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  • Chances are someone you know will have a sick child hospitalized at some point. In this episode, Melissa explains how you can best support that parent and caregiver. Melissa herself has had two of her kiddos hospitalized so her suggestions come from lived experiences.

    First, Melissa discusses the practical physical items you can bring to a caregiver in the hospital: toiletries, quality food, and a kettle or wand for warm drinks. She also describes some digital gifts that you can send. Then she describes what little acts of service you can do: doing the laundry, lending an ear, and taking care of the siblings of the hospitalized child.

    Sometimes caregivers are so overwhelmed or shy that they don’t know what to ask for. If your friend is having trouble expressing what they need, start with the items in this episode and then go from there.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Melissa’s Medical Summary TemplateThe embroidery kits mentioned in the episode can be found at cozybluehandmade.comCheck out libro.fm to buy audiobooks from independent sellers (rather than Amazon/Audible)Here are the nice pens Melissa mentioned in the episode: Jetpens.comCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesVirtually wonder through the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs Read all Brave Writer class descriptionsCheck out the Brave Writer Fall Class Schedule Join Brave Writer 101Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack:
  • Leaves changing color, evenings getting chillier–autumn is a wonderful time of the year to turn our attention toward the natural world around us. Today’s episode is all about how to facilitate nature study for your kids.

    We cover resources that can help you on your journey. We also give you specific practices you can try out with your family. 

    Most importantly, we dig into why nature study is so beneficial to educational development and well-being. Remember, if you have nature study projects that you have really enjoyed, please share them with us!

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.For all the books mentioned in this episode, check out the Brave Writer Book Shop. Learn more about the 1000 Hours Outside platform.Learn more about nature studies at JohnMuirLaws.com.Check out the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs. Read all Brave Writer class descriptions here. Check out the Brave Writer class schedule for Fall Learn more about 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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

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  • We tend to have a pretty clear idea of what practice looks like for musicians and athletes. But what does practice look like for writers? In today’s episode, Julie and Melissa discuss what writing practice can look like for writers of all ages and developmental stages.

    Julie and Melissa describe their own daily writing practices and those of well-known authors. Then they dive into how you can facilitate your child’s practice. They anchor their discussion with the new Brave Writer product “Practice Pages.”

    With references to Flannery O’Connor, judgy teenagers, and gleefully vindictive youngsters with the red editing pen in their hands, this conversation is as entertaining as it is informative. Enjoy!

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Watch this space for our new Brave Writer Practice Pages—including a sample you can download (available in late October)For the books we mention in this episode, check out the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs Take a look at all the Brave Writer class descriptions Check out the Class Schedule for Fall Register for Brave Writer 101 Listen to Episode 202: “Make It Stick”Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Ever have one of those days where the kids won’t stop bickering, everything seems difficult, and overall there’s just bad energy? In today’s episode, we give you tips and tricks on how to turn the mood around…or at least keep your own internal peace.

    We give ideas that are focused on the body: movement and the five senses. We also give tips that are focused on the surroundings: making a small, new setting in your home or even going out to new learning spaces.

    For a full list of the ideas we share in this episode, go to our website and download the PDF we have ready for you.

    And remember, if all else fails, it’s ok to let the kids watch TV for a little bit while you hide and eat chocolate.

    Resources:

    Download our PDF of the ideas we’ve shared in this episode (link to come—we can add it to the doc later)Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Learn more about Brave Writer’s “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbookPeruse the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsCheck about all Brave Writer class descriptions Click here for the Class Schedule for Fall 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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • What does it mean to be adultist? Do children have a right to not brush their teeth… or the right not to have cavities? Eloise Rickman joins the show today to discuss her new book, “It's Not Fair, Why It's Time for a Grown-Up Conversation About How Adults Treat Children.”

    We have a big juicy conversation about human development, education, societal structures, lived experiences, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    If you’re looking for absolute answers, then this episode isn’t for you. But if you want to hear three homeschool moms discuss how they find the daily balance between guiding children and listening to them, you’re in the right place.

