Waldorf Essentials

WaldorfEssentials.com Waldorf Essentials exists to support families who are called to an intentional, more meaningful approach to education — one that honors the whole child: head, heart, and hands. Waldorf Essentials offers intentionally crafted curriculum, training, and family resources rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s developmental insights. Our work bridges the beauty and depth of Waldorf education with the practical realities of modern family life, making it accessible, flexible, and sustainable for homeschooling families around the world. At Waldorf Essentials, we believe education is not simp...

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.waldorfessentials.com

Latest episode

Jul 2, 2026

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Episodes

232. The Child at 3 27.11.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials is focusing on one change at a time. First up, the child at three. Which is often over looked. Resources Shared - You Are Your Child's First Teacher - Heaven on Earth - The online Waldorf Library   The three year old - Modeling the behavior you want them to learn - Implementing quiet time - Rhythm - Reminding older kids to honor this time of the child bein...

231. { Auriel's Light } Preparing for the Holidays 23.11.2023

Our Resource Library Auriel's Light FREE Gathering Calendar  https://www.aurielslight.org/calendar First Chapter of Our Yuletide Mystery  HERE Full Yuletide Available HERE Waldorf Festivals for Big Kids HERE Winter Holidays HERE Melisa's Tips for Navigating December HERE Saint Nicholas (wear ear buds) HERE When You Feel Uncomfortable About a Festival HERE Rhythm During the Holidays HERE...

230. Splitting the Year 22.11.2023

  A frequently asked question "splitting the year". Do you have a child with a Spring Birthday? This video is for you.   You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends and homeschoolers. We are in this journey together.   If you found this content helpful please consider making a donation to our non profit.   E...

229. The Child at ____ Series 20.11.2023

If you've been around for a bit with the Waldorf Philosophy you have probably heard about the different changes with ages.   Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials introduces a new series "The Child at ____". This is an introduction to each age and phase.   Melisa will be sharing a video on each specific age and phase for you to follow along and know how to support your child best at that...

228. Conflict Online 17.11.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials focuses on online conflict.   - Facebook groups - Hurtful comments on instagram, Facebook etc.   - Communication   - Ask the person "what did you mean by this?" - Pause - Notice how much energy and time you are giving online. - It's ok to leave groups, un friend, pause comments and step down from admin roles.   If you found this content help...

227. Will Building in a Waldorf Home 15.11.2023

In a time of instant gratification becoming the new norm, we have lost a lot of our ability to create a strong will.   Join Melisa as she shares how to incorporate will building in your family. She dives into how Waldorf education provides various opportunities to strengthen the will by learning and practicing handwork, but more than that she provides advice on providing opportunities to buil...

226. Waldorf Homeschooling and Common Core Standards 13.11.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials inspires you to not be intimidated by common core standards.   - Melisa breaks down each common core standard. - You may be surprised the Waldorf homeschooling curriculum goes above and beyond the common core standard requirements.   - Charters. - Testing.   - Tips for navigating state requirements.  You can also find us on YouTube "Wal...

225. Navigating Homeschooling, Parenting, and Partnering When There is Pain or Illness 10.11.2023

Melisa and Erik Nielsen share their experience with navigating pain or illness while Waldorf homeschooling, parenting, and partnering.   - Together they share how they have navigated back pain to recovery from a stroke.   - The importance of community and asking for help.   - Reminder while you are forced to be in a space of slowing down and silence, fill yourself with inspiration t...

224. { Auriel's Light } Eurythmy at Home 08.11.2023

Ms. Tiffany's Eurythmy Course Available Here: https://www.aurielslight.org/eurythmy In this video:   - Why should you add eurythmy to your Waldorf homeschooling. AND yes you can add eurythmy to your homeschooling.     - Strengthening your physical, etheric and ego together. Did you know you can even practice eurythmy from a chair?   - Eurythmy is an opportunity to teach kids to...

223. Coming to Waldorf Homeschooling Late 06.11.2023

A very common question   "what to do when you are coming to Waldorf late?". Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials shares - What "late" actually is - How to decide where to start and what material to begin with - How to progress - Misconceptions and more! You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends and homeschoolers. We are...

