Archive for the ‘Podcasts’ Category

[Podcast #304] Teens and Books: A Deep Dive with Dawn Smith  

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder how to keep teens reading—joyfully, deeply, and on their own terms?

In this conversation with Brave Writer Director of Publishing Dawn Smith, we explore practical ways to sustain a teen’s love of books:

  • continuing read-alouds,
  • using buddy-reading systems with sticky-note annotations,
  • deciding when a movie should come before (or after) the book,
  • and leveraging picture books, audiobooks, and graphic adaptations as scaffolds into harder texts.

We also share a simple framework for building teen book lists—evaluating a single title, the mix across a year, and the overall “reading diet”—so families preserve joy while expanding range and rigor.

Show Notes

When we treat reading as shared culture rather than mere curriculum, teens build stamina for hard texts, confidence with analysis, and—most importantly—a positive association with books that lasts.

Keep Reading Aloud (Yes, Even to Teens)

Reading aloud isn’t just for early years. Teen ears benefit from tone, cadence, and vocabulary they might skip in silent reading. Try a hybrid: launch a classic with an audiobook or a few read-aloud chapters to establish rhythm and pronunciation, then hand the book off. As teens race ahead, let them summarize to you—an effortless way to practice narration and reveal what’s resonating.

Buddy Reading Makes It a Book Club

Instead of “assigning,” read alongside. Share a copy with color-coded sticky tabs or keep a traveling notebook for quotes, questions, and connections. Schedule a weekly chat (chapters 1–3 by Friday), and let teens bring the passage starters. Ownership rises when they get to say, “Let’s look at this scene together.”

Book First or Movie First? It Depends

Old “rules” fall apart when we consider real kids. For some, a film (or even a spoiler-filled recap) lowers stress and provides visual hooks so they can relax into the language of the book. Others relish building their own mental movie first. Either path can spark richer compare/contrast conversations about adaptation choices, medium constraints, and theme.

Picture Books and Graphic Texts Are Powerful Scaffolds

Picture books are compact masterclasses in structure, imagery, and sophisticated vocabulary—perfect for teens learning a new era, idea, or genre. Graphic adaptations (think epics and Shakespeare) create onramps to complex works without diluting ideas. “Windows and mirrors” apply here too: choose texts that both reflect your teen’s world and open onto others.

Curate with Three Lenses: Book, Year, and Diet

When selecting titles, ask: Why this book? What voice or community does it represent? Does the author speak from within that experience, and how do reviews from that community respond? Then zoom out: Across the year, do we have variety in genre, era, and perspective? Finally, over the whole high-school “reading diet,” are we preserving a love of reading while nudging range and rigor? Every “yes” to one long book is a “no” to three medium ones—choose intentionally.

Prioritize Joy to Power Rigor

When teens associate reading with delight and agency, they can draw on that goodwill to tackle denser academic texts later. Let them choose plenty; then support the stretches with scaffolds (audio, film, excerpts, discussion questions). Our goal isn’t to check every “canon” box—it’s to raise readers who keep reading.

Lean on Tools That Invite Discussion

Rich guides (like our teen literature studies) offer think-piece questions, writer’s-craft insights, and historical context so you don’t have to carry it all alone. Use them to seed conversation, frame comparisons, or jumpstart a paper topic—while keeping the tone invitational, not interrogational.

When we lead with companionship, flexibility, and purpose, teens don’t just finish books—they become readers for life.

Resources

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #303] Introducing Monday Morning Meetings: a Brave Writer Podcast for Kids

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wish your homeschool week started with momentum instead of Monday drag?

We’ve found that small, doable invitations right at the start of the week prime kids for curiosity, competence, and follow-through. Think five minutes of inspiration that launches hours of self-directed learning—no elaborate prep required.

In our work with families, three tiny shifts consistently flip the “on” switch for kids: cozy learning spaces, gathering the world into the home, and playful comparison that sharpens thinking.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we share kid-friendly prompts you can use right away.

We show how five-minute Monday cues, paired with simple tools like clipboards, lamps, and labels, generate ownership and momentum all week long.

Show Notes

Create a “Hidey Hole” for Focus

Environment shapes attention. When a child builds a small, cozy nook—behind a chair, under a card table, or in a closet—with a lamp, clipboard, pillows, and a blanket, the space itself signals, “This is where I do my thing.” A hidey hole reduces visual noise and invites immersion. Reading, copywork, or a short math set often feels easier when it happens someplace special. Pro tip: let kids assemble a “go bag” (clipboard, pencil, book light) so their setup is always ready. The win isn’t the fort; it’s the ownership kids feel over their learning.

Gather a Nature Table to Grow Observation

Kids love to collect. Channel that impulse into a rotating nature display: leaves, cones, bark, shells, driftwood, feathers, stones. Add index cards for handwritten labels and a magnifier for closer looks. Now you’ve built a mini-museum that evolves with the seasons and keeps curiosity alive between outings. The Nature Table is quiet science: sorting, classifying, noticing patterns, and building vocabulary. It also dignifies “treasures” by giving them a place of honor—an early lesson in curating ideas and evidence.

