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Friday Freewrite: Two Gifts
Today’s freewriting prompt:
Two gifts (one large and one small) find themselves side by side. Write their conversation!
New to freewriting?
Freewriting is that wonderful key that unlocks the writer within. It’s the vehicle by which we trick our inner selves into divesting the words and ideas that we want to share but are afraid won’t come out right on paper if we do. So, read the freewriting prompt, set the timer for 5-10 minutes then write whatever comes to mind. Just keep the pencil moving!
Need more help? Check out our free online guide.
[Podcast #267] Natural Learning and the Brain
Learning is a natural function of the brain. As teachers, our job is to facilitate that natural function. In today’s Brave Writer podcast episode, we dive into the research around how brains perform learning and the ideal conditions for optimal learning.
We dig into Renata and Geoffrey Caine’s research on the topic, focusing on three key areas:
- orchestrated immersion,
- relaxed alertness,
- and active processing.
We explain how each one works and how to leverage them as homeschooling parents.
This episode is packed with information and ‘lipstick drops’ (you’ll understand after you listen). It will give you tools to create more ‘aha moments’ for you and your learners.
Show Notes
Orchestrated Immersion
Orchestrated Immersion is sometimes known best as the popular ‘strewing’ method. It is when you strategically invite children to approach learning through their own curiosity. For example, Julie leaves bird books and binoculars out when her grandchildren come to visit. She also has her granddaughter help her restock the bird feeders. These items pique her granddaughter’s curiosity and she naturally starts asking questions about birds and the environment. Learning is done best when it organically comes about from real-world contexts.
Relaxed Alertness
Relaxed alertness is the practice of maintaining a highly challenging environment with no pressure. The Caines describe it as ‘a state of mind that combines confidence, competence, and intrinsic motivation in the learner with a low degree of threat.’ It’s an ideal state for learning. In Brave Writer, we stimulate this state by providing motor- and sensory-rich exercises like Keen Observation of an Item.
Active Processing
Kids (and adults) learn best when they consolidate and internalize information by actively processing it. Kids often get overwhelmed by abstract learning and shut down. The more you can literally put learning in their own hands, the better. For example, baking can be a great exercise in fractions– if something goes wrong, you can taste it!
The more you can incorporate this research on how the brain works in your homeschooling, the more ‘aha moments’ you and your kids will 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
- Find the book ‘Making Connections’ in the Brave Writer Book Shop
- Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
- Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
- Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
- 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: @juliebravewriter
- Threads: @juliebravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Connect with Melissa
- Website: melissawiley.com
- Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
- Instagram: @melissawileybooks
Produced by NOVA
That Annoying Curiosity
You can’t indulge your children’s outrageous curiosity every day, but you can stay alert to those moments when it would change the entire dynamic of your homeschool.
Sometimes the tedium of a routine deserves to be disrupted by a child’s wild imagination and your participation in it!
“Pay attention to when a child’s ideas irritate you. Could it be that your child is exercising an outrageous imagination? Is the idea too complicated messy or expensive? Are the questions bigger than what you can easily explain?” (The Brave Learner)
I remember one of mine wanting to know the word origins for cuss words—like how did we get them? Why were they bad? Yeah: annoying! But he went on to major in linguistics!
So be on the lookout for your kids’ annoying curiosity, and be open to exploring it with them.
This post was originally shared on Instagram.
Watch the accompanying reel for more.
Friday Freewrite: Decorating
Today’s freewriting prompt:
Do you enjoy decorating for special occasions like a holiday or birthday? Why or why not?
New to freewriting?
Freewriting is that wonderful key that unlocks the writer within. It’s the vehicle by which we trick our inner selves into divesting the words and ideas that we want to share but are afraid won’t come out right on paper if we do. So, read the freewriting prompt, set the timer for 5-10 minutes then write whatever comes to mind. Just keep the pencil moving!
Need more help? Check out our free online guide.
[Podcast #266] Julie’s Back!
You may have noticed that Melissa’s been hosting the podcast solo recently. Today we learn why Julie has been absent and what she’s learned while she’s been away.
We talk about Julie’s experience with her mother’s illness, leading Julie to reflect on how her mother created a homeschooling culture for her kids even though they were enrolled in traditional school.
Also, we review how the Brave Writer’s Day Off Conference went and discuss our favorite parts.
Join us as we celebrate Julie’s return!
Show Notes
Homeschooling is about intentional action as parents. That’s why parents of kids who attend traditional school can still provide a homeschooling culture at home for them. That’s also why we should focus on action when we do homeschooling parent development.
Homeschool Culture for Traditionally Schooled Kids
Growing up, Julie went to a traditional school, yet she still considers her mom a kind of “homeschooling parent.” Julie’s mom established a culture of reading in the household. She also put on parties for her kids and their friends to dive deep into enriching topics.
For any parent out there who wishes they were homeschooling, Julie’s mother is a great example that it’s possible, no matter where your kids spend the school day.
Brave Writer’s Day Off Conference
Most conferences are full of a lot of sitting and listening to talks. Not Brave Writer’s. The Brave Writer’s Day Off Conference this year was full of “doing the thing.” They had a snowball fight for narration, practiced reverse dictation, and visited a Shakespeare play.
We know kids learn best by doing, but sometimes we forget adults are the same! As you seek to grow as a parent, remember to pursue what brings you alive and join your kids in finding connections and passion in everything.
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 the Brave Writer Practice Pages
- Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
- Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
- Explore the Brave Writer Book Shop
- 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: @juliebravewriter
- Threads: @juliebravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Connect with Melissa
- Website: melissawiley.com
- Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
- Instagram: @melissawileybooks
Produced by NOVA
