We’ve had a lot of conversations about Big Juicy Conversations in Brave Writer. Here’s a collection of some of our favorite blog posts on the subject.
by Amy Frantz, Brave Writer alum
The March household has fallen on rough times. Mr. March is away fighting in the war, and the March sisters–Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy–along with their mother must keep themselves afloat financially while the four girls face the growing pains of transitioning into young women. Jo, a tomboy and an aspiring writer, must learn to mitigate her fiery temper as she navigates changing relationships within her family, as well as her burgeoning friendships outside the home, while she struggles to find an identity and a place in society.
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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was originally published in the late 1860s in two volumes (Little Women and Good Wives), which are now sometimes sold as one book under the first title. The classic coming of age story depicting young American women was written at the behest of Alcott’s publisher who wanted her to write something for young girls. Since its publication, Little Women has enjoyed popularity among people of all ages and differing social spheres. Its themes of growing up and the struggle to find and maintain an individual identity amidst social pressures to conform struck a resonate chord with its readership which continues to echo into the present day.
The book has been adapted into many mediums, including stage and film. In 1994, it was yet again adapted to screen. Starring Winona Ryder as Jo March, it was filmed on location in Vancouver and directed by Gillian Armstrong. With beautiful cinematography and music, and special attention paid to the props and costume design to maintain the 1860s period feel, the film creates a gorgeous setting for the story of the March sisters.
Learn language arts with the Little Women Boomerang!
The Boomerang is a monthly digital downloadable product that features copywork and dictation passages from a specific read aloud novel. It is geared toward 8th to 10th graders (ages 12—advanced, 13-15) and is the indispensable tool for Brave Writer parents who want to teach language arts in a natural, literature-bathed context.
Let’s look at the habit of perfectionism. We all know, deep down, that we have to let go of this compulsion to do things right on the first try, if we want to get better at living a satisfying life. So if we all know that, why do so many of us have this bad habit?
To figure that out, we’re going to:
When is perfectionism actually appropriate?
Surgery, decontamination, banking, construction – these are all situations where perfectionism is not only appropriate, but desired.
But in these situations where striving for perfection is appropriate, it’s usually about protecting life or ensuring safety. If somebody’s life is in your hands, you better do it right – and that is the only time we want you to pursue perfection!
(more…)
Describe the members of your family as different kinds of flowers.
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