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[Podcast] Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O’Neal Johnston – Part Two

Brave Writer Podcast

We’re continuing our deep dive discussion into Amber O’Neal Johnston’s new book, A Place to Belong.

Previously in Part One, we talked about what led Amber to write the book—having a big juicy discussion around family culture, normalizing difficult conversations, and building a framework for inclusion within the family. We also talked about the different ways books can be viewed through a cultural lens: As mirrors, windows, or sliding doors.

Amber O'Neal Johnston
Amber O’Neal Johnston

Today on the Brave Writer podcast, we’re picking up the conversation around curating the home library.

Show Notes

Representation in Children’s Literature

Children’s literature plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds. It’s essential for every child to find themselves mirrored in the stories they read, building both self-identity and empathy. However, the landscape of children’s books isn’t always as diverse as it should be. Black, middle-grade authors, for instance, often find themselves limited by industry expectations, pressing the need for a broader range of stories that reflect varied experiences. Still, we must work towards expanding our children’s libraries from ones that are colorblind to ones that are colorful.

The Problem with the “Single Story” Approach

Relying on a “single story” approach in literature can inadvertently limit a child’s understanding and perpetuate stereotypes. Imagine a librarian recommending books based solely on racial assumptions, missing the mark on the actual experiences of the readers. Such instances highlight the broader challenge of biases in literature and underscore the importance of diverse narratives.

Living Books & Home Libraries

The term “living books” captures the essence of literature that deeply resonates with readers. But how can parents curate a collection of such impactful books at home? The key lies in selecting stories that not only entertain but also:

  • educate,
  • inspire,
  • and mirror diverse life experiences.

A well-thought-out home library can be a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for young minds.

Family Culture & Legacy

Family traditions, recipes, and shared stories form the bedrock of our cultural heritage. By cherishing and passing down these memories, we offer children a sense of shared history and identity. This rich tapestry of familial experiences serves as a foundation, grounding children and giving them a clear sense of belonging and identity.

Legacy Mindset

Every action today shapes the legacy of tomorrow. Instilling a “legacy mindset” in children means teaching them to recognize the importance of their current experiences in crafting their personal and collective histories. Whether it’s cherishing today’s moments or planning for the future, understanding the significance of the present empowers children to shape a brighter, more intentional future.

The stories we share with our children, the traditions we uphold, and the values we instill form the backbone of their worldview. As guardians of the next generation, it’s our responsibility to curate experiences that are both reflective of their identity and expansive in perspective. By embracing diverse literature, cherishing family legacies, and fostering a forward-thinking mindset, we empower our children to navigate the world with:

  • empathy,
  • curiosity,
  • and a strong sense of self.

Let’s commit to laying down a foundation rich in stories and values that will guide them today and inspire them tomorrow.

Resources

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[Podcast] Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O’Neal Johnston – Part One

Brave Writer Podcast

The heart and soul behind heritagemom.com and a proud contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community, Amber O’Neal Johnston has woven her experiences into a beautiful narrative in her book, A Place to Belong.

Amber O'Neal Johnston
Amber O’Neal Johnston

Amber’s book serves as a rich resource for families across the spectrum, exploring homes that are:

  • inclusive,
  • culturally rich,
  • and socially conscious.

Today on the Brave Writer podcast, we’re diving deep into this narrative with Amber, talking author to author and homeschooling mom to homeschooling mom about the essence of A Place to Belong.

Show Notes

Inspiration for “A Place to Belong”

A heart-wrenching personal awakening around her eldest child’s struggles with self-worth and identity spurred Amber to pen this literary gem. Recognizing the gaps and unintentional omissions in her child’s education about race and identity, Amber addresses the need to move beyond extreme colorblindness, emphasizing the importance of embracing our unique roots, culture, and identity. As Toni Morrison beautifully put, “If there’s a book that you want to read and it hasn’t been written, then you should write it.” And so, Amber did.

What the Book is About

In A Place to Belong, Amber delves into the significance of introspection and awareness for parents. It’s not merely about understanding our children but also diving deep into our emotions, biases, and beliefs. She underscores that confronting and navigating through the emotional discomfort of parent-child conversations, especially those revolving around race, identity, and culture, is paramount. Amber also takes us on a journey through the tapestry of family culture. She emphasizes that it’s not just about annual traditions or favorite family pastimes but delving deeper into the realms of cultural heritage and background. What messages are we unconsciously sending our children through our chosen way of life? Importantly, she reminds us that these discussions and introspections about cultural heritage aren’t exclusive to any particular racial or ethnic group. White families, black families, brown families – every household has a story, a history, and a culture worth exploring and celebrating.

Evaluating Family Culture

Every family is unique, and every child should feel at home in their family culture. To truly embrace inclusivity, parents should:

  • Reflect on their social circles and children’s friends.
  • Ask if these circles reflect diversity or are they insular?
  • Evaluate their stance on race, stereotypes, and biases.

Inclusivity isn’t just about certain months dedicated to specific histories. It’s about making inclusivity a way of life, not just a topic of discussion. It’s about moving from compartmentalization to integration.

