The Agent or Object Podcast

Have you noticed that we moved to a new podcast? We would love to have you join us there with all new episodes released twice a month. You can also check out our Patreon for longer, deeper episodes. https://www.patreon.com/aurielslightYou can always find us at WaldorfEssentials.com

We decided to go back in time to the early days of Waldorf and dig up some podcasts from yesteryear. In 2010, we did a live streaming podcast called Gnome's Home Radio. It was streamed live back in the day when the word streaming wasn't used nearly as much. The audio is kind of tinny as it was recorded while it was streamed.

Welcome! Homeschooling can be such a rewarding experience but there are often many questions when first starting. In this week’s video, Melisa explains the most important aspects of homeschooling. She also provides resources for families with more questions or specific concerns. In this podcast, we cover:- The value of understanding your temperament- The importance of having easily accessible support from your curriculum - Resources and advice for families struggling to understand their state or country’s homeschooling requirements- Why proper grade placement is vital to the Waldorf homeschooling experienceOther helpful videos from Melisa:- Parenting With Temperament In Mind: https://youtu.be/JP0PCyjhLF4- Is Thinking Feeling Willing Right For You?: https://youtu.be/RG8Es7M2W-I- Grade Placement + Chill: https://youtu.be/R9HqJkaXqyw - Coming to Waldorf Later: https://youtu.be/56vIScRNJVU Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/- Thinking Feeling Willing Program: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/tfw-monthly - Homeschooling Legal Information: https://hslda.org #homeschooling #waldorfeducation #waldorfathome

Diving into homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re joining later in your child’s education. Join Melisa as she shares her journey through Waldorf education and provides reassurance and advice for families coming to Waldorf later. She further explains the foundation of Waldorf education and the value of looking inward when starting on this homeschooling journey. In this podcast we’ll discuss: -What it can look like coming to Waldorf education from a different homeschooling style -How to ease your move from a public school setting to a Waldorf homeschool setting -The importance of being willing to learn and asking for help -The foundation of Waldorf education -Why there are no worksheets or textbooks in Waldorf -The value of inner work and taking time to understand why you want a Waldorf homeschool education for your childOther Helpful Videos from Melisa: - Teaching When You're Coming To Waldorf Late: https://youtu.be/veIyEBPC_I0 - A Chat with Waldorf Dads: https://youtu.be/wZm9GEZ8i60 - How Are You Feeling On Your Waldorf Journey?: https://youtu.be/1YklWKSSuzc - Why Is Open and Go Not Really Waldorf: https://youtu.be/65xRTfwLcds - Can Boys Thrive In Waldorf: https://youtu.be/MgH5nZ2bQxY - A Journey Through Waldorf Math: https://youtu.be/05zJay7xisE - Melisa's Main Lesson Book: https://youtu.be/uBlutJn1f7IResources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/- Thinking Feeling Willing Program: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/tfw-monthly #waldorfeducation #homeschooling #waldorfathome

Join as Melisa shares her experiences as a homeschooling parent of an autistic child. She provides tips for pushing through stubbornness and how planning ahead can make all the difference. In this podcast we'll cover:- The importance of understanding yourself first and showing up with confidence- How to help your child slow down and understand how they are feeling- Understanding your parenting style might have to look different with a child on the autism spectrum than it does with neurotypical children - The value of planning ahead- The importance of how you show up. You cannot be wishy-washy. - How to take care of yourself. (Melisa offers resources to parents who want it.)Other helpful videos by Melisa:- Life Kicks More A$$e$ Than It Kisses: https://youtu.be/wgCnMn5Pen8 - Meeting the Gifted and Special Needs Child with Waldorf Education: https://youtu.be/DmW3xlvTU2Q - STFD: https://youtu.be/-Swrqw030bQ - Grade Placement & Reading + Chill: https://youtu.be/R9HqJkaXqyw Resources:- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/#autism #neurodiversity #homeschooling

Join Melisa as she discusses how to teach your children greater self-reliance. She explains what self-reliance should look like at varying ages and how to evaluate where your child is. She also provides advice for creating an environment and family culture which fosters resilience and self-reliance in your children. In this podcast you’ll learn: - What your children should be capable of doing according to age - How to evaluate where your children’s self-reliance - How to create a plan for teaching more self-reliance- The value of helping them understand their temperament - How to teach your child emotional regulation Other helpful videos by Melisa: - Parenting with Temperament in Mind: https://youtu.be/JP0PCyjhLF4- Will Building for children and adults: https://youtu.be/ylvYDHkn5Oo - Confidence, Poo, & Cultures of the World: https://youtu.be/nZeW07nIIWY Resources:- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/#parenting #waldorf #homeschool

