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

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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
https://artofhomeschooling.com/taproot2025

Join the Inspired at Home community https://artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome

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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.

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▶️Let's Connect!
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Website https://artofhomeschooling.com