Being an “Askable” Parent

Coined by Dr. Gordon, the term “askable parent” is a badge of honor. It signifies a parent’s commitment to be available, open, and honest with their child. From answering unexpected questions to addressing bold or “inappropriate” topics, being an askable parent means creating a safe space for your child to grow and learn. And sometimes, it means saving those pressing public questions for a private chat in the car.

3 Types of Books

Every book holds a lesson, but not all books represent every reader. Amber classifies books into:

  • Mirrors: These reflect a reader’s life.
  • Windows: These give insights into others’ lives.
  • Sliding Glass Doors: These are so relatable that readers envision themselves in the narrative.

While many families have ample mirror books, the challenge lies in balancing these with window books, enabling kids to see the vibrant tapestry of our world. For Amber, this realization came when she noticed her child’s library was lacking diversity. It’s not about blame but about continuous learning and updating our bookshelves.

The crux of our journey with Amber is simple yet profound: To promote joyful inquiry and introduce our children to a diverse literary realm. Let’s embrace this vibrant world, hand in hand with our kids, leading them towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Resources

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[Podcast] Make It Stick—How to know if your kids are retaining what they learn!

Brave Writer Podcast

Today on the Brave Writer podcast we’re diving deep into the book, “Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning,” by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Rodiger III, and Mark A. McDaniel.

Both Melissa and I were quite enthralled by this read, and for many solid reasons.

Let’s explore why this book has made such an impact—and why we can’t stop bringing it up in conversations!

Show Notes

Why we loved “Make It Stick”

Firstly, this book throws quite a curveball: It boldly challenges the widely accepted learning methods like reviewing texts or highlighting, arguing that they don’t necessarily guarantee long-term memory retention. Instead, it brings to light the importance of retrieval and recall as hallmarks of effective learning.

Learners can fall into the trap of “passing familiarity” where they believe they know the content, yet when put to the test, they realize they can’t recall it. It perfectly captures the illusion of mastery—a false belief that you understand something when, in reality, you might not. Language learners, for instance, might resonate with this. Understanding a language when it’s spoken is different from producing it effectively, and that’s the challenge many face. This book prompts us to ask: “Did the knowledge really stick?”

Techniques for effective learning

Alright, so if highlighting your textbook until it glows in the dark isn’t effective, what then? “Make It Stick” lays down some well-researched techniques:

  • Low-stakes quizzing and the importance of spaced repetition. It reminded us of Charlotte Mason’s approach that emphasized short lessons and paraphrasing knowledge into one’s own words.
  • The distinction between massed practice and interleaving. Though interleaving might make learning feel slower at the outset, it has proven to enhance long-term retention.
  • Desirable difficulty. Learning techniques that render the content just challenging enough aid in long-term retention. Remember, if it’s too easy, it’s like writing in sand; it just doesn’t last.
  • Oral exams in aiding retrieval mechanisms. The art of picking a topic and narrating it to a professor can be adapted beautifully with children through storytelling or creative exercises.
  • Reflection and narration. Another technique popular with Charlotte Mason, emphasizing on understanding what is known over what isn’t.
  • Free writing. Introduced by Peter Elbow in the 90s, this is one of our favorite techniques. Whether unguided or with set prompts, it provides an excellent channel for reflection on readings.

Think outside the box

Breaking out of the conventional, Make It Stick encourages us to think creatively. Instead of always turning to ready-made resources, it asks us to explore innovative learning methods. Imagine children creating their own versions of classic board games. Or the interactive use of non-traditional methods like role-playing or even the innovative use of Minecraft biomes to teach biology!

The benefits of homeschooling

One thing that stood out as we read the book was this: All of these techniques exemplify the strengths of a homeschooling education. It embraces a unique approach that utilizes deep understandings of how learning truly takes place. Homeschooling allows for continuous problem-solving, reflection, spaced repetition, and low stakes quizzing.

A little food for thought for homeschooling parents: let’s not find ourselves confined to just one teaching style. It’s a challenge, but as educators, we should stretch beyond methods we’re most comfortable with.

Resources

  • Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
  • Growing Brave Writers is the essential training you need as a parent to be the writing coach your children deserve! Learn more at bravewriter.com/gbw.
  • 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
  • Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Go to bravewriter.com/getting-started
  • Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie

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[Podcast] Gentle Parenting, Natural Learning, and Simple Living with Rachel Rainbolt

Brave Writer Podcast

Meet Rachel Rainbolt, the visionary founder of Sage Family and one of my favorite homeschoolers.

With a master’s degree in marital and family therapy, Rachel has spent years guiding overwhelmed families toward peace and joy.

Rachel Rainbolt
Rachel Rainbolt

Living on an idyllic island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three spirited children, Rachel embodies the essence of a life well-lived, focusing on:

  • gentle parenting,
  • natural homeschooling,
  • and simple living.

Show Notes

What is Gentle Parenting?

