EP232: What does Waldorf homeschooling look like in 2025? How has the homeschooling landscape and the Waldorf homeschooling movement changed? And what remains steady at the heart of Waldorf homeschooling?Join Jean on the Art of Homeschooling podcast this week to explore the changing landscape of Waldorf homeschooling as families seek a more connected, creative, and holistic approach to educating their children at home.Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode232/If this episode resonates with you as a Waldorf-inspired homeschooler in 2025, please join Jean and her team at the 19th annual Taproot Teacher Training in northeastern Ohio from August 14th to 17th, 2025.Taproot is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with kindred spirits, step away from the day-to-day, and immerse yourself in the arts, storytelling, music, and nature. Reconnect with your homeschooling purpose at Taproot 2025!Join us at The Taproot Teacher Training www.artofhomeschooling.com/taprootSend Jean a text message.Support the showThanks for listening! 💜 ▶️Let's Connect!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/art.of.homeschooling/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artofhomeschoolingwithjeanWebsite https://artofhomeschooling.com
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Discover the Joys of Making Toys by Hand: A Conversation with Jessica Bentson
EP231: Jessica Bentson's journey into toymaking began with a heartfelt desire to provide her children with natural playthings she couldn't afford to buy. That spark of inspiration has grown into Toymaking Magic, her membership that helps parents create beautiful handmade toys regardless of their crafting experience. In this conversation, Jean and Jessica talk about the value of handmade toys and open-ended play. Jessica shares why simple projects like beanbags make the perfect starting point for beginners while offering tremendous play value for children from toddlerhood through the elementary years. "Making beanbags is so satisfying," she explains. "My kids loved them so much and played with them the most out of everything I've ever made." These open-ended toys inspire children to invent games, build structures, and incorporate them into imaginative play scenarios for years. For parents who feel intimidated by handwork, Jessica's step-by-step video tutorials show every detail of the process, making projects accessible even to complete beginners. Whether you're curious about needle felting, sewing, knitting, or woodwork, Toy Making Magic offers a treasure trove of Waldorf-inspired crafts that enhance both your homeschooling journey and your children's development. Discover the joys of making toys by hand and how this activity can transform your family's relationship with play and learning.Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode231/Learn more about Toymaking Magic here www.artofhomeschooling.com/toymakingmagic Send Jean a text message.Support the showThanks for listening! 💜 ▶️Let's Connect!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/art.of.homeschooling/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artofhomeschoolingwithjeanWebsite https://artofhomeschooling.com
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31:51
Banish Homeschool Burnout
EP230: Banish homeschool burnout with these nine simple tips aligned with Waldorf-inspired homeschooling so you can reignite your enthusiasm and bring joy back into your days with your kiddos.The tips in this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast get to the heart of the matter ~ connection.We all experience burnout and fatigue at some point on our homeschooling journey. And it’s so important to be able to identify when you’re burning out, so you can reset and rest. And then get back to connecting with your kiddos on your homeschooling journey.The Taproot Teacher Training, held every August in northeastern Ohio, might be just the experience you need to banish burnout, reset, and reconnect with your homeschool vision. At Taproot, you’ll experience hands-on lessons as though you were the student, right alongside other like-minded homeschoolers. Part continuing education for homeschool parents, part personal retreat, and part summer camp, Taproot is a transformational experience!For ongoing support and community, join the Inspired at Home online membership.Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode230/Come to the Taproot Teacher Training 2025https://artofhomeschooling.com/taproot2025Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Send Jean a text message.Support the showThanks for listening! 💜 ▶️Let's Connect!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/art.of.homeschooling/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artofhomeschoolingwithjeanWebsite https://artofhomeschooling.com
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Waldorf Without the Box: Creating Your Custom Homeschooling Journey
EP229: Ever felt like you're drowning in curriculum overwhelm? The secret to Waldorf-without-the-box is creating a custom curriculum for your homeschooling journey.You are not alone!Many homeschooling parents purchase one curriculum after another, desperately trying to follow someone else's plan only to feel perpetually behind and increasingly frustrated. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, never wrote a standardized curriculum. Instead, he encouraged teachers to observe their students and craft lessons specifically for them. When we embrace this freedom rather than trying to follow someone else's plan, our homeschooling journey truly transforms. A "boxed" curriculum can be a wonderful and necessary resource, but only if you embrace the key principles of your homeschool approach, understand the natural rhythm and needs of your family, and lean into simplicity and flexibility. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode229/Join Plan It Out inside the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Send Jean a text message.Support the showThanks for listening! 💜 ▶️Let's Connect!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/art.of.homeschooling/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artofhomeschoolingwithjeanWebsite https://artofhomeschooling.com
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Celebrate Your Homeschool Journey
EP228: Let's talk about why and how to celebrate your homeschool journey!Ever find yourself staring at unfinished lessons, math workbooks, or art projects at the end of the year? If you're feeling that familiar weight of disappointment about what didn't get accomplished this year, you're not alone. In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling, I discuss why shifting our focus toward what did happen strengthens the learning, builds connections, and creates positive momentum in our homeschools. When we celebrate progress, our brains release dopamine, which strengthens neural pathways and cements learning in ways that help reinforce the learning. You've accomplished more than you realize. Celebrating allows you and your kiddos to embrace progress over perfection!Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode228/Check out all the ways I can help you here.Send Jean a text message.Support the showThanks for listening! 💜 ▶️Let's Connect!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/art.of.homeschooling/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artofhomeschoolingwithjeanWebsite https://artofhomeschooling.com
Join Jean Miller, a homeschooling mom of three grown children, for enlightening stories, strategies, interviews, and encouragement to help you thrive as a homeschooling parent. In each episode, Jean helps you let go of the overwhelm and get in touch with inspiration. You CAN create a homeschool life you love. And here on this podcast, we keep it sweet and simple to help you develop the confidence you need to make homeschooling work for your family. Look for new episodes every Monday.
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