Try “Movie Twins” to Practice Compare & Contrast

Analytical thinking blossoms when kids hold two versions of the same story side by side (e.g., an original film and its remake). Invite them to list similarities and differences in plot beats, acting choices, costumes, or pacing. Rewatch one shared scene back-to-back and ask: Which performance convinces you? What choices change the meaning? This playful exercise builds core academic skills: identifying criteria, evaluating evidence, and articulating a point of view.

Keep It Five Minutes, Then Let Them Run

Kick off Monday with a five-minute prompt, then get out of the way. The secret isn’t length—it’s leverage. Short, vivid cues paired with concrete tools (clipboard, lamp, Ziplocs, index cards) create momentum kids can sustain on their own. If younger siblings hover, invite them into a parallel version (a mini hidey hole or a smaller collection tray) so everyone has a win.

From Micro-Invites to Macro-Growth

When we honor children’s agency—“Here’s an idea; make it yours”—we see stronger attention, better stamina, and more confident expression. A cozy nook births a reading streak. A labeled leaf becomes a paragraph. Two films turn into a lively family debate. Start small on Monday; watch the learning ripple through the week.

Resources

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #302] A Former Teacher’s Take on Homeschooling with Meredith Reyes

Brave Writer

Have you ever wondered why a classroom teacher who loved her job would leave it all behind to homeschool? That’s the story of Meredith Reyes, known as @TheStringyMama.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, Meredith shares what she learned teaching in California and Texas, why an unannounced active-shooter drill became the tipping point for her family, and how she’s navigated the shift from rigid classroom structures to a more flexible, tidal rhythm at home.

Meredith Reyes
Meredith Reyes

We talk about:

  • nature as a powerful teacher,
  • the role of interest-driven writing (yes, Minecraft counts!),
  • and the challenges—and opportunities—of raising kids in an age of AI.

Meredith’s story is candid, moving, and deeply relatable for anyone weighing the value of school versus the joy of learning. Listen in to hear her journey and take away fresh confidence for your own path.

Show Notes

From schooling goals to learning goals

Meredith’s journey illustrates the gap between institutional schooling and true learning. In classrooms, “success” is often measured by pacing guides, test prep, and compliance. At home, the focus shifts: curiosity, connection, and wonder become the driving forces. Meredith shared the story of a second-grader who resisted formulaic writing prompts but poured himself into a detailed story about Minecraft. That spark—the motivation to write because it mattered to him—showed her what authentic learning looks like.

When safety becomes the tipping point

For Meredith, the move to homeschool began as an emergency response to safety concerns. That active-shooter drill revealed the toll such practices take on children and teachers alike. While fear was the catalyst, reflection showed her that homeschooling offered more than safety—it provided space for joy, flexibility, and genuine engagement with her children.

Unlearning the micromanaged day

As a teacher, Meredith was trained to plan every minute. As a homeschool parent, she had to unlearn that rigidity. Instead, she discovered what we call “tidal schooling”—a rhythm that ebbs and flows with the seasons. Fall might feel structured and classical, winter lends itself to cozy Charlotte Mason-style projects, and spring calls for free exploration outdoors. Meredith has learned to embrace rhythm over rigidity, a shift many of us recognize in our own homeschool journeys.

The power of nature

Some of Meredith’s most moving stories come from days outdoors with her children: discovering fossils in a creek, meeting snapping turtles, and watching curiosity bloom in real time. These experiences remind us that children don’t need to memorize species names to become naturalists—they need a reason to care. Nature provides that point of contact where questions naturally arise and knowledge sticks.

AI in the living room

Meredith also sounded a warning for parents about artificial intelligence. When her son’s Alexa device evolved into a conversational partner—complete with giggles and questions—he began confusing machine responses for relationship. Her story highlights the need to teach children how to use AI as a tool without outsourcing the human connection that fuels real learning.

What parents really need

Meredith is clear: you don’t need a teaching credential to homeschool. Classroom training equips teachers to manage 30 students to a standard. Home education is different—it’s about knowing your own children deeply and creating an environment where those learners can thrive. Her story is a reminder that attentiveness, flexibility, and curiosity matter more than credentials.

Meredith’s voice adds depth and honesty to the broader homeschooling conversation. She reminds us that protecting curiosity, nurturing safety, and choosing rhythms that fit our families are what make learning come alive.

Resources

Connect with Julie

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #301] A Gentle Rollout to Your Homeschool Year

Brave Writer Podcast

One of the best parts of homeschooling is the freedom to start the year in a way that works for your family. Instead of overwhelming everyone with a full schedule on day one, you can begin with connection and fun—like a “Not Back to School” outing, a day of games, or a creative project.

Personal notes to each child, wish lists of activities, and a few well-chosen dates on the calendar can keep momentum going all year. By adding subjects gradually, stocking up on creative supplies, and valuing the experience of learning, you set the tone for a joyful, sustainable year.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we share practical tips, creative ideas, and mindset shifts to help you roll out your homeschool year gently while building:

  • curiosity,
  • creativity,
  • and connection.

