Archive for the ‘Podcasts’ Category

[Podcast #294] Make Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Stick—with Books!

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder why some learning experiences “stick” while others fade away?

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore how grammar, punctuation, and spelling can come alive through brief, meaningful conversations and playful discovery—far from the world of endless worksheets.

We discuss:

  • the power of “quick dips” in learning,
  • the magic of using favorite books as a playground for curiosity,
  • and the importance of connection in helping knowledge grow naturally.

By making room for authentic curiosity and everyday conversations, we can nurture a love of language that lasts. Tune in for practical ideas and a refreshing perspective on making language arts meaningful at home.

Show Notes

Learning Happens in Relationship

At the heart of meaningful learning is relationship. Our children learn not only through materials but through the time and attention we offer them. Just as they picked up skills like eating with utensils or brushing their teeth through countless small interactions—not formal lessons—so too can they absorb the mechanics of writing and language. These “two-minute drills” scattered throughout the day do more than you might think, laying a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

Quick Dips Over Deep Dives

There’s a common belief that mastery comes from hours of drills or intensive lessons, especially in subjects like grammar. But research tells us that a child’s attention span is, at best, their age plus a minute. The magic often happens in “quick dips”—short, focused bursts of conversation and discovery. Two minutes spent discussing a comma, an unusual word, or the punctuation in a favorite book passage can be far more effective than an hour spent on worksheets. These brief but regular dips build knowledge naturally, bit by bit, making learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

Using Literature as Our Playground

When we use books our children love as the starting point, we transform grammar and punctuation from abstract concepts into meaningful experiences. Every passage in a book—whether chosen at random or with purpose—becomes a treasure trove of questions: What words stand out? What punctuation marks shape the meaning? What mood does this passage create, and how does the author achieve that? We invite our children to notice, to wonder, and to play detective with language. Even a disliked passage can become a “level up” challenge in critical thinking!

Authentic Curiosity Fuels Growth

Children are naturally driven to explore the things that interest them. When learning feels personal, they are willing to push through challenges, take breaks and return, or even ask for help when needed. The same persistence and creativity they use to master skills like roller skating or coding can be harnessed for language, spelling, and writing—if we let curiosity lead the way.

Every Conversation Counts

We don’t need to save our best questions for “school time.” Discussions about language can happen at the dinner table, during car rides, or while brushing teeth. The aliveness of these moments—their spontaneity, their relevance to our actual lives—helps make learning meaningful and memorable. Instead of seeking out the perfect program, we focus on building a family culture where books, words, and ideas are woven into our days.

The Brave Writer Approach

Our mission is to support families in bringing this kind of living, connected learning to life. Through our programs and resources, we offer not just content, but discussion questions and strategies to turn any book, passage, or even billboard into a learning opportunity. The goal isn’t to produce perfect grammar for the sake of a test, but to help our kids discover how language creates worlds, sparks imagination, and gives voice to who they are.

Let’s keep looking for the moments when learning feels alive—and trust that it’s in these small, joyful interactions that true understanding is born.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #294] Make Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Stick—with Books!

[Podcast #293] Julie Changes Her Mind About AI

Brave Writer Podcast

Do we still need human storytellers in an age where technology can generate stories and essays with a click? This Brave Writer podcast episode explores why nothing can replace the warmth and connection that come from sharing stories aloud as a family.

We talk about:

  • the generational bonds formed through storytelling,
  • the irreplaceable value of reading aloud,
  • and how these practices create both readers and resilient human beings.

We also reflect on our evolving feelings about artificial intelligence—how it can be both fascinating and unsettling—and why human relationships and creative self-expression must remain at the heart of education.

Show Notes

Our world is changing rapidly, especially when it comes to how we encounter stories, creativity, and even the written word. As new tools like artificial intelligence make their way into our lives, it’s easy to wonder: do we still need human storytellers? At Brave Writer, we’ve seen firsthand that nothing can replace the unique, connective power of sharing stories and reading aloud together as a family.

The Power of Family Storytelling

Gathering together to share stories—whether around a campfire or at bedtime—builds lasting bonds between family members. We’ve watched children, even as young as five, sit spellbound as parents, grandparents, and siblings take turns spinning tales. These moments don’t just entertain; they shape who our children become. When families create a culture of storytelling, they’re laying the foundation for a lifelong love of:

  • reading,
  • writing,
  • and imaginative thinking.

Storytelling is far more than a way to pass time. It is a practice that stretches back to the earliest days of human history, shaping moral imagination and cultural identity. Through storytelling, we invite our children into a larger conversation—one where their voices matter, and where the family story grows richer with every contribution.

