Archive for the ‘Podcasts’ Category

[Podcast #296] Bad Writing Assignments

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder if the writing assignments your child receives are actually supporting their growth—or just making writing feel like a chore?

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore why it’s not only okay but essential to judge and adapt writing assignments for your kids.

We talk about:

  • how rigid or uninspiring tasks can stifle self-expression,
  • why playful and flexible approaches unlock learning,
  • and how you can confidently take charge of your child’s writing journey.

We also share practical tips for adapting assignments and supporting your child’s natural development as a writer.

Show Notes

Why It’s Okay to Judge Writing Assignments

Many parents assume that published writing curricula are above critique. But the truth is, you are the best judge of what works for your child. If an assignment feels pointless, uninspiring, or overly rigid, trust your instincts. We want to give you full permission to step back, assess the purpose of each activity, and decide if it serves your learner. If it doesn’t, you can absolutely adapt, skip, or replace it with something better.

How “Bad” Assignments Get in the Way

Some writing programs treat language as a formula—build a sentence word by word, or force a child to describe a dirt clod or write three perfectly formed sentences. These exercises can sap all the joy out of writing and put unnecessary pressure on kids. When assignments are boring and high-pressure, children are left frustrated or blocked. The truth is, kids already know how to play with language. We don’t need to “dumb it down” or make it overly mechanical. Instead, we can capitalize on their natural ability for playful expression and curiosity.

Embracing Flexibility and Self-Expression

The best writing grows from genuine interest and meaningful conversation. Rather than asking your child to fill in lines on a worksheet or stick to a restrictive outline, give them space to explore their ideas. Use tools like jotting down their spoken words, brainstorming together, or allowing them to choose topics that matter to them. Encourage creativity—even quirky approaches like writing sideways or using colored pens can unlock inspiration. Remember: writing isn’t about ticking off boxes; it’s about communicating ideas in a way that feels alive and authentic.

Support, Not Surveillance

We believe that writing is best taught the way we support language acquisition in toddlers: with patience, modeling, and lots of practice. Give your kids permission to make mistakes, write rough drafts, and revise at their own pace. Be a conversation partner, not just an evaluator. Ask open-ended questions, explore ideas together, and let your kids see you engaging in the messy, creative process of writing yourself.

You Have the Power to Adapt

If your child is assigned an uninspiring topic or a rigid format, you are allowed to make changes. Choose a new subject, bend the rules, or even skip the assignment. Writing instruction should be tailored to your child’s needs, interests, and natural learning style. Above all, prioritize the relationship your child is developing with words, ideas, and their own voice.

Let’s champion a writing life that prioritizes discovery, delight, and genuine communication. When we give ourselves permission to judge (and improve) writing assignments, we set our kids up for a lifetime of confident self-expression.

Resources

Connect with Julie

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #295] Brave Writer Lifestyles of the Educationally Rich

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder how to create a homeschool life that feels rich and connected, rather than just checking off boxes?

In this podcast episode, we explore the Brave Writer Lifestyle—moving beyond rigid schedules to routines that foster:

  • connection,
  • flexibility,
  • and joy in daily learning.

We discuss how to anchor your days with simple routines, value real-life learning, adapt to your family’s needs, and protect space for inspiration and downtime. The conversation highlights the power of memory-making moments and the freedom to design a homeschool experience that is meaningful for both parent and child.

Show Notes

A Lifestyle of Learning, Not Just Schooling

We often find ourselves answering questions like, “What curriculum should I buy?” or “How do I schedule my homeschool day?” These questions, while practical, can sometimes miss the point. Homeschooling isn’t just about transferring school to the home—it’s about crafting a unique family culture that reflects your values, rhythms, and needs. Home is not a school, and our homes should feel fundamentally different from a classroom. Instead of rigid schedules, we advocate for routines that flow with your family’s natural energy and allow for flexibility, connection, and joy.

The Power of Routines Over Schedules

One of the most powerful tools we’ve discovered is the routine—a predictable pattern that provides security without the rigidity of a minute-by-minute schedule. We often anchor our days around meals, using breakfast, lunch, and dinner as natural gathering points. These “hooks” in the day help us organize learning in a way that feels organic. For example, mornings might start with quiet play or a favorite creative activity, followed by poetry or read-aloud time during breakfast. Lessons, explorations, and hands-on projects find their rhythm in these predictable pockets, but always with the freedom to adapt based on the needs and interests of the moment.

Embracing Flexibility and Connection

Flexibility is at the core of the Brave Writer Lifestyle. Our routines adapt as our families grow and circumstances change—whether that’s accommodating a working parent, a new baby, or shifting seasons of interest. We prioritize connection: learning together, embracing curiosity, and making time for the “pearls” of memory-making that will stand out years from now. Whether it’s reading on the couch, a spontaneous nature walk, or diving into a creative project, we cherish these moments that foster both learning and relationship.

Letting Real Learning Shine Through

The most meaningful education often happens in unexpected ways—while reciting a poem at bath time, learning about birds from the backyard, or discussing rock history on a car ride. We give ourselves permission to value these experiences as much as any workbook. Instead of measuring our success by completed checklists, we look for evidence of understanding in our children’s everyday discoveries and passions. The Brave Writer Lifestyle is not about perfection, but about cultivating a home environment where learning is alive, enjoyable, and deeply personal.

Protecting Space for Downtime and Inspiration

Finally, we guard unstructured time in our days. Children (and parents) need room for boredom, creativity, and inspiration to take root. By resisting the temptation to fill every moment with activities, we make space for the connections and creative sparks that define a rich homeschool life.

By focusing on routines that suit our family culture, embracing flexibility, and celebrating authentic learning moments, we build an educational experience that supports both our children’s growth and our own enjoyment of parenthood.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[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

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[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

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[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

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