[Podcast #251] The Joy of Slow with Leslie Martino

Brave Writer Podcast Joy of Slow

Once you view time as a gift to be savored, you can start to naturally exchange agendas for rhythms and arbitrary expectations for deep learning. This is one of the takeaway messages from The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning, a book by experienced homeschooling mom Leslie Martino.

Leslie is our guest on the Brave Writer podcast today. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees in education from Columbia University, taught as an elementary school teacher, and now homeschools her four kids, ages 10-14. Her book is a meditation on the joy of slow as well as a how-to guide for homeschooling families.

Leslie Martino
Leslie Martino

In our conversation today, we dive into:

  • creating time and space for critical reflection,
  • the importance of depth over breadth,
  • and savoring joyful connection with our loved ones.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the question, “Are my kids learning fast enough?” this episode will (hopefully) bring a little peace and calm to your soul.

Show Notes

Making Time for Critical Reflection

As homeschooling parents, often we’re good at guiding our kids through empathetic self-criticism and using mistakes as a positive impetus for growth, but we’re terrible at applying it to ourselves. The pressure to give our kids a good foundation for life can overtake us. In her book, Leslie reminds parents that slowing down is worth it. Mistakes and re-dos are invaluable for deep learning, if you take the time to reflect and adjust.

Depth over Breadth

Letting your kid become an obsessed little ornithologist or budding architect is okay, even if that means other subjects take a back seat from time to time. Leslie highlights the importance of letting your child have some say in what they are learning, because passion leads to curiosity and critical thinking. Plus, if the birder and builder are in the same family, they will end up learning about each others’ topics of interest because passionate kids are the most aggressive teachers (in a good way). 

Savoring Joyful Connections

One of Leslie’s points of emphasis is developing a meaningful relationship with your child. The connective tissue of relationships is sharing experiences, especially navigating mistakes and challenges together in a healthy way. It’s not that speed is evil, but taking your time can be more important when developing these lifelong connections. 

Resources

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