Reading Aloud: The Heartbeat of Connection

In our experience, reading aloud is at the core of meaningful family life. It’s a tradition that predates even our own homeschooling journeys. Some of us began by reading childhood favorites to our spouses, then carried that ritual forward with our kids—long after they could read on their own. Even teenagers find themselves drifting back to listen when a beloved book is being read in the hallway.

Reading aloud bridges generations, brings comfort, and cultivates curiosity. It’s not just an educational strategy—it’s a way to invite everyone, from toddlers to teens, into a shared literary world. This daily routine builds not only readers but human beings who feel connected, valued, and seen.

The Challenge of AI in Education and Creativity

With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, especially large language models, we’re seeing a profound shift in the landscape of writing and art. Initially, some of us were technological optimists, eager to explore the potential of these tools. But over time, our optimism has grown more cautious as we’ve watched AI-generated content replace the creative labor of real people, sometimes without credit or consent.

We’re increasingly concerned that AI—especially when used uncritically in education—might erode both the motivation to create original work and the vital human relationships at the core of learning. When students outsource their self-expression to a machine, or when families rely on generic content instead of their own stories, something irreplaceable is lost.

The Irreplaceable Value of Human Connection

No algorithm can replicate the magic of a parent reading to a child, the warmth of a shared laugh, or the spontaneous creativity that bubbles up during a family storytelling night. Even as technology advances, we believe it’s essential to keep these human traditions alive. It’s in these moments of connection, not automation, that true learning and growth take place.

So as the world races forward, let’s remember to slow down and savor the irreplaceable gift of telling our own stories, in our own voices, to the people we love most.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #293] Julie Changes Her Mind About AI

[Podcast #292] Homeschool Launchpad: Legal Essentials, Curriculum Choices, and Creating a Learning Space

Brave Writer Podcast

Starting to homeschool can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about creating a learning environment that sparks curiosity and builds strong family relationships.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we share practical tips for understanding legal requirements, choosing and personalizing curriculum, and setting up a home environment where learning happens naturally—

  • on couches,
  • in backyards,
  • and through everyday routines.

We also talk about balancing technology, fostering flexibility, and letting your educational philosophy guide your choices.

Ready to feel empowered in your homeschool? Listen to the full episode for all our tips, stories, and encouragement as you launch (or refresh) your homeschooling adventure.

Show Notes

Beginning to homeschool can feel like a leap into the unknown. Whether you’re brand new or refining your approach, it helps to remember: you are fully capable of providing an extraordinary education for your child. The heart of homeschooling isn’t about replicating school at home, but about creating an environment where curiosity, relationship, and real-life learning thrive.

Understanding Legal Essentials

One of the first steps in your homeschool launch is understanding the legal requirements where you live. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states in the U.S. and in many other countries, but the expectations can differ widely. Some states may require you to notify the school district, submit a plan of study, or participate in annual assessments, while others are more hands-off. We always encourage families to look up official resources for their location—avoid relying solely on advice from friends or forums. If your state requires narrative assessments, embrace them as an opportunity to tell the story of your homeschool year, rather than simply checking off boxes.

Choosing the Right Curriculum

Choosing curriculum can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The trick is to let your educational philosophy guide you, not just marketing or search rankings. We recommend exploring a range of approaches—classroom-style textbooks, literature-based programs, unit studies, hands-on resources, and even materials that teach you, the parent, how to teach. Try to select what aligns with your goals for each child and subject, and remember it’s normal to mix and match. Don’t hesitate to let go of a program that isn’t working, even mid-year, and feel free to let your kids help choose resources that engage their interests. Sometimes the best learning happens off the beaten path.

Creating a Home-Based Learning Environment

Forget about recreating a classroom at home. Learning can happen at the kitchen table, on the living room couch, outside, or wherever your family feels comfortable. Keep supplies visible and accessible to inspire spontaneous creativity—think art materials on an open table, books within arm’s reach, or math manipulatives ready for exploration. The goal is to foster an environment where kids are eager to learn, not just comply.

Balancing Screens, Routines, and Relationships

Screens and technology have a place in today’s homeschool, but relationship is the fourth “R” we emphasize alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic. Rather than making tech the enemy, we recommend setting boundaries that make sense for your family while maintaining trust and open communication. Most importantly, build routines (rather than rigid schedules) that offer predictability but remain flexible for:

  • deep dives,
  • rabbit trails,
  • or life’s unexpected opportunities.