Join Melisa as she discusses three questions she frequently gets. (1) How do I hold the space when I’m having a bad day? (2) What can I do when my child has a meltdown over movement (walks/hikes)? And (3) What if things are hard? During the video, she shares her own parenting stories and provides advice for all parents. In this podcast you’ll learn:-What to do when everyone is seemingly in a bad mood-Advice for days you cannot do much (i.e., illness, injury, mental health)-The importance of consistent follow-through-Will building for children-To reflect on your expectations and change them if necessaryOther helpful videos by Melisa: -Will building for children and adults: https://youtu.be/ylvYDHkn5Oo -Holding the Space: https://youtu.be/Bxaa-ctuP18 -Creating the Perfect (School) Day: https://youtu.be/3_01krC6e7c -Let’s Talk About Perfectionism: https://youtu.be/R0J9b65MPuo -Observation vs. Judgement: https://youtu.be/FPkCA4EHy5k Resources:- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/#waldorfathome #parenting #homeschool

When you’re a homeschooling parent, everything becomes about efficiency. How can we get the most done in the least amount of time? A lot of times this can mean combining lessons for children in different grades. Join Melisa as she elaborates on the foundations of the Waldorf curriculum. She provides insight into what can be taught to multiple ages and the importance of bringing age-appropriate material to your children. In this podcast you’ll learn: -Homeschooling everyone together ends up being more work for you than bringing them the age-appropriate material individually-How to determine which grade your child should be in-The grade-specific content is more than reading and math skills-Planning is the secret to a successful school year for everyone, not teaching everyone the same content. Other helpful videos by Melisa:-Grade Placement & Reading: https://youtu.be/R9HqJkaXqyw -Will Building for Children and Adults: https://youtu.be/ylvYDHkn5Oo -Time to start planning!!: https://youtu.be/sHRRhORWSuw -STFD: https://youtu.be/-Swrqw030bQ Resources:- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/- Seasons of Seven Virual Waldorf School: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/Seasons-of-Seven-Virtual-School #waldorfathome #planning #homeschool

It can be easy to treat the Temperaments like a one-and-done quiz but there is so much more to it. Gaining a deeper understanding of your temperament and the temperament of those around can allow you to ease frustration and overwhelm. In this video, Melisa discusses the importance of digging deep into yourself and seeking to understand more about your temperament. She offers a reminder that doing this work in yourself creates a domino effect that will bless those around you and generations to come. In this podcast you’ll learn:-What it means to truly understand your temperament-How to use your temperament to learn emotional regulation-What to do when emotions begin to well up in you-How to become a space of creation and show up consciously-In healing yourself you allow yourself to be an example to your child -How to teach your children to regulate their emotionsOther helpful videos by Melisa: -Temperament Round-Up: https://youtu.be/ZSbmgFGkOoo -The Empathetic Melancholic: https://youtu.be/3n-QTjFxQUk -The Cozy Phlegmatic: https://youtu.be/TgnsIOpD3Q0 -The Sanguine Butterfly: https://youtu.be/_xMjdZRXasc -The Bossy Choleric: https://youtu.be/10MSL-dU0Ho Resources:- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/#mentalhealth #temperament #healing

Refine. Focus. Unstoppable. Melisa reveals her word of the year and how to make sure you're utilizing the words you choose for the year. She reminds everyone of the importance of revisiting your word regularly and choosing to live consciously. Other helpful videos by Melisa:-New Year’s Eve Intentions: https://youtu.be/f_eCqT_K43s-Deep loss and Recovery: https://youtu.be/oBP-7zw04zk -Being Conscious About Your Choices: https://youtu.be/XEAeP5qGNbk Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/#newyears #consciousliving #unstoppable

This was such an amazing panel. We are hoping to have many more!To further connect with our panelists: Jack Petrash, longtime Waldorf teacher and founder of the Nova Institutehttps://www.novainstitute.org/Jack's books Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Outhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0876592469/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ETF-Fb42N70VYand Covering Home: Lessons on the Art of Fathering from the Game of Baseballhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1589040139/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_FTF-FbB6HMF0DGerhard Siepker and Mark Lewis are teachers for our virtual school, Seasons of Seven:https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/Seasons-of-Seven-Virtual-SchoolDavid Sewell McCann is a man of many stories! https://www.sparklestories.com/David's book on listening like a storyteller: https://www.storyingwithdavid.com/listen-like-a-storytellerStorying camps for kids:https://story-steps-education.teachable.com/Jamie York, Math Missionary, founder Jamie York Math Academy, Making Math Meaningful Math Curriculumhttps://www.jamieyorkpress.com/Matt Shelton, Waldorf Dads is a space focused on exchanging ideas and supporting Waldorf in the family.https://www.waldorfdads.com/We would really like to thank Paul Johnson for his contribution to this panel too. We really enjoyed his comments on his family observations. Having dads from diverse backgrounds supporting both homeschooling and Waldorf schools was very important to us in creating this panel and we appreciate all of our presenters.

