Some words are easy to confuse with each other.
For example:
Write a story where a character keeps getting those words mixed up!
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We’re continuing our deep dive discussion into Amber O’Neal Johnston’s new book, A Place to Belong.
Previously in Part One, we talked about what led Amber to write the book—having a big juicy discussion around family culture, normalizing difficult conversations, and building a framework for inclusion within the family. We also talked about the different ways books can be viewed through a cultural lens: As mirrors, windows, or sliding doors.
Today on the Brave Writer podcast, we’re picking up the conversation around curating the home library.
Representation in Children’s Literature
Children’s literature plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds. It’s essential for every child to find themselves mirrored in the stories they read, building both self-identity and empathy. However, the landscape of children’s books isn’t always as diverse as it should be. Black, middle-grade authors, for instance, often find themselves limited by industry expectations, pressing the need for a broader range of stories that reflect varied experiences. Still, we must work towards expanding our children’s libraries from ones that are colorblind to ones that are colorful.
The Problem with the “Single Story” Approach
Relying on a “single story” approach in literature can inadvertently limit a child’s understanding and perpetuate stereotypes. Imagine a librarian recommending books based solely on racial assumptions, missing the mark on the actual experiences of the readers. Such instances highlight the broader challenge of biases in literature and underscore the importance of diverse narratives.
Living Books & Home Libraries
The term “living books” captures the essence of literature that deeply resonates with readers. But how can parents curate a collection of such impactful books at home? The key lies in selecting stories that not only entertain but also:
A well-thought-out home library can be a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for young minds.
Family Culture & Legacy
Family traditions, recipes, and shared stories form the bedrock of our cultural heritage. By cherishing and passing down these memories, we offer children a sense of shared history and identity. This rich tapestry of familial experiences serves as a foundation, grounding children and giving them a clear sense of belonging and identity.
Legacy Mindset
Every action today shapes the legacy of tomorrow. Instilling a “legacy mindset” in children means teaching them to recognize the importance of their current experiences in crafting their personal and collective histories. Whether it’s cherishing today’s moments or planning for the future, understanding the significance of the present empowers children to shape a brighter, more intentional future.
The stories we share with our children, the traditions we uphold, and the values we instill form the backbone of their worldview. As guardians of the next generation, it’s our responsibility to curate experiences that are both reflective of their identity and expansive in perspective. By embracing diverse literature, cherishing family legacies, and fostering a forward-thinking mindset, we empower our children to navigate the world with:
Let’s commit to laying down a foundation rich in stories and values that will guide them today and inspire them tomorrow.
Produced by NOVA Media
I once met a lady who homeschools
While juggling a baby who drools
She fought to teach writing
Stop the toddlers from biting
And forgot a semicolon’s rules
Is this you? It was surely one of my best friends. She came to me with exasperation.
How was she supposed to know all the rules of punctuation?
How could she teach it without the kids devolving into a fight?
We talked—and lo and behold! She discovered she, too, could lead a writing program even without a copyeditor’s knowledge of all the grammar rules! You can too.
I designed a bunch of programs that are kid (and parent!) friendly.
You can purchase two-product bundles to get started or to supplement Growing Brave Writers (if you’ve already got it). These products teach literature, grammar, punctuation, and developmentally scaled writing assignments.
Hop on board so that we can rewrite that limerick to read:
I once met a lady who homeschools
At ease with writing rules
Her kids self-expressed
Wordy missives—the best!
Brave Writer gave her the tools
If you’re looking for some additional support, check out our online classes.
Psst: Do you have new-to-Brave-Writer friends? You can get a discount for them and for yourself using our Refer-a-Friend program!
We cannot underestimate the power of fatigue to crush the life out of even the strongest of us! Take a nap, swing in a hammock, snooze.
The most difficult resource to keep in stock is rest.
It affects our:
When you find yourself short, disorganized, bored, sounding the alarm that the world is ending, ask yourself when last you got 6-8 hours of sleep without constant interruption.
It’s difficult to catch up when you breastfeed or have a chronic bedwetter. I know. That’s why taking naps, having a partner who can swap sleeps with you (so you’re not on call every night), and even resorting to booking a room at a hotel for a night just for you can change your life.
When in doubt, assume you need more sleep. Then find a way to get it.
(Also: throw in a dose of sunshine. Get outside where the sun can kiss your skin… it helps.)
This post is originally from my @juliebravewriter Instagram account.
Follow along for more conversations like this one!
There’s a phrase that goes, “I need to catch up on sleep.” Imagine that Sleep is actually running away from you after a poor night’s rest. Describe how you’d try to reach them and then convince them to stay longer next time.
New to freewriting? Check out our online guide.
