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Raising Happy, Independent Learners—By Teaching Them How to Learn

When Smart Kids Struggle, It’s Not Their Fault—They Just Haven’t Been Taught How to Learn

I help parents and teachers build their child’s confidence,
motivation, and real-world learning skills—without nagging, bribing, or tears.

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    Learning How to Learn—By DoingThe Missing Piece Most Kids Never Get

    Education often focuses on

    what kids should learn.

    The real breakthrough comes

    when we focus on

    how kids learn best.

    Most parents and teachers were never taught how learning really works. They were handed a curriculum and expected to get results. But the secret to helping your child learn? It’s not more worksheets, lectures, or reminders—it’s doing.

    Teach your child

    how to learn.

    Transform your child from disinterested to

    excited and motivated to learn.

    That’s the heart of the Learning How to Learn—By Doing framework.

     

    It’s not another curriculum. It’s a set of simple, science-backed practices that any parent or teacher can use to:

     

    ✅ Turn passive learners into curious,

    active participants

    ✅ Build real-world problem-solving and

    independence step by step

    ✅ Make learning “stick”

    without adding more work or stress

     

    This isn’t just a list of study tips or activities.

     

    It’s a connected framework — a way of learning that overlays any lesson, in any subject, and makes it stick. Whether your child is resistant to worksheets, tired of memorizing, or simply craving something more engaging, the framework gives you a repeatable path to spark curiosity and independence

    Change Doesn’t Have to Take Months

    If you’ve ever worried your child isn’t retaining what they
    learn, or felt drained by the daily battles with a reluctant learner, you’re
    not alone. The good news: small, simple shifts can make an immediate
    difference.

     

    When kids learn by doing, you’ll notice:

    ✅ Less resistance and fewer battles over assignments

    ✅  More curiosity and motivation to explore on their own

    ✅  Growing independence and ownership of their work

    ✅ A calmer, more confident learning environment for everyone

     

    These shifts don’t require a new curriculum or hours of prep. Just a few simple strategies that can be overlaid on any subject or lesson.

     

    I’ve seen kids shift in just one week when they start using learning strategies that actually work for them.

     

    Want a taste of what’s possible?

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    Imagine 6 Months From Now…

    Your child gets started without nagging. They know how to plan their week and get back on track when they fall behind. They ask thoughtful questions. They take pride in their progress. And they’re not afraid to try hard things.

    Parents often ask, “Is that really possible for *my* kid?”

    (Yes, this really works—even with resistant kids!)

    With a few consistent shifts toward learning by doing, life in your home or classroom could look completely different:

    🌟 Your Child or Students: wake up motivated, approach assignments with curiosity, and take increasing ownership of their learning.

    🌟 You as Parent or Teacher: feel calmer and more confident, guiding instead of nagging — no longer the daily referee or enforcer.

    🌟 Your Family or Classroom: learning flows more smoothly, projects feel meaningful, and conversations are richer because kids see real-world
    connections everywhere.

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    Here’s How I Can Help

    Whether you’re guiding your own child at home or leading a classroom, you’ll find practical tools here to make learning active, joyful, and effective.

     

    Think of this as an ecosystem: start with quick strategies you can try today, add ready-to-use resources when you want support, and go deeper with workshops or coaching as your child grows. Because the Learning by Doing framework is an overlay, it works with any curriculum —
    helping every lesson become an opportunity to build independence and curiosity.

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    Hi, I’m Shari Keller, Ph.D.

    When my oldest child shut down in a traditional classroom, I knew something had to change.

     

    Over the past 16 years of homeschooling (and 20+ years as an educator and cultural anthropologist), I’ve developed a simple, child-centered approach that helps kids become curious, independent learners.

     

    My Learning by Doing framework blends project-based learning, compassionate teaching, and the latest learning science — giving families and educators tools that actually work in real life.

    Want the full story?

    What Makes Quest Schooling Unique

    Testimonials

    Project Based Learning

    "Love this! Will share with colleagues and friends--and my own kids/grands! Thank
    you!"

    -Olivia, parent

    Happy customer

    Teacher Training Course

    "Shari did an amazing job putting together this short course. You can quickly tell she knows what she's talking about, and that she has been there. I felt like I was in safe hands because she understood my worries and through her course, I was able to feel less stressed out about homeschooling my son. I look forward to working with her 1:1 in the future :)"

    –Chris, parent

    Teacher Training Workshop

    "Your workshop clearly describes the type of open ended, outcome oriented learning that I feel is
    critically important right now."

    -Kim, teacher

    Project Based Learning

    "Excellent cooperative learning project. The kids loved to see the final product!"

    –Kathy, teacher

    You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

    Helping kids love learning — and take ownership of it — is possible. With the right approach, it doesn’t have to feel like a daily battle or a guessing game.

    Whether you’re guiding your own child at home or leading a classroom, I’ll show you simple, science-backed ways to make learning more active, meaningful, and independent.

    Every child deserves to learn smarter by doing — with curiosity, confidence, and independence that lasts a lifetime.