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Today, we are thrilled to have the incredible Leslie Martino, join us. She is a homeschooling mom, educator, and author of the inspiring book "The Joy of Slow." Join our conversation about the importance of slowing down in learning, finding balance, and igniting a love for education. Leslie shares invaluable insights about turning challenges into meaningful learning experiences, fostering resilience, and embracing expansive time. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or new to the journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips that will enrich your educational approach.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Discussion on Rigor vs. Preparation
• Differentiating between rigor and preparation
• Parents' misconception about rigorous learning
• Holistic and meaningful education
• Ideal learning state: relaxed alertness
• Importance of meaningful and engaging learning experiences
• Avoiding mindless productivity
• Integrating leisure and hard work in learning
• Concept of slow learning, going deeper with learning rather than broader
• Addressing learning gaps
• Fear of missing out on opportunities
• The misconception of control in education
• Different aspects of time beyond productivity
• Time for rest, passion, creativity, and reflection
• Taking time for meaningful learning experiences
• Importance of processing and noticing
• Examples outside conventional subjects
• Metacognition: Learning how you learn
• Strategies for integrating reflection including conversations with children or writing reflections
• Value of child's self-assessment in their learning process
• Recap of the importance of expansive and reflective learning
• Noticing and embracing the child's perspective in education

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Tips to Improve Prioritization - The OT Toolbox
• What is Executive Function? Course from Homeschool OT
• Exploring the Occupation of Rest - Research Paper
• Different Kinds of Rest - Chronic Resilience OT
• Episode 9- The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective
• Episode 10- Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning
• Episode 11- Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
• Episode 12- Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
• The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning
• Follow Leslie Martino on Instagram

Connect with our Guest, Leslie Martino

Leslie M Martino has over twenty years of experience teaching—as an elementary school teacher, a home educator, and an adjunct lecturer for graduate courses focused on the role of the teacher in supporting children's individual work preferences. She homeschools her four children and works as an educational consultant, writing curricula, training teachers, and coaching parents to approach learning in an interest-based and child-directed way. She is a speaker on topics of education and motherhood and is also a contributing writer for the Wild + Free homeschooling community.