Listen in for ways to make your start feel exciting and doable—for both you and your kids.

Show Notes

Personal notes to spark connection

Write a short, personalized note to each child, sharing what you’re looking forward to learning together this year. Mention both academic goals and personal interests—maybe learning fractions, teaching you a favorite card game, or visiting the zoo. These little notes communicate that you see and value your child as a whole person.

Invite your kids to share their own “wish list” for the year. By scheduling a few of these special activities on the calendar—like an apple-picking trip or skipping math for a day—you give them something to look forward to and break up routine fatigue.

Feather in academics

Instead of starting with a full schedule, introduce one subject at a time over several days. Begin with a beloved read-aloud, then add math the next day, history the day after, and so on. This approach prevents burnout and allows everyone to ease into new materials and routines.

For subjects like math, spark interest by letting kids flip through the year’s book and choose a page they find intriguing. Use that as a goal to work toward, identifying the skills needed to get there. This gives learning a sense of purpose and progression.

Stock up on supplies for creativity

A well-stocked supply cabinet is the secret weapon of a smooth homeschool start. Overfill it with markers, scissors, glue sticks, manipulatives, art paper, modeling clay, dress-up clothes, and other open-ended materials. Having resources on hand means you can follow inspiration without a midday store run.

For younger children, prioritize large paper for big movements; for older ones, consider giving them more control over their tools—perhaps a favorite mug, notebook, or even a backpack if they want one. And remember: quality paper can make even the cheapest watercolors look beautiful.

Value the experience of learning

A gentle rollout isn’t just about pacing—it’s about atmosphere. Do fairy wings make math more fun? Does a glue gun help bring a story to life? These touches make learning feel good, which keeps kids engaged.

There’s no need to stand up your whole homeschool in the first week—or even the first month. Start small, layer in new elements, and focus on building an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and connection. Over time, the routines will form naturally, and your homeschool year will be off to a joyful, sustainable start.

Resources

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #300] The 300th Episode (our best homeschool advice!)

Brave Writer Podcast

Homeschooling isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, curiosity, and adapting to your family’s needs.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode (our 300th!), we revisit three core principles that have guided our approach through the years:

  1. honoring spontaneous self-expression by jotting down our children’s words,
  2. remembering there are no educational emergencies (kids learn at their own pace),
  3. and staying flexible by changing the topic or the context when resistance pops up.

When we let go of pressure and focus on our children’s interests, we create an environment where learning truly thrives.

Show Notes

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over years of supporting homeschooling families, it’s this: the secret to a thriving homeschool isn’t about having the perfect curriculum or checking every box. It’s about connection, curiosity, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of family life and learning. With each season, we return again and again to a set of core principles that make home education both joyful and sustainable.

Jot It Down: The Power of Capturing Spontaneous Self-Expression

One of the most transformative practices we’ve seen in home education is what we call “jot it down.” At its heart, this practice is about catching your child in the act of spontaneous self-expression—those magical moments when a child shares an observation, tells a story, or explains an idea bubbling up from their world.

Rather than treating these outbursts as distractions or fleeting moments, we honor them by writing them down, word for word, as close as we can recall. We might use a notebook, a slip of paper, or even a whiteboard on the fridge. When we capture our children’s words, we’re telling them, “Your ideas matter. Your words are worth remembering.” This simple act validates their voice and allows them to see themselves as writers, long before they master penmanship or spelling. Over time, these little jottings become cherished keepsakes and a powerful tool for building confidence and literacy.

There Are No Educational Emergencies

Homeschooling can feel urgent. The pressure to keep up with school standards, meet testing requirements, or compare our children’s progress with others can create anxiety. But we stand by the principle that there are no educational emergencies. Children learn at different rates in different subjects, and our job isn’t to keep pace with anyone else’s timeline. Instead, we meet our kids exactly where they are—whether they’re racing ahead in one area or taking their time in another.

If a child struggles, it’s not a crisis; it’s information. It’s an invitation to adapt, to slow down, or to seek extra help if needed. Testing and evaluations can be helpful for insight, but they’re not a referendum on your child or your abilities as a home educator. When we lower the pressure, we make room for genuine growth, mastery, and the joy of learning.

Change the Topic, Change the Context

When we hit resistance—a child refusing to write, dreading math worksheets, or tuning out during history—it’s time to change something. Sometimes the answer is to change the context: make math a game, act out grammar concepts, or take learning outside. Other times, we change the topic: instead of writing about a history lesson, maybe your child writes about dinosaurs or video games. The skill—whether it’s writing, reading, or critical thinking—matters more than the specific subject. By honoring our children’s interests and experimenting with new approaches, we keep learning alive and meaningful.

The Homeschool Journey Is Ours to Create

At the end of the day, homeschooling is about creating a life of learning together. When we listen, adapt, and celebrate our children’s unique paths, we set the stage for not just academic achievement, but family connection and lifelong curiosity. Let’s give ourselves permission to slow down, change course, and delight in the little victories. That’s where the magic happens.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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