The Joy of Slow

Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning

By: Leslie M. Martino, Ainsley Arment - foreword

Narrated by: Leslie M. Martino, Ainsley Arment

A parent’s guide to cultivating an unhurried lifestyle and education that help their children thrive

In a culture that prizes productivity, efficiency, and success, it’s easy to feel as though we’re constantly falling short and to lose sight of joy. The homeschool community is not exempt from this pressure, but longtime educator Leslie Martino shows parents how to slow down to recapture the delight and depth that are hallmarks of meaningful learning. In The Joy of Slow, she offers practical guidance on:

• creating daily rhythms that celebrate the ordinary and make space for spontaneity
• supporting children as they explore personal interests and engage in self-directed learning
• tracking students’ progress in ways that might be overlooked by traditional assessments
• prioritizing connection with other people and the natural world

While parents of young children are more likely to embrace a slow childhood that nurtures wonder and imagination, panic often sets in as kids grow older, and parents worry about preparing them for the world beyond school. These fears are exacerbated by learning challenges, unspoken competition among peers, and standardized assessments. The Joy of Slow offers a much-needed reset, inspiring parents to prioritize the needs of each individual child and to help them find renewed freedom and passion.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF which contains the Slow School Manifesto and Socratic questions from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Leslie M. Martino (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The Joy of Slow offers a transformative perspective on education and family life. Leslie’s captivating storytelling and insightful reflections encourage a slower, more intentional approach to homeschooling. Drawing from personal experiences, she illustrates how unhurried attention uncovers hidden wonders and deepens connections with our children. Leslie’s practical guidance empowers parents to integrate slow schooling principles, fostering deep learning alongside meaningful engagement. As a home educating parent navigating a constantly changing educational landscape, Leslie’s book resonated deeply, offering hope in a fast-paced world. The Joy of Slow is essential for anyone seeking a richer journey through homeschool learning and parenting."—Leah Boden, author of Modern Miss Mason

In The Joy of Slow, Leslie Martino offers us a peaceful vision for homeschooling that transcends traditional approaches. This book urges families to home in on their values and build meaningful roots rather than racing through childhood. With a commitment to nurturing understanding instead of shallow mastery, and supporting interest-led learning over checking off boxes, she helps families educate for hope and purpose. The Joy of Slow is a compass for those who seek to embrace a more deliberate, enriching, and ultimately fulfilling homeschooling journey. —Jennifer Pepito, author of Mothering by the Book and founder of The Peaceful Press

In a world that promotes a childhood lived on fast-forward, The Joy of Slow beautifully carves the path toward a revolutionary education where students can learn not at the speed of light but at the speed of love. And Leslie Martino, with her hard-earned wisdom, deep curiosity, and tranquil heart is the perfect one to guide us through it. —Erin Loechner, author of Chasing Slow and founder of Other Goose

BEST book on homeschooling I’ve ever read!

I discovered this book through an interview with the author on an episode of the 1,000 Hours Outside podcast. As a homeschooling mother of three who also grew up homeschooled, I’ve been a prolific and enthusiastic reader throughout my childhood and adult life. This book is HANDS-DOWN the absolute best book I’ve ever encountered in the arena of home-education. It is incredibly well-researched and jam-packed with wisdom, insight, actionable direction, and inspiration. I have never before been able to apply what I’ve read in a book so immediately, freely, and joyously as with The Joy of Slow. My children, their learning, and our family are THRIVING through the principals shared in this fantastic book. I could not recommend it more highly. If you desire a connected, joy-filled, discovery-rich family life with children who are eager and lifelong learners, and if you too want balance, joy, and inspiration as a parent, you will love this book. I’m so happy to have discovered it!

A quiet Masterpiece!

This delightful book transported me back to my own pioneering journey into homeschooling 35 years ago.
Just listening to the book unleashed a cry to be childlike again, to return to the joy of exploration, creativity and real learning. Thank you, Leslie Martino! Your book is beautiful, inspiring, and transformational. I love everything your book produced in me; from the conviction of implementing better connections with my own family & community, to an invitation to return to that state of being imaginative & explorative to a world of possibilities. The Joy of Slow has a wealth of resources. There is something here for everyone.

Great tips not just for homeschooling but life as well.

Each chapter was filled with information that can be applied for every parent or teacher. You don’t need to be a homeschooling family. We can all benefit from slowing down and working at a pace that is productive for us. If you are wanting to build a connection with your children or students this book is filled with many different approaches to help you connect and guide them towards exploring the many different aspects of life. I will definitely be adding this book to my reread list. It will also be a book I recommend to all parents.

Inspiration and application

This work will inspire your heart and thoughts. Then you will be handed tools to consider those deeply. now you have your first steps to joy in learning.