    Resources:

    Connect with Eloise on Instagram: @mightymother_Check out Eloise’s website: EloiseRickman.comFind her book, “It’s Not Fair: Why It’s Time for a Grown-Up Conversation About How Adults Treat Children” in the Brave Writer Bookshop: bravewriter.com/book-shopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsCheck about all Brave Writer class descriptions Click here for the Class Schedule for Fall Learn more about Brave Writer’s “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbookStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Read the UN Convention on the Rights of the ChildWatch “School Circles” Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by

  • The sound of Moroccan Arabic, the smell of dried buffalo chips, the taste of sugary mint tea, the view of an open prairie–in today’s episode Julie and Melissa reflect on immersive learning experiences and how education becomes a part of a person for the rest of their life.

    Julie is back from her trip to Europe, having spent a significant amount of her time in Spain. Always the homeschooler, she describes events on her journey that illuminated the true meaning of learning and teaching. She and Melissa discuss the joy that comes from being a lifelong learner alongside adult kids.

    As the academic new year begins, this episode is a great way to fall back in love with education.

    Resources:

    Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics Programs Peruse the virtual bookshelves in the Brave Writer Book ShopRead all the https://bravewriter.com/online-classesCheck out the Fall Class ScheduleSign 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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • As homeschooling parents, one of our biggest concerns is ensuring our children are ready for college when the time comes (if they choose that path). Today, we’re joined by Elizabeth Christie, homeschooling mom of six, who tells us about how her Brave Writers are now excelling in college.

    Tune in to hear how Elizabeth’s kids sailed through college application essays, how her daughter was recruited to be a well-paid student writing tutor, and how her son has excelled as a technical writer. 

    If you’ve ever wondered about the power of read-aloud time or chunk writing, this is the episode for you.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Check out all the 2024-2025 Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature Program  class descriptions.Take a look at the Class Schedule for Fall. Learn more about 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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • “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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Literary analysis shouldn’t be a cold dissection that increases the distance between the reader and the text, but rather a way for the reader to more deeply engage with the text. In today’s episode, Julie lays out Brave Writer’s approach to teaching literary analysis and writer’s craft to your kids. This is a rebroadcast of a training webinar.

    Literary analysis and noticing a writer’s craft can start before your child even learns how to read, Julie explains. Daily read-aloud time, with pauses to notice feelings about the text and guess what comes next, builds your child’s critical thinking skills. Literary analysis doesn’t need to be bound to books either–using a remote while watching TV shows or movies can work in much the same way.

    Julie then goes through each age bracket, showing how literary analysis can build a deeper love of literature and greater self-awareness.

    If you find this episode helpful, be sure to check out our Brave Writer 101 training, where we coach you on giving kinder, more meaningful writing instruction to your child.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Welcome to Julie’s webinar, “The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling.” Since Julie is taking a short break from the podcast to focus on her newest book, we’re replacing our typical podcast with a broadcast of this webinar.

    Throughout the webinar, Julie weaves a metaphor for grammar, punctuation, and spelling: Grammar is the rules of the word-party, punctuation is the decorator and bouncer, and spelling is the personal stylist.

    Most importantly, Julie reminds anxious parents that, at the end of the day, what children really need to learn is how grammar, punctuation, and spelling serve their self expression. It’s not about memorizing rules or being perfect. It’s about repeated exposure to meaningful experiences with living literature.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Check out the 2024-2025 Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature Programs.You can find “Charlotte’s Web” and other books in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Get free samples of our Brave Writer products.Want the digital Brave Writer products professionally printed and quickly shipped to your home? Order physical copies from The Homeschool Printing Company.Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Once you view time as a gift to be savored, you can start to naturally exchange agendas for rhythms and arbitrary expectations for deep learning. This is one of the takeaway messages from The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning, a book by experienced homeschooling mom Leslie Martino.

    Leslie is our guest on the program today. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees in education from Columbia University, taught as an elementary school teacher, and now homeschools her four kids, ages 10-14. Her book is a meditation on the joy of slow as well as a how-to guide for homeschooling families.