Gentle parenting isn’t just a philosophy for raising children; it’s a lens through which we can view all human interactions. Rachel emphasizes that the first step to gentle parenting is self-improvement. Parents should aim to be emotionally intelligent role models, fostering empathy and patience. Importantly, Rachel frames this approach as part of a relay race in intergenerational change. Parents don’t have to be perfect, but they should strive to pass the ‘baton’ of improved parenting and relationship skills to the next generation. This long-term vision aims to improve familial relationships over time, transforming how families interact with each other across generations.

Natural Homeschooling

Homeschooling, in Rachel’s view, is more than an educational choice; it’s a lifestyle that balances educational responsibilities with nurturing family connections. Parents should see themselves as supportive companions in their children’s educational journey rather than dictatorial overseers. This ties back to our idea of “awesome adulting,” a reminder that parents are individuals with their own needs and aspirations. This perspective allows parents to strike a balance, providing necessary guidance without losing sight of their own identities.

Simple Living and Discipline

For Rachel, ‘simple living’ is intricately tied to minimalism, which extends beyond just decluttering physical spaces. It also involves a disciplined approach to finances, relationships, and even mental chatter, all aligned with one’s core values. Managing a business, homeschooling neurodivergent children, and active community volunteering require what Rachel terms as “ruthless efficiency.” 

But what if all of that sounds a bit overwhelming? One practical tip she offers for sustaining this lifestyle is to set a 15-minute timer for cleaning tasks, ensuring that housework doesn’t become an endless time sink. Rachel also makes it a point to acknowledge the privilege inherent in her lifestyle choices, particularly in the arenas of parenting and homeschooling, highlighting that her ability to be present and attentive is in part due to her stable living conditions.

Neurodiversity, Compassion, and Learning

Raising neurodivergent children gives Rachel unique insights into the world of neurodiversity. She notes that neurodivergent individuals often engage in “deep-dive learning,” becoming intensely focused on subjects that interest them. Understanding that children are not mere reflections of their parents but individuals in their own right is key, particularly for neurodivergent kids who are more significantly affected by their environment. Rachel’s advocacy doesn’t stop at neurodiversity; she also champions for greater understanding and compassion in transgender issues, underscoring the intersectionality between neurodiversity and gender diversity.

The wisdom Rachel shares calls us to extend love and support beyond our immediate family circles. Whether we are parents, siblings, or community members, applying the principles of gentle parenting, natural homeschooling, and disciplined living can catalyze a transformative change in our communities. By taking an empathetic and intelligent approach to life, we can make the world a more accepting and compassionate place for everyone.

Resources

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[Podcast] How to Become a Better Reader

Brave Writer Podcast

Have you noticed the shift from reading novels, newspapers, and research papers to watching 2-minute videos or skimming 280-character tweets?

If you’ve got a student in the house, you might’ve seen them use tools like ChatGPT, the latest AI wonder, to draft their college papers. It’s like a quick jump from A to Z, bypassing the entire traditional writing journey.

The world’s rapidly leaning towards the quick and efficient—but are we paying attention to what we might be losing in the process? Let’s discuss.

Show Notes

Same Problems, New Platform

Picture this: It’s circa 2000, and Jimmy finds an online ad for someone willing to write his college essay for him. Fast forward to 2023 and he may be tapping into generative AI to write his thesis. Avoiding tedious tasks isn’t a new-age concept; the means have just gotten fancier. But we can’t ignore one critical question: Do age-old educational methods like essay writing still hold value? If reading or writing is all about that shiny grade or pleasing someone, naturally, we’ll opt for the easiest route. If we expect someone to put in the effort, they need to understand and value the deep, personal growth that arises from genuine engagement with literature and the act of writing.

The Inherent Value of Reading & Writing

Have you ever realized the marvel that is reading? The mere act of interpreting symbols on a page transformed our brains and how we process information. While a dramatic movie scene or a touching podcast can tug at our heartstrings, reading allows for a more profound, introspective experience. For instance, reading promotes more analytical thought compared to the reactive emotions often evoked by videos or audio. Yes, platforms like YouTube are fantastic to watch a quick DIY or a recipe, but they can’t replace the in-depth comprehension achieved by reading. And learning to write? It’s less about the grades and more about personal growth. For homeschooling families, this presents a golden opportunity to focus on genuine life skills, minus the pressures of conventional grading.

Rekindling a Reading Habit

It’s hard to convince a child that reading is so important or enjoyable when they never see you doing it. We get it; life happens, and before you know it that enticing book on the shelf gathers dust for months. If you’re looking to jump back into the reading wagon, here are some nifty tricks that have saved us:

  • Re-reading is still reading! Dig out those old favorites and relive some of your fondest reading memories.
  • If the act of reading requires focus, audiobooks could be a game-changer—especially with a compelling narrator and a background activity like knitting or walking.
  • Constant notifications from apps distracting you? Use app blockers to keep just your Kindle app running.
  • Short writings, be it captivating essays or soul-stirring poetry, often act as perfect jump-starters (and give you a sense of completion in one sitting!)
  • If you’re into physical books, ensure you have a cozy reading spot with just-right lighting.

The transition from traditional reading and writing to a world dominated by short-form media and tech tