Explore every episode of the podcast Art of Homeschooling Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhythm Is About Flow, Not Control | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:10:41 | |
EP265: What if the biggest source of stress in your homeschool isn't your curriculum ~ it's your rhythm? In this episode, Jean explores the difference between rhythm and schedule, why too much structure can quietly become control, and how simplifying your day creates more peace for the whole family. Learn how to build a homeschool rhythm that flows naturally instead of leaving everyone exhausted. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode265/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| The Midsummer Homeschool Reset You Didn't Know You Needed | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:08:29 | |
EP264: Before you buy another curriculum or fill in another planner, what if the most important thing you could do is pause? In this episode, Jean shares why midsummer is the perfect time to step back, reconnect with your child, and observe their growth before making plans for the year ahead. Learn how beginning with the child ~ not the curriculum ~ can transform your homeschool planning with greater clarity and confidence. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode264/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Why Homeschoolers Need a 90s Summer | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:13:27 | |
EP263: Do you miss the simple summers of your childhood? In this episode, Jean explores why homeschoolers need a 90s summer ~ not to recreate the past, but to rediscover the freedom, creativity, and spaciousness children need to thrive. Learn why boredom isn't something to avoid, why ordinary moments matter, and how an unhurried summer can become one of your family's greatest gifts. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode263/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| What Happens When You Have Ongoing Support | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:12:47 | |
EP262: What happens when you stop trying to figure out homeschooling on your own? In this episode, Jean shares a story from her early homeschooling years and explores why ongoing support can make all the difference. Discover how mentorship, community, and hands-on experience help homeschooling parents build confidence and turn information into transformation. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode262/ Taproot Teacher Training Inspired at Home Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Customize Before You Quit | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:15:09 | |
EP261: Before you decide it's time to start over, consider this: the curriculum may not be the problem. In this episode, Jean shares why it's often better to customize before you quit and how small adjustments can transform your homeschool. Discover how observation, flexibility, and trusting your judgment can help you create a learning experience that truly fits your child. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode261/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Building Homeschool Confidence One Step at a Time | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:13:28 | |
EP260: Do you ever feel like you need more confidence before you can move forward in your homeschool? In this episode, Jean shares why confidence isn't the starting point—it's the result of taking action. Learn a simple reflect, act, observe process that helps homeschooling parents build trust in themselves, their children, and the learning journey one step at a time. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode260/ Join the Inspired at Home Community here✨ https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Join us at the Taproot Teacher Training 🌳https://artofhomeschooling.com/taproot Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Summer Integration | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:22:55 | |
EP259: What if summer is when your homeschool matures? In this special episode, Jean and the Taproot Teacher Training team explore the idea of summer integration ~ how rest, reflection, play, creativity, and simple rhythms help learning settle more deeply. If you've ever wondered how to approach summer without pressure or guilt, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on growth, family life, and lifelong learning. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode259/ Join us at the Taproot Teacher Training 🌳https://artofhomeschooling.com/taproot Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Don't End Your Homeschool Year Without Doing This | 25 May 2026 | 00:12:53 | |
EP258: Before you rush into summer or start planning next year, Jean offers a gentle invitation. So don’t end your school year without doing this! In this episode, she shares why reflection is one of the most powerful practices for homeschooling parents and how slowing down can help you move forward with more clarity, wisdom, and confidence. Find the show notes here. ➡️ https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode258/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Why Homeschool Planning Feels Endless (And How To Simplify It) | 18 May 2026 | 00:15:05 | |
EP257: Ever wonder why homeschool planning feels endless? In this episode, Jean explores why so many homeschool plans fall apart and how shifting from rigid planning to flexible, resilient planning can bring more peace, clarity, and confidence to your homeschool days. Find the show notes here. https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode257/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| A Simple Monthly Reset for Homeschooling Parents | 11 May 2026 | 00:11:31 | |
EP256: Feeling overwhelmed or tempted to overhaul your homeschool again? In this episode, Jean shares a simple monthly reset for homeschooling parents that can help you pause, reflect, and homeschool with more clarity and confidence. Learn how monthly reflection creates space for connection, gentle course correction, and a calmer, more intentional homeschool rhythm. Find the show notes here. https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode256/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| You Are the Emotional Thermostat | 04 May 2026 | 00:13:27 | |
EP255: What if the most important part of your homeschool isn’t the curriculum ~ but you? In this episode, Jean explores how you are the emotional thermostat and how your presence shapes the entire learning environment. Learn how awareness, self-care, and small resets can create a more connected, grounded homeschool. Find the show notes here. https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode255/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| From Overwhelmed to Intentional | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:10:23 | |
EP254: Feeling stuck in homeschool overwhelm? In this episode, Jean shares how to go from overwhelmed to intentional by using simple filters to make clearer, more confident decisions. Find the show notes here. https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode253/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| School Principal to Homeschool Mom | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:44:24 | |
EP253: What happens when a school principal becomes a homeschool mom? Listen in as two former educators talk about their choice to homeschool. In this episode, Jean is joined by Mandy Davis of Home Built Education, a former public school principal who stepped away from the system to homeschool her three children. Together, they explore what really changes when you leave traditional education ~ especially the mindset shifts, the unlearning, and the courage it takes to trust yourself and your child in a new way. If you’ve been searching for the “best homeschool curriculum,” feeling pressure to keep up, or trying to recreate a classroom at home, this conversation offers a calmer, clearer path. Jean and Mandy discuss letting go of comparison, questioning benchmarks, and redefining progress as real growth for the child in front of you. They also tackle the socialization myth and what healthy social development actually requires from parents ~ whether kids attend school or not. You’ll hear practical ideas for creating a daily rhythm, embracing family-style learning, and setting realistic expectations for formal instruction. This episode is full of encouragement and permission to skip what your child already knows, protect childhood, and follow the “sparks” that bring learning to life. If you enjoy this kind of grounded homeschooling encouragement, subscribe, share this episode with a homeschooling friend, and leave a review so more parents can find us. Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| What Happens When You Learn This in Real Life? | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:13:31 | |
EP252: You can read all the books, listen to all the podcasts, and still feel unclear about how to actually do homeschool lessons. In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean shares why that gap exists ~ and what really changes when you move from learning about homeschooling to actually practicing it in real life. If you’ve been stuck in research mode or wondering why things aren’t clicking yet, this episode will help you take the next step. In this episode, you’ll hear:
✨Ready to move beyond theory and start doing? 👉 Come to the Taproot Teacher Training ~ a hands-on, in-person weekend in August where you practice bringing your homeschool to life alongside a supportive community. https://artofhomeschooling.com/taproot 👉 Join the online community, Inspired at Home, to get the guidance you need. https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here at https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode252/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| The Hidden Cost of Curriculum Hopping | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:11:48 | |
EP251: Curriculum hopping often starts with good intentions. We want better homeschool plans, smoother lessons, and a child who feels engaged. But when we pile new programs on top of old ones, we end up with conflicting advice about what to teach and when. That overload can turn curriculum into a crutch, increase homeschool burnout, and make decisions feel harder instead of easier. Listen in as Jean names the hidden cost of curriculum hopping that most of us don’t see until we’re deep in it. It’s not just money. It’s the slow slide from clarity into confusion. And then we begin to lose our confidence. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode251/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| How to Make Any Homeschool Curriculum Work for Your Unique Child | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:11:18 | |
EP250: If your curriculum isn’t working, it’s easy to think you need something new. But what if the real shift isn’t the curriculum…it’s how you use it? Listen in as Jean shares how to move from “search and do” to “observe and create,” so you can adapt any homeschool curriculum to fit your unique child. You’ll learn three simple Waldorf-inspired principles that make homeschooling feel more flexible, effective, and sustainable ~ without starting over. Because the magic isn’t in the manual. It’s in how you adapt it. ✨ Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode250/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Stop Starting Over Every Spring | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:11:19 | |
EP249: Spring often brings a quiet wave of homeschool doubt. Parents start noticing unfinished curriculum, lower energy, and the pull to be outside — and suddenly it feels like the whole year is falling apart. In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean explains why homeschoolers often feel behind in March and April and how to stop starting over every spring. You'll hear practical ways to simplify your homeschool rhythm, ease spring burnout, and redefine what “enough” learning really looks like this time of year. Check out our Book Hearth Guides here Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode249/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| But What About Socialization? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:07:03 | |
EP248: That question shows up everywhere: at the park, in a comment thread, from a neighbor who means well, or from someone who clearly doesn’t. “But what about socialization?” can land like a punch, especially when you’re already doing the brave work of choosing homeschooling and trying to stay confident in your decision. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode248/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Why the Curriculum Isn't the Problem | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:16:06 | |
EP247: In this episode, Jean explores a common frustration many homeschooling parents face: feeling like the curriculum just isn’t working. If you’ve ever wondered whether you chose the wrong program or felt tempted to start over with something new, this episode offers a different perspective. Jean explains why the real issue usually isn’t the curriculum itself, but how it’s being used. You’ll learn how to shift from following a curriculum as a script to using it as a flexible tool that supports your child’s unique learning journey. Instead of starting over, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and take back your leadership as a homeschooling parent. Jean shares practical questions to help you evaluate what’s actually working, what needs adjusting, and how small shifts can make a big difference. If you’re feeling stuck, behind, or unsure about your homeschool plan this spring, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode247/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Just Show Up | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:08:37 | |
EP256: What if the most important thing you can do in your homeschool today is just show up? In this episode, Jean offers reassurance and simple, practical ideas for those homeschooling days when you don't have a plan. Learn why presence matters more than perfection, how learning is always happening, and easy ways to begin your day with connection and rhythm ~ even when things feel messy. A calming reminder for homeschoolers in any season. Along with simple, practical ideas to keep the thread of learning going. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode246/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| You Don’t Need a New Rhythm ~ Just One Steady Anchor | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
EP245: Feeling like your homeschool rhythm is a little unsteady right now? In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean shares one gentle, powerful idea: rhythm anchor points. Instead of reworking your entire day, you’ll learn how one small, steady moment can bring calm and stability back into your homeschool ~ especially during the slower, heavier, winter months. This episode invites you to simplify, notice what your homeschool truly needs right now, and return to rhythm without pressure or perfection. A grounding listen for Waldorf-inspired and rhythm-loving homeschoolers who want things to feel more doable again. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode245/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Tips for Getting Back to Homeschooling After the Holidays | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:22:25 | |
EP244: In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean is joined by members of the Taproot Team to share gentle, practical tips for getting back to homeschooling after the holidays ~ or after any kind of break. January can feel surprisingly hard for homeschoolers. While September brings fresh notebooks and new energy, January often arrives with fatigue, self-doubt, and the nagging feeling that we’re already behind. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reset seasonally, and remember that small, thoughtful steps matter more than big overhauls. Join Taproot Online Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode244/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Welcoming the New Year Without a Plan (Yet) | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:09:33 | |
EP243: January often brings pressure to plan, reset, and have it all figured out. But what if the new year is asking for something gentler? In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean invites you to welcome the new year without a plan (yet) and return to your center before making any homeschooling decisions. Inspired by a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, we explore why orientation comes before action and how creating space allows clarity to emerge. Perfect for homeschooling parents craving calm, confidence, and a meaningful, fresh start. Join Taproot Online Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode243/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Revelry + Renewal: Four Ways to Stay Balanced Through the Holidays as a Homeschooler | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:10:39 | |
EP242: Discover four simple ways to bring more balance, calm, and connection to your homeschool during the holiday season. Learn how to simplify traditions, preview plans, maintain gentle rhythms, and support your child through the seasonal swirl. Plus, hear how Handwork + Stories can help your family enjoy meaningful, low-stress learning all December long. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode242/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Welcoming Productive Struggle: Helping Kids Learn Without Giving Up | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:16:05 | |
EP241: Struggle isn’t a setback ~ it’s part of the learning process. In this episode, we’re discussing how to welcome productive struggle in that powerful space where challenge leads to confidence, deeper understanding, and real growth. As homeschooling parents, it can feel uncomfortable to watch our kids wrestle with something new, but this gentle kind of struggle is essential for learning. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more homeschooling families find these ideas. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode241/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Rhythm Over Curriculum: The Key to a Thriving Homeschool | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:15:47 | |
EP240: You might feel like homeschooling would be easier if you could just find the right curriculum. But here's the truth: your homeschool will thrive if you focus on rhythm over curriculum. It’s not about the curriculum. It’s about the rhythm and bringing more ease and simplicity into your homeschooling days. In this episode, you’ll learn about the 2-day lesson rhythm inspired by Waldorf education, why it works with how our brains actually learn, and how rhythm can help you feel more confident, calm, and connected ~ even when life feels full. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode240/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Crafting Age-Appropriate Homeschool Lessons | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:13:06 | |
EP239: In this episode, Jean shares a simple way to craft age-appropriate homeschool lessons by pairing story-rich content with a focused skill goal, all within a spiral model of learning that lowers pressure and builds depth. Practical steps, planning tools, and holiday tweaks help you simplify and stay connected. Here's what we're talking about: Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode239/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Teach Your Child, Not a Grade | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:11:11 | |
EP238: This episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast was created to encourage you as a homeschooling parent to teach your child, not a grade. For some homeschoolers, starting a new grade each fall is part of their yearly rhythm. For others, sometimes it's hard to even assign a grade to their child. Either way, your child's learning doesn't just happen magically in tidy grade-level packages. Rather, it happens along a path that sometimes spirals backwards or follows detours or even skips ahead. When we teach the child in front of us rather than a grade level or curriculum package, we honor the child's learning journey. Children learn best when they can take confident steps on the path to learning while feeling a calm sense of connection. The holistic, natural approach of Waldorf homeschooling truly shines in this way and supports each child's unique development. Teaching your child, not a grade, is a subtle mindset shift that can make all the difference! If you would like more guidance on bringing this kind of flexible, child-focused rhythm to your homeschool, come join me inside the Inspired at Home community where you'll find monthly masterclasses, coaching calls with me, and a warm community to remind you you're not alone on this journey and to help you customize whatever curriculum you have. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode238/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| The WHEN vs. the WHAT of Homeschool Planning | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:12:59 | |
EP237: Ever penciled “mental math" for next Tuesday and that morning, realized you had no idea what problems to use? This conversation digs into the quiet reason homeschool plans stall: we schedule the when and skip deciding the what. In this episode, Jean shares how a few concrete choices ~ specific words, page numbers, prompts, and simple activities ~ turn a hopeful calendar into lessons that actually happen. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode237/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Affirmations to Ease Your Back-to-Homeschool Season | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:08:08 | |
EP236: Ease into your homeschool year with affirmations to calm your mind and ground your rhythm. 🌿 In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean shares uplifting affirmations for homeschooling parents that bring more confidence, peace, and connection to your days. Perfect for Waldorf inspired homeschoolers ~ or anyone wanting to start the back-to-homeschool season with more presence, simplicity, and joy. ✨ Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode236/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| When Simple is Enough in Your Homeschool | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:10:17 | |
EP235: As a new homeschool year begins, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the lessons, subjects, and plans we think we need to start right away. But what if “enough” looks much simpler than we imagine? In this episode, Jean shares why starting with self-care ~ and then layering in activities gradually ~ creates a calmer, steadier rhythm for both you and your children. Discover how to celebrate small wins, embrace simplicity, and begin your year with confidence and peace.🌿 Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode235/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| How Art Anchors Learning at Home | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:35:07 | |
EP234: Art anchors learning at home and can serve as a powerful tool for teaching across all subject areas. In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean is joined by guest Robyn Beaufoy, CEO of Waldorfish. The award-winning Weekly Art Foundations program created by Waldorfish offers a guided path for parents to bring art to their children at home. Robyn and Jean explore how art makes learning more memorable while also building key skills like focus, perseverance, and problem-solving. Join us in sharing your artistic creations on social media by tagging @Waldorfish and @Art.of.Homeschooling on Instagram or finding us over on Facebook! Check out Weekly Art Foundations from Waldorfish for step-by-step guidance on bringing more art into your homeschool. Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| You Are Enough | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:08:20 | |
EP233: You are enough, just as you are. If you are a homeschooling parent endlessly wondering if you are measuring up, then these simple words can carry profound power. In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast, Jean invites you to pause the endless striving and settle into a moment of genuine self-acceptance. Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode233/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Waldorf Homeschooling in 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:16:48 | |
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/taproot Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Discover the Joys of Making Toys by Hand: A Conversation with Jessica Bentson | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:31:51 | |
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. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode231/ Learn more about Toymaking Magic here www.artofhomeschooling.com/toymakingmagic Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Banish Homeschool Burnout | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:12:30 | |
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 2025 Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Waldorf Without the Box: Creating Your Custom Homeschooling Journey | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:12:44 | |
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 Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Celebrate Your Homeschool Journey | 26 May 2025 | 00:12:11 | |
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. Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Simplicity is Power | 19 May 2025 | 00:08:19 | |
EP227: Sometimes we homeschoolers have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be. The truth is that simplicity is power! When you finally land in a place of simplicity, you can stop spinning your wheels and take action. Get yourself out of the weeds and back on the path with the power of simplicity. In this episode the Art of Homeschooling podcast, I share four easy to understand ideas to harness the power of simplicity. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode227/ Check out all the ways I can help you here. Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| What To Do When You Feel Behind in Homeschooling | 12 May 2025 | 00:18:24 | |
EP226: "Falling behind" might be the most common worry among homeschooling parents, but it's based on a misunderstanding of how learning works. When we measure ourselves against arbitrary timelines and standardized expectations, we miss the beautiful truth that homeschooling allows us to follow our children's natural development. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode226/ Get the Waldorf Homeschool Starter Kit here Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Embracing the Freedom of Homeschooling | 05 May 2025 | 00:14:42 | |
EP225: Freedom thrives within structure and simplicity, not rigidity. This is a powerful truth that I've learned on my journey to embrace the freedom of homeschooling. In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast, you'll hear my thoughts about the precious opportunity that homeschoolers have to truly see and respond to the children before us, customizing learning experiences without the constraints of external requirements that stifle creativity and individualized approaches. After years of teaching in public schools, private institutions, and even working to establish Waldorf schools, I've discovered that homeschooling is truly a place of educational freedom. Learn how to embrace this freedom and simplify your homeschooling so you can teach and lead with intention and love.
Get the Waldorf Homeschool Starter Kit here Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Simplifying Your Curriculum to Work For Your Family | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:12:35 | |
EP224: Welcome to the Art of Homeschooling podcast! Today I’m addressing a common homeschooling question about simplifying your curriculum to work for YOUR family. If you’re feeling lost, behind, or overwhelmed…you are not alone. In this episode, I share three super helpful shifts that can transform how you approach planning and implementing lessons for Waldorf-inspired homeschooling. Create a more joyful and sustainable homeschooling experience by approaching your curriculum like a beautiful buffet, focusing on the big picture rather than the daily details, and planning in blocks to craft a more natural learning rhythm. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode224/ Get the Waldorf Homeschool Starter Kit here Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Sharing Poetry with Children | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:13:58 | |
EP223: Sharing poetry with children captivates their imaginations, builds connections and empathy, and fosters language development necessary for literacy. In honor of National Poetry Month and Poem in Your Pocket Day, I bring you this episode all about the lively art of poetry. Listen in for ideas about collecting poetry, writing found poems, sharing seasonal poetry with your children, using poetry related to your current topic of study or main lesson block, and studying individual poets. Sharing poetry with children is an inspiring way to weave the lively arts into your homeschooling, and so simple, too! Hope you enjoy this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast! Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode223/ Come to the Taproot Teacher Training Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| It's Never One Size Fits All | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:14:01 | |
EP222: Ever feel like if you could just find the right curriculum, everything would fall into place? You're not alone! In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, I'm diving into why it's never one size fits all, especially when it comes to curriculum. I’ll share why Waldorf education was never meant to be about following a script, and why the magic happens when we focus on the children in front of us, not just the tasks in front of them. Whether you’re someone who loves structure or you’re ready to DIY your lessons from scratch, I’ll help you see that you are the most important part of the process ~ not the curriculum. So if you've ever felt overwhelmed, boxed in, or just plain tired of trying to make someone else’s plan work for your unique family, this episode is for you. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode222/ Come to the Taproot Teacher Training Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| The Experience Before the Explanation | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:12:34 | |
EP221: Understanding how to develop a hands-on learning experience before offering an explanation can change everything about your homeschool teaching! On this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast, Jean breaks down this powerful approach to teaching which is based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education. As home educators, when we allow children to experience concepts firsthand before explaining theories or principles, we preserve their natural wonder and curiosity rather than shutting them down with premature explanations. This makes learning much less abstract. And honors how children learn naturally. In this episode, you'll hear examples from math, language arts, science, and history. Plus loads of inspiration that will make a real difference in your homeschooling journey. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode221/ Come to the Taproot Teacher Training Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Permission to Pause: Sometimes We Need to Scale Back | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:13:29 | |
EP220: Life’s challenges sometimes demand that we slow down or scale back, whether we like it or not. You always have permission to pause! In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast, Jean shares her own recent experiences of navigating stress, uncertainty, and caregiving while reflecting on past homeschooling seasons filled with ups and downs. She reminds us that scaling back is not a failure ~ it’s part of the rhythm of life. With warmth and honesty, Jean explores the mindset shift that allows us to embrace life’s curveballs without guilt. And offers three life lessons for parents on the homeschooling journey. Tune in for Jean's heartfelt words about resilience, self-compassion, and the power of homeschooling through life’s inevitable ups and downs. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode220/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Homeschooling Through Life's Curveballs | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:10:33 | |
EP219: Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, and homeschooling adds unique layers to these challenges. Have you ever found yourself wondering how to keep your educational journey on track amidst the chaos of life's unpredictable events? Join Jean Miller as she shares personal insights from her own family's experience homeschooling through challenges and finding resilience amidst the chaos. This episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast is a heartfelt guide to transforming these difficult times into opportunities for growth and connection, with encouraging tips and three specific strategies for staying grounded and resilient on your homeschooling journey. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode219/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Deep vs. Wide: A Waldorf Homeschooling Perspective | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:16:58 | |
EP218: A question from the Art of Homeschooling community inspired this podcast episode covering the concept of deep vs. wide from a Waldorf homeschooling perspective. In this episode, Jean describes how to build a main lesson block around a significant and pivotal event in the course of human development. This idea can be applied to teaching any topic from world or national history to geography and science. Jean illustrates the development of a main lesson topic through the "deep dive wave" and provides concrete examples and insightful reflections. Why and how does diving deep create more memorable learning experiences for children than covering a topic in a broad and comprehensive approach? Tune in to gain clarity about the nuances of Waldorf-inspired homeschooling that are rarely addressed in curriculum guides and resources. You'll walk away with a new spark for homeschooling and renewed trust in yourself as a teacher and the process of going deep, not wide. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode218/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Favorite Winter Read-Alouds for Cozy Homeschool Days | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:19:37 | |
EP217: It’s time for our favorite winter read-alouds for cozy homeschool days! In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean shares three read-aloud strategies and a list of her favorite winter read-aloud books which you'll find at www.artofhomeschooling.com/episode217. As you’ll hear in the episode, stories speak directly to our hearts and the best stories hold heartwarming illustrations and vivid, descriptive text within their pages. Stories are the very marrow of homeschooling, especially Waldorf-inspired homeschooling. They bring us together for a beautiful shared experience and offer new ideas and learning through narrative and imagination. Reading stories together is joyful and cozy, meaningful and simple! From birth through early childhood and as your child grows through the grades, stories are a valuable tool for teaching and building connections. Connections to each other, the natural world, and communities near and far. Enjoy this heartwarming discussion! You’ll walk away inspired with new tools and ideas to approach the magic of reading books and sharing stories in your homeschool. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode217/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||
| Re-Create Your Homeschool Rhythm | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:13:58 | |
EP216: Rather than getting bogged down by decision fatigue or overwhelmed by curriculum choices, learn how establishing a consistent rhythm can bring ease and confidence to your homeschooling day. The topic of this week’s podcast episode is how to re-create your rhythm. In this episode, Jean discusses simple, adaptable homeschool rhythm ideas and also offers encouragement to embrace the power of rhythm over rigid schedules. Rhythm is the heartbeat of your home and the starting point from which all activities flow, one after the other, in a gentle way. And holding your rhythm gently but consistently can transform your homeschooling experience. Looking for more support? Join Inspired at Home for expert homeschooling masterclasses covering rhythm, child development, lesson planning, and more; plus monthly group coaching calls and a private community for questions and encouragement. Find the Show Notes here https://artofhomeschooling.com/episode216/ Thanks for listening! 💜 | |||