Embracing Flexibility and Growth

The most successful homeschools aren’t defined by perfection, but by flexibility and a willingness to adapt. Customize what you can, let go of what you must, and give yourself permission to follow your child’s passions. If burnout strikes, simplify—maybe that means focusing on one subject at a time, or letting go of unnecessary pressure. Remember, you are creating a tailor-made education that honors your child’s strengths and interests.

Homeschooling is a brave act of love. Trust yourself to lead, lean into your family’s unique rhythms, and stay curious about what works for you. You don’t need to do it all; just take the next brave step, one at a time. We’re here to support you on your homeschool journey—cheering you on every step of the way.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #292] Homeschool Launchpad: Legal Essentials, Curriculum Choices, and Creating a Learning Space

[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!

[Podcast #290] Beyond the Classroom: Embracing the Unique Journey of Homeschooling

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder what makes homeschooling truly different from traditional school?

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore the real meaning of “home” in home education. We discuss the flexibility, comfort, and connection that only learning at home can offer, and why the heart of homeschooling isn’t about rigid schedules or perfect cooperation.

Instead, it’s about:

  • nurturing curiosity,
  • making learning relevant to your child’s world,
  • and embracing big, juicy conversations that help both parent and child grow.

If you’re curious about how to make learning come alive in your home—or if you’re struggling with doubts about socialization, grade levels, or your own readiness—this episode offers fresh perspective and encouragement.

Join us as we reimagine what education can look like beyond the classroom. Tune in to hear more stories, insights, and practical advice for your unique homeschooling journey!

Show Notes

Do you ever catch yourself wondering if “homeschool” is just school at home with cozier furniture? Many families enter homeschooling imagining their children happily tackling math in a sunbeam or breezing through workbooks without complaint. The reality, of course, is far richer—and far less predictable.

Homeschooling isn’t about recreating the classroom at your kitchen table. At its best, it’s about crafting an environment where learning fits the rhythms and personalities of your family. It’s the freedom to pause a lesson because the toddler needs a snack, to take a spontaneous trip to the museum, or to scrap the schedule entirely when curiosity pulls you elsewhere. Unlike the rigid routines of traditional school, home is a place of flexibility and authenticity, where children—and parents—can truly be themselves.

Learning Through Connection and Comfort

Instead of bell schedules and standardized desks, we cultivate learning through conversation, comfort, and connection. A child sprawled on the couch with a clipboard, cat in lap, is just as engaged as the one sitting at the kitchen table. Learning flourishes when kids can move, snack, or cuddle while working—because home is built for the care of human beings, not just the completion of assignments.

From Fantasy to Real Engagement

But let’s be honest: our dream of self-motivated, always-eager learners often butts heads with reality. Real learning isn’t always tidy or cheerful. Sometimes, the most meaningful breakthroughs come from frustration, mistakes, and even tears. What matters is not the appearance of engagement, but whether a child cares. Engagement is born when learning feels relevant to their lives—not because we insist they’ll “need it someday,” but because it matters now.

Following Curiosity and Making Connections

One of our favorite ways to inspire genuine curiosity is to connect academic subjects to our children’s interests. Instead of imposing abstractions, we ask: How does math show up in their world? What history is embedded in their favorite hobbies? When kids care—about chess, video games, sewing, or poetry—they learn deeply and eagerly. Sometimes a simple “magic door” opens: a passion for lacrosse unlocks an interest in First Nations history, or a love for baking sparks entrepreneurial skills and math know-how.

Celebrating Learning and Relationship

Homeschooling is also about relationships—big juicy conversations, eye contact, and shared laughter. We value the cozy moments: poetry tea time, board games as math lessons, or spontaneous parties celebrating the Gold Rush or Middle Ages. It’s in these moments that learning comes alive and memories are made.

Trusting the Journey and Modeling Learning

This approach can feel energy-intensive, especially when facing fears about socialization, grade levels, or your own abilities. But the energy invested in authentic connection and curiosity pays back tenfold in joyful, meaningful learning. We remind ourselves: education at home is not about ticking off boxes or keeping up with the neighbor’s curriculum. It’s about nurturing eager learners—and modeling that eagerness ourselves.

When we embrace the unique journey of homeschooling, we free ourselves from rigid expectations. We become curriculum directors, janitors, cheerleaders, and, most importantly, fellow learners. Our role is not to dream on our children’s behalf, but to collaborate with their dreams, offering the courage and flexibility to help them find their own magic doors.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #290] Beyond the Classroom: Embracing the Unique Journey of Homeschooling