    In our conversation today, we dive into creating time and space for critical reflection, the importance of depth over breadth, and savoring joyful connection with our loved ones. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the question,  “Are my kids learning fast enough?” this episode will (hopefully) bring a little peace and calm to your soul.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Find “The Joy of Slow” in the Brave Writer Book ShopCheck out Leslie's webinar at Brave Learner HomeLearn more at Leslie's website: LeslieMartino.com/Follow Leslie on Instagram: @lesliemmartinoSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • What’s living literature? What does it have to do with teaching your kids grammar and spelling? Today’s episode is a recording of Julie’s webinar where she explains the heart of Brave Writer’s approach to teaching writing.

    Julie explains how immersion in rich, powerful literature is the best way to teach your child writing mechanics. She outlines the Brave Writer process in six steps: Parent reads aloud; student reads to themselves; student keenly observes what they read and asks investigative questions; student tests what they know through copywork and dictation; student corrects their own work; and student free writes.

    With specific examples and colorful anecdotes, Julie dives into the details for each step. She also breaks them down by program level: The Quill (5-7 year olds), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), and Slingshot (15-18).

    If you’ve been looking for a distillation of what exactly Brave Writer is, this is the episode for you.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Check out the 2024-2025 Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature Programs.You can find “Braiding Sweetgrass” and other books in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Get free samples of our Brave Writer products.Want the digital Brave Writer products professionally printed and quickly shipped to your home? Order physical copies from The Homeschool Printing Company.Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684.

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Tia Levings was trapped in a high-control religion, experiencing church-sanctioned domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. Her only relief was the Trapdoor Society online message boards where she could discuss big ideas about education and human development.

    Years later, she barely escaped with her and her kids’ lives.

    Tia joins us today for an emotional, deeply meaningful episode where we discuss our intertwined stories and her new memoir, “A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.”

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Check out the Brave Writer Book Shop for Tia’s book and all other books mentioned on our podcastLearn more at TiaLevings.comFollow Tia on Instagram: @tialevingsSubscribe to Tia’s Substack, “The AntiFundamentalist” Watch “Shiny Happy People” on Amazon PrimeSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • 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) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • If you aren’t already excited about the Summer Olympics, the episode is going to get you there. Julie’s passion for The Games is contagious. She shares some of her favorite Olympic memories as well as how she integrated the events into her kids’ learning.

    Geography, physics, pageantry, dedication, loss–the Olympics and Paralympics have it all. Throw in some globes, homemade medals, and poetry, and for almost three weeks your home will be a hub of multi-disciplinary fandom.

    Go to the Brave Writer website and download the free Summer Games Guide: bravewriter.com/landing/2024-summer-games-guide.

    Resources:

    Start 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 guideMake writing more enjoyable with our Tools for the Art of WritingCatch the replays of our Summer Camp webinarsDon’t miss Fall Class Registration Read “The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life”Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Lindsay Smith caught our eye on Instagram with all the cool book projects she does with her homeschool kids. We are thrilled she accepted our invitation to be our guest on today’s show to tell us more about them.

    We discuss the importance of fun, visual timelines of accomplishments: books read, skills gained, and milestones achieved. Timelines also act as lessons themselves, building summary skills and even historical inquiry chops.

    Plus, Lindsay gives us her perspective as a homeschooling mom currently using the Brave Writer Dart program and explains what it is like to be in our Refer-a-Friend program.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Make writing more enjoyable with our Tools for the Art of WritingHere’s our free Summer Games Guide Sign up for Brave Writer Summer CampDon’t miss the first day of Fall Class Registration on July 22Sign up by the end of July for the Brave Writer TrainingCheck out the Dart Year-Long ProgramBecome part of the Brave Writer Refer-a-Friend ProgramCheck out Lindsay’s accordion-fold Dart project at LittleSchoolofSmiths.comFollow Lindsay on Instagram Lindsay's IG: @LittleSchoolofSmithsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by

  • Welcome to our fourth episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the High School Writers stage, broken up into two parts: The Great Conversation (freshmen and sophomores) and The Rhetorical Imagination (college prep).

