EPISODE 197 | Welcome back to Homeschool Your Way, where the podcast celebrates the many ways families can create a rich, meaningful education that fits their unique children. In this episode, host Janna Koch welcomes Leslie Martino for a conversation about interest-based learning and the beauty of building an education that is deeply rooted in connection.

Leslie brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to thediscussion. She is the author of Joy of Slow, and her work hasencouraged so many parents to step back from the pressure, slow down, and truly see the individual needs of their children. Her perspective is a refreshing reminder that learning does not have to be rushed to be valuable, and that there is so much beauty to be found in honoring who children are and how they naturally grow.

Together, Janna and Leslie explore what it means to embraceinterest-based learning in a way that is connection-rich, thoughtful, and deeply personal. Leslie shares from both experience and conviction, offering encouragement for parents who want to move at a gentler pace, trust the process, and cultivate an atmosphere where curiosity, relationship, and individual growth can flourish.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | 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. Leslie enjoys teaching Pilates and collecting nature treasures (though not at the same time). She lives in sunny Florida with her husband and children. You can find her online at LeslieMartino.com and on IG @LeslieMMartino.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, send an email to [email protected]. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.