Raising Lifelong Learners

Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to hit pause on the box-checking frenzy and really connect with our kids. In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive into one of my favorite topics: creating joyful, low-pressure family memories (without overloading your plate—or your calendar). Why Fun Matters (Even for Year-Round Homeschoolers!) Remember, while academics are important, authentic connection is the real foundation for lifelong learning. When we prioritize laughter, conversation, and shared experiences, our kids build trust, emotional safety, and a love for...

Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week on the podcast, we get real about something we ALL feel at some point (or every day): OVERWHELM. If you’re juggling year-round homeschooling, multiple ages, neurodivergent needs, big summer transitions, and the regular chaos of life, this episode is for you. Here are some highlights and takeaways: Overwhelm is Normal—You’re Not Alone! Whether it’s decision fatigue, comparing your journey to others, or executive function struggles (for you AND the kids), it’s okay to feel like you can’t do it all. Colleen reminds us: “Homeschooling parents of...

Easy Ways to Boost Emotional Intelligence During Your Homeschool Day

Raising Lifelong Learners

Today's episode dives deep into the heart of something that’s foundational for our kids (and us too)—emotional intelligence, or EQ. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent kiddo, a gifted learner, or just want smoother sailing at home, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can use right away. Why EQ Matters Emotional intelligence is all about recognizing, understanding, and managing our own feelings—and responding thoughtfully to others’. As Colleen shares, EQ helps our kids become effective learners, thinkers, and friends. It’s the foundation for resilience, healthy...

Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

Today's episode is an extra special pep talk for anyone homeschooling—or considering homeschooling—neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever felt doubtful, heard wild myths, or just wanted some validation, this one is for you! Episode Spotlight: Myth Busting Neurodivergent Homeschooling Have you heard these before? “Neurodivergent kids need experts, not parents.” “Homeschooled kids won’t be socialized.” “They’ll have too many gaps or fall behind.” “Homeschooling will make anxiety or emotional struggles worse.” “You have to do it alone.” We'll tackle...

More Episodes

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of play and why it matters at every stage of childhood! Whether you're homeschooling or just juggling parenting, incorporating play can ignite a lifelong love of learning and create magical moments of discovery.

From mealworm mazes to Viking bread, we explore how playful learning leads to unexpected adventures and lasting knowledge. So, gather your kids, embrace the fun, and let's make learning an exciting journey together!

Tune in now and discover practical tips and heartwarming stories that will inspire you to add more play into your routine.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Play: Play is crucial at all stages of development, not just early childhood. It supports critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving, and social and emotional development, which are essential for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
Incorporating Play into Homeschooling: Play should be integrated into homeschooling to make learning enjoyable and effective. This can range from using building blocks and sensory bins for younger children to strategy games and creative projects for older kids.
Adaptation of Play with Age: Play evolves as children grow. For young children, it might involve sensory play and role-playing. For older kids and teens, it can include activities like strategy games, creative hobbies, and physical activities.
Educational Benefits of Play: Research indicates that playful learning is more effective than passive instruction. It allows kids to retain more information through hands-on, engaging activities.
Social and Emotional Learning: Play enhances emotional intelligence and social skills. It helps children manage emotions, develop empathy, and understand different perspectives, which is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children.
Unstructured vs. Structured Play: Both unstructured play (imaginative play, free play) and structured play (board games, organized sports) have unique educational benefits. Unstructured play fosters creativity and imagination, while structured play helps reinforce concepts and critical thinking.
Play as a Gateway for Neurodivergent Kids: Playful learning can help neurodivergent children grasp difficult concepts more easily. For instance, kids with dyslexia might benefit from interactive word games, while children with dysgraphia could engage in playful handwriting exercises.
Family Bonding through Play: Engaging in playful activities as a family strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. This could be through family game nights, outdoor adventures, or creative projects done together.
Resilience and Perseverance: Embracing play, even when it deviates from expectations, models resilience and perseverance for children. It demonstrates that it's okay to enjoy the learning process and adapt to different situations.
Continual Offering of Play: For children who resist play, it's important to keep offering and introducing new playful activities. Over time, they may find something that resonates with them, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Here's a challenge for you -- reflect on your week’s learning adventures and share them on social media (don’t forget to tag us!) or with us directly through the Learner's Lab. Let's celebrate curiosity and lifelong learning together!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Connect with Colleen
You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler

Key Takeaways:

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

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