Slowing down sounds great, but when you have a mile-long to-do list it can feel like an impossible task. How can slowing down and living consciously provide you the opportunity to get more done? Join Melisa as she shares the secrets of slowing the eff down. In this video you’ll learn: - Living consciously provides the opportunity to reduce stress- When you slow down, you can get more accomplished- You cannot live consciously if you aren’t getting the sleep you need- To look at the example children set by always being present- To slow the eff down!Other helpful videos by Melisa:- Being Conscious About Your Choices: https://youtu.be/XEAeP5qGNbk - Sleep!!: https://youtu.be/Y572BgjedtE- Holding the Space Plus: https://youtu.be/Bxaa-ctuP18 - Boundaries with Children: https://youtu.be/TKfNr7BKNzw Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/#slowliving #meditation #consciousparenting

Buckle up... this one is long! We start off with some meditation and then dive into questions from participants. We talked about a couple of Dr. Joe Dispenza's meditations for kids, here are some my kids like:https://drjoedispenza.com/collections/meditations/products/the-place-where-thoughts-become-things-a-guided-childrens-meditation-by-dr-joe-dispenza-meditation-download?variant=35490173812897https://drjoedispenza.com/collections/meditations/products/the-things-we-tell-ourselves-that-matter-a-youth-guided-meditation-download?variant=35490173911201Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

Buckle up... this one is long! We start off with some meditation and then dive into questions from participants. We talked about a couple of Dr. Joe Dispenza's meditations for kids, here are some my kids like:https://drjoedispenza.com/collections/meditations/products/the-place-where-thoughts-become-things-a-guided-childrens-meditation-by-dr-joe-dispenza-meditation-download?variant=35490173812897https://drjoedispenza.com/collections/meditations/products/the-things-we-tell-ourselves-that-matter-a-youth-guided-meditation-download?variant=35490173911201Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

When Waldorf is all about how you show up, what do you do when you simply aren’t “feeling it”? Join Melisa as she discusses some reasons your lessons may feel hollow and what you can do to get back on track. In this video you’ll learn:- Questions to ask yourself when you are feeling disconnected from the curriculum.- Advice on preventing burnout- Why planning AND preparing for your lessons is vital for bringing living lessons to your child.- The importance of how you show up.Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

Women have been wrapping their heads for thousands of years...we do it for different reasons (some men also wrap their heads.) I have gotten some questions about why I do, so here you go!

Join Melisa as she delves deep into how Waldorf homeschooling can provide wonderful opportunities for diversity. Waldorf education can be viewed as not diverse enough; and for some Waldorf schools, that may be the case. In a homeschooling setting, however, that does not have to be the case. In this video, Melisa discusses how to add more diversity to your curriculum and how diverse representation starts at home. In this video you will learn:-The importance of diverse representation and anti-racism being a part of your family culture. - How to bring diversity to your children organically.-How Waldorf lays the groundwork for a beautiful exploration of communities, cultures, and belief systems. Resources:- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- The Agent or Object Podcast: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/Podcasts- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

What is Seasons of Seven? So glad you asked! It is part of Waldorf Essentials. Seasons of Seven is a Waldorf Inspired virtual school. WHAT? That sounds impossible right?! Well we have done it and you know what.... we do a dang good job at it. We have brought the elements of the classroom together with Waldorf teachers that have a love of learning. You can check it out below.https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/Seasons-of-Seven-Virtual-School

As you learn about Waldorf, particularly as a homeschooling parent, it can feel as though there are a lot of rules for how and when things should be done. But the more important question to ask yourself is, “Why?”. What is the reason behind the action? In this video, Melisa explores what dogma looks like in Waldorf school/homeschool and provides advice on how to shake it off.In this podcast you’ll learn:- The importance of distinguishing between Waldorf schools and Waldorf homeschool- What dogma looks like in Waldorf education- The importance of understanding why you teach the topics you’re teaching- Advice from Melisa on how she understands Steiner’s work and applies it to the Waldorf Essentials curriculum.Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

Homeschooling can feel like a full-time job at times, but what if you already have another job? Join Melisa as she addresses some of the struggles working parents face while homeschooling. Not only does she provide tips, tricks, and resources for optimizing your time, but she also discusses the importance of self-care and community. If you have found yourself in this balance struggle this video is for you. In this video you’ll learn:o How to plan out your school year in advance.o Why keeping a weekly and daily rhythm benefit you, your family, and your work.o The importance of having a meal plan in place (maybe even a few weeks planned in advance) o How to stay on top of virtual schoolo Tips for (specifically) entrepreneurial parents who need help managing their own businessResources:- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ - Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/