222. How to Know Your Lesson Inside and Out by Melisa Nielsen 03.11.2023

Melisa often receives messages that parents are struggling to connect with the lessons and lead their child through them in a way that their child is not resisting. The key to a strong lesson is knowing it inside and out. Take the time to connect with the curriculum. Take the time to read the stories and feeling them within you. Stuff that comes easy it’s an accomplishment. Hone your craft by pick...

221. Rebuilding Trust 01.11.2023

Melisa and Erik tackle the topic of rebuilding trust in a relationship after there has been one of the following: - emotional affair - physical affair - pornography addiction   - gaming addiction - dis honesty with money   There has to be - communication - dedication to re building the trust in the relationship   You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Ple...

220. Taking the Fear Out of First Grade 30.10.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials helps you overcome the fear of Waldorf homeschooling first grade.   Melisa covers   - Letters - Math   - Circle Time - Music   - Common Question - Do's and Don'ts   - Plus helpful tips she has learned through her personal homeschooling   If you found this content helpful please consider making a donation to our non profit.   E...

219. Have Fun in Your Homeschooling and Parenting, Here's my Number One Rule 27.10.2023

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way.     Melisa inspires you with: - Foundations for early childhood - Waldorf curriculum by grade - Middle school and high school resources - Planning for peace planner and training meetings - Form drawing courses - Beeswax modeling - Wet on wet painting   - I...

218. When Should I Start Waldorf 25.10.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials discusses at what age, how and what to bring to your child. We are dedicated to helping families walking the Waldorf path at home.   This path can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.   Let us be your guides as you embark on this beautiful way of learning with your family. You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Pl...

217. Will Building 23.10.2023

Melisa and Erik Nielsen from Waldorf Essentials share their experience with Will Building.     - Why is it important to build your will as a parent and Waldorf Homeschooler?   - Temperament and Will.   - Encouragement to take action today.     You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends and homesch...

216. Save Guilt for Sin 20.10.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials encourages you that you can break any habit in a day.   - Save guilt for sin.   - It took me a long time to figure somethings out, don't be like me. Try this instead.   - Melisa's Thinking, Feeling Willing Program is loaded with resources to help you, come join the community.   Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Mel...

215. { Auriel's Light } Getting Out of Management Mom Mode 18.10.2023

Uplifting Content for the Conscious Parent https://www.aurielslight.org/store   Hello! I am so glad you stopped by.   Waldorf Essentials began with a dream. A dream that burned in my heart. I loved Steiner and his work. I saw the beauty of the curriculum working on my children and I wanted to bring more of it to the world. At the time, early 2000s, there wasn't much available for homesch...

214. Intimacy 16.10.2023

Melisa and Erik Nielsen have coached hundreds of couples. One of the hot topics is intimacy.     - Do you connect with your partner regularly? - Do you check in daily with each other.   - The more you connect the stronger your communication is and the more you can sense when something is bothering them.     You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials"...

213. What if the child is "behind"? 14.10.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials never truly believes a child is "behind".     In this video she discusses: - Math - Reading - History - Why evaluations are important. - Why we should never compare.   - How to build confidence in the child.     You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends and homesch...

212. Media and Older Kids 13.10.2023

Melisa and Erik Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials tackle the topic of older kids and media. They are referring to 12+ for the child's age.     - Shows - Movies - What they learn and hear from friends - Phones that only text - Social media - Setting boundaries - Holding space     You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenti...

{ Encore } Confidence Where Does It Come From 12.10.2023

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa  

211. Waldorf Math 11.10.2023

A journey though Waldorf Math with Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials.     - How is Waldorf Math Different?   - The magic of all 4 processes being introduced to the child together.     - What does regular math practice look like?   - What is the progression of math with each grade?   - Fun skip counting ideas.     - Creating a multiplication chart. &n...

210. Money in a Relationship 09.10.2023

Melisa and Erik Nielsen share stories and person experiences about money when you are in a relationship.   Some don't talk about money, some love to shop, some love to have fancy things, some joke "how much debt did she have when you got married".   Melisa and Erik start the conversation that needs to be had of money and its effects it can have on your relationship.   If you found t...

209. But It's Not Waldorf 06.10.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials tackles the big topic of "but it's not Waldorf".     - Plastic Toys - Television in the Home - Competitive Sports - Nostalgia from our own childhood we want to share with the child   If it's important to your family and your family's values, then it is your version of Waldorf!   You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentia...

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