Brave Writer

“Structure” might be one of the most anxiety-provoking words for a homeschooling parent. If you feel like you’re always struggling to achieve structure in your household or if you don’t even know what level of structure is best for your kids, this episode is for you. This episode is a previously recorded webinar about parties. Yes, structure and parties are one and the same in the Brave Writer world.Julie explains parties are, in fact, highly structured events. They have indicators of beginning, middle, and end stages. They have the clear purposes of reducing stress, increasing interactions between people, and making memories– which happen to be the foundational pieces of deep learning. Don’t worry, Julie also gets into the details of what this practically looks like for homeschooling families. This episode is full of examples of how to use the party-structure lens in your homeschooling: snacks, candles, games, movement, decorations, music, and more. You’ll be surprised how much easier learning happens with this structure, even if you have to put up with a little more confetti on the floor.Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Create a party structure with these Tools for the Art of Writing.Find “Becoming a Critical Thinker” in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Check out all class descriptions here. Take a look at the Braver Writer fall class schedule. Sign up for Brave Writer 101. Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawileyProduced by NOVA Media

Julie, an expert in teaching literary analysis to children, shares engaging strategies to make literature fun and relatable. She emphasizes that literary analysis should deepen emotional connections rather than create distance. Julie advocates for interactive learning, using read-aloud sessions and even media like TV shows to spark curiosity. Each age group can explore literature differently, and she introduces concepts like 'poetry tea time' to foster joy in reading. Her insights encourage parents to build critical thinking skills while nurturing a love for storytelling.

Explore the intriguing metaphor of grammar as the rules of a word-party, punctuation as the decorator, and spelling as a personal stylist. Discover innovative teaching strategies that emphasize natural learning and emotional safety to enhance children's writing skills. Embrace a creative, supportive approach to writing for homeschooling families, moving away from conventional practices. This refreshing perspective highlights the importance of self-expression over memorization, fostering a joyful relationship with literature.

Leslie Martino, an experienced homeschooling mom with degrees from Columbia University, shares her wisdom on embracing slow learning. She advocates for prioritizing depth over speed in education, emphasizing meaningful learning experiences. The discussion highlights the importance of reflection, creating space for joy, and nurturing curiosity without rigid schedules. Listeners will appreciate her insights on balancing family agendas and fostering enriching connections with their children, making learning a delightful journey rather than a race.

Julie, a writing education expert from Brave Writer, discusses the transformative power of living literature in teaching writing mechanics. She outlines a six-step process for engaging children, from reading aloud to free writing. Julie shares how literature fosters a love for language and self-expression while easing the anxiety often tied to writing challenges. With examples tailored for various age groups, she emphasizes the importance of positive feedback and innovative approaches in nurturing young writers.

In this poignant conversation, Tia Levings, an author and survivor of a high-control religion, shares her harrowing journey from escaping domestic abuse to embracing a new life. She discusses the importance of supportive communities like the Trapdoor Society and the emotional toll of leaving fundamentalist beliefs behind. Tia's memoir, "A Well-Trained Wife," serves as a powerful narrative on personal growth, the challenges of homeschooling, and the healing power of storytelling. Emphasizing courage and self-discovery, her story inspires a journey from fear to freedom.

Homeschooling can be isolating, but it shouldn’t be and it doesn’t have to be. In fact, as a homeschooling family, you have unique opportunities to meaningfully connect with all kinds of folks. In this episode, we discuss how to find community as homeschoolers and why it is so important.We discuss connecting to your local homeschooler advocacy organization, using the internet to find like-minded homeschoolers (and even non-like minded homeschoolers), and coming up with ways to integrate non-homeschoolers into your fun learning experiences.We also dive into why community is important. Yes, social media can show you some reels of cool project ideas, but ongoing conversations and relationships drive deeper growth. That’s why we created Brave Learner Home. We discuss the Braver Learner Home features and invite you to join!Resources:Join the community at Brave Learner HomeWatch the Brave Writer Summer Camp webinar replaysStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Download our free Summer Games guideDon’t miss Brave Writer’s Fall Class RegistrationListen to Episode 189. Party Schooling with Lise McGuinnessSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawileyProduced by NOVA Media

Julie Bogart, an enthusiastic advocate for integrating the Summer Olympics into educational activities, shares her contagious excitement for the upcoming Games. She recounts cherished Olympic memories and discusses the enriching educational opportunities stemming from the events. From geography to poetry, she illustrates how these themes can enhance family learning. Julie also offers creative ideas for personal summer games, fostering creativity and sportsmanship at home, while highlighting the significance of the Paralympics and global connections through sports.

Lindsay Smith, an innovative homeschooling mom and creator behind fun book projects, shares her journey of transforming traditional education into a creative adventure. She discusses the importance of visual timelines that celebrate milestones and skills gained. Lindsay also offers insights into using literature to foster engagement in writing. From creative storytelling to employing hands-on history lessons, she shares practical tips for parents looking to enhance their children's learning experiences while making education enjoyable.

Discover the natural stages of writing development for high schoolers as parents become vital writing coaches. Explore the transition from verbal reasoning to effective written arguments. Embrace individuality in learning and the importance of essay structure backed by credible sources. Uncover how teenagers can harness rhetorical imagination and engage in dialogues about their work. Delve into the evolving landscape of college admissions, emphasizing the value of personal narratives in essays and the power of writing skills across various professions.