Author Archive

Character Comes from Within

Brave Writer

Character is not something you form in your child. It comes from within.

It’s having enough sense of self that you make good decisions. It means you are taking responsibility for yourself and the well being of others.

If you don’t have access to what it feels like to have well being, you will harm others trying to get it. The greatest gift we can give our children is the ability to make their own joy and contentment.

Of course they will face pain and suffering as all human beings do. But it’s those who have known joy (that inner wellspring of feeling rightside up in the world) who can grieve, recover, and imagine a brighter future for everyone.

Go forth. Enjoy. Let go a little.

Ask yourself: how will I bring a little joy into my kids’ lives this week (so they grow in character)?

This post was originally shared on Instagram.
Watch the accompanying reel for more.

Brave Writer Welcome Home Replays news

Posted in Parenting | Comments Off on Character Comes from Within

Brave Learning: Why Reading Aloud Matters

Brave Learning Reading Aloud

Recently on Brave Learning…

Why Reading Aloud Matters [Public]

It’s the core of education.

Reading Together

I spent hours of my adult life nestled in the corner of the sectional, feet tucked under me, with a book in my hands. Sometimes a baby sucked on a bulging breast at the same time, and one of those babies didn’t like to listen to my voice resonating through my chest cavity. Some well-timed nips to the nipples drove home that message. Ouch!

Other times a toddler couldn’t be calmed or a middler would knock over the orange juice onto the carpet and the book would get flung back into the library basket. Reading time over! Waving the white flag.

But those were exceptions.

We made it a daily priority to read together for an hour. Read aloud time signaled the start to our homeschool day. It was the “coming together” of all of us of all the ages in all our stages, and it told us: “Yes, we homeschooled today.” [More]

P.S. I gave a FREE webinar about reading aloud (tears were shed!). Here’s the replay.

Posted in Brave Learning on Substack | Comments Off on Brave Learning: Why Reading Aloud Matters

[Podcast #291] Big Excitement Over Booklists!

Brave Writer Podcast

There’s something special about the way a great book can bring families together. At Brave Writer, we spend months curating our Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang book lists—not just for educational value, but for the joy and connection they foster.

Our guides are crafted to:

  • turn read-alouds into vibrant conversations,
  • gently teach language through real literature,
  • and empower kids to see themselves as writers.

This podcast episode dives into the thought and care behind our book selection process, the flexibility of our literature guides, and the many ways families can make reading a shared adventure. Whether you’re a long-time Brave Writer or just curious about what we offer, you’ll come away inspired to make reading the highlight of your homeschool year.

Want to experience the magic for yourself? Tune in to the full episode for a behind-the-scenes look at how we pick our books and support your family’s reading journey.

Show Notes

There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when a family gathers to read together—whether it’s cozying up on the couch, passing a beloved book back and forth, or pressing play on an audiobook during a car ride. At Brave Writer, we believe that the heart of language arts isn’t found in dry workbooks or rigid rules, but in the living literature that sparks curiosity and conversation.

Each year, we pour our energy and enthusiasm into selecting the book lists for our Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang literature guides. This process is much more than curating a set of titles—it’s about crafting an experience. We imagine families laughing, pondering, and bonding over stories that matter, with guides that turn reading into a journey of delight and discovery.

Why our book selection process matters

Selecting books for our programs is an act of deep intention. We read widely, listen to recommendations, monitor new releases, and even ask our community for their wish lists. Our goal is to create a book list that isn’t just educational, but deeply engaging—one that introduces young readers to a diversity of voices, genres, and experiences. Each year’s list balances fantasy and realism, animal tales and human adventures, familiar authors and hidden gems.

We’re always thinking about the full picture: Can this story spark big conversations? Will it foster empathy? Does it offer a fresh perspective or language that lights up a child’s imagination? Above all, we look for books that are “read-aloudable”—stories meant to be shared, discussed, and cherished together.

From books to conversations—and beyond

Our guides use hand-picked passages to gently teach grammar, punctuation, literary devices, and writer’s craft—all in the context of vibrant stories. We don’t treat language as a set of rigid rules, but as a set of conventions that evolve over time and serve communication. We aim to demystify writing without taking away its magic. When kids discover what onomatopoeia or personification means, or swap nouns and verbs in a sentence, they step into the world of writers and begin to see themselves as authors of their own stories.

The best moments aren’t about ticking off grammar points—they’re the conversations that spill over from stories. Our “big juicy questions” are designed to invite connection: What would you do if you were this character? Has your perspective changed now that you’ve finished the book? These aren’t quizzes, but jumping-off points for real discussion—whether that’s at the breakfast table, while doing dishes, or during a long walk.

Literature guides that grow with your family

We know every family is unique, so our resources are flexible. Whether you’re dipping into a single literature guide, combining programs for multiple ages, or building a unit study around a favorite topic, you’ll find tools that meet you where you are. And yes—listening to audiobooks counts! However you engage with stories, you’re building language and connection.

At Brave Writer, we’re passionate about helping you build a reading life filled with joy, meaning, and shared adventure. The right book can change everything. Here’s to another year of turning pages, making memories, and growing together.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #291] Big Excitement Over Booklists!

Get in the Party Spirit!

Brave Writer Party Spirit

We’ve talked about the educational importance of parties. Essential.

But what if you’re nervous? Or what if you’re not quite ready to throw a big themed party?

Here are ways to dip your pinkie toe into the water.

  • Begin with “Arghhh. Ahoy mateys! What’ll ya have for br-r-r-r-r-reakfast?”
  • Continue by wearing a wig (or hat or tree branch).
  • Put M&Ms in a bowl unattended for the whole day.
  • Join the board (or video) game right when they ask. Yell, shriek, be competitive!
  • Binge-watch the extended version of LOTR or all of the Bluey episodes or every season of Abbott Elementary.

Got it? These will warm you up!

Which one will you do first?

This post is originally from Instagram and @juliebravewriter is my account there so come follow along for more conversations like this one!

Brave Learner Home

Posted in Homeschool Advice | Comments Off on Get in the Party Spirit!

Brave Learning: Congratulations to the Class of 2025

Brave Learning Congrats Class of 2025

Above image: Noah, after high school graduation, in Cinque Terre, Italy

Recently on Brave Learning…

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 [Public]

If you have a graduating student this year, my heartfelt congratulations! That is no small feat! In your honor, I offer your family this commencement address.

Noah, my oldest, said to me once when I tried to shoehorn him into my fear-based vision of what his future ought to be:

“Mom, you raised me in an unconventional way—now you want me to be a conventional person?”

Zinged by my own values! My own kid!

Homeschooling, whether you realize it yet or not, is the radical unconventional status-quo defying choice your parents made on your behalf when you were too young to know better. Instead of yellow school buses, apples for the teacher, and lunch boxes, you stayed home. [More]

Subscribe to Brave Learning on Substack where we chat, discuss, problem-solve, and create together. Here’s what you can expect: weekly themed content, freewriting prompts, and a podcast for kiddos called Monday Morning Meeting (first 6 are free)! 

Brave Learning with Julie Bogart on Substack

Posted in Brave Learning on Substack | Comments Off on Brave Learning: Congratulations to the Class of 2025