    It can feel overwhelming for homeschooling parents to teach writing at the high school level, but it doesn’t have to. We talk about keeping it simple: the basic architecture of an essay, deeply engaging with perspectives, and of course, big juicy conversations.

    Be sure to check the show notes’ resources section for links to all the writing programs we discuss in this episode, plus links to our free Olympics guide, Fall Class Registration (beginning July 22), Brave Writer Training (sign-up ends July 31), 

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Make writing more enjoyable with our Tools for the Art of WritingRead Understood BetsyHere’s our free Summer Games Guide Sign up for Brave Writer Summer CampDon’t miss the first day of Fall Class Registration on July 22Sign up by the end of July for the Brave Writer TrainingCheck out the High School Writers’ BundleLearn more about the Help for High School ProgramBuy the Boomerang Year-Long Program (ages 13-14)Take a look at the Slingshot Year-Long Program (ages 15-18)Don’t forget about the Building Confidence Program (ages 11-12)Register for the Reading the Essay class (registration opens July 22) Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook:
  • Welcome to our third episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the Middle School Writers stage, which typically occurs around ages 9-12.

    This stage is all about building confidence, instilling in your student that they can consistently express themselves well in writing. 

    We dive into freewriting practices—generating ideas and writing in short spurts. We also walk through how to do low-stakes revisions to help kids get comfortable with messing with their writing after it is on the page. We also talk about non-writing activities students can do that contribute to their writing skills.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Sign up by the end of July for the Brave Writer TrainingHere’s our free Summer Games Guide Check out the Middle School Writers Bundle Learn more about our Building Confidence projectsBuy the Building Confidence Bundle Check out our list of Tools for the Art of WritingSign up for Brave Writer Summer CampView all the Brave Writer BundlesSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Welcome to our second episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the Emerging Writers stage, which typically occurs around ages 8-10. 

    We explain that the key to the Emerging Writers stage is partnership. Parents need to partner with their kids while writing, just like parents naturally partner with their kids while teaching them how to drive a car, or any other major life skill.

    We dive into exactly what this looks like, and all of its benefits. Plus, we talk about the Brave Writer Emerging Writers Bundle and the Dart and Partnership Writing Bundle– don’t forget, they’re on sale through the end of June!

    Resources:

    Big juicy questions. Memories that last a lifetime. Meaningful ways to learn grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If this way of homeschooling speaks to you, check out our Brave Writer programs: Quill (ages 5-7), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), Slingshot (15-18). On sale through the end of June. Sale includes a free lifetime membership to Brave Learner Home. Purchase by June 30 to take advantage of this deal!Check out the Brave Writer Emerging Writers Bundle, on sale through the end of June.Check out the Dart & Partnership Writing Bundle, on sale through the end of June.Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • We’re re-recording our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! If you’re a longtime listener, you may remember our first series on the topic. It was made up of conversations between Julie and her son. Now we’re recording in an updated format with more lessons learned and observations gleaned over the years.

    In this episode, we cover the Beginning Writers stage, also known as the “Jot It Down” stage. This stage actually starts when your baby says their first word and you reflexively write it down. As they grow older and break out into passionate stories like toddlers do, jot down those stories right there in the moment. In this stage you’re teaching your child that writing is simply capturing thought in words that can be preserved for an interested audience.

    Julie and Melissa share adorable anecdotes of when they did this with their own children, not only building a foundational concept of writing, but also preserving invaluable family moments.

    Be sure to stick around for the end of the episode to learn about the Beginning Writers Bundle and the Quill and Jot It Down Bundle. All are one sale through the end of June!

    Resources:

    Big juicy questions. Memories that last a lifetime. Meaningful ways to learn grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If this way of homeschooling speaks to you, check out our Brave Writer programs: Quill (ages 5-7), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), Slingshot (15-18). On sale through the end of June. Sale includes a free lifetime membership to Brave Learner Home. Purchase by June 30 to take advantage of this deal!Check out the Brave Writer Beginning Writers Bundle, on sale through the end of JuneCheck out the Quill and Jot It Down Bundle, on sale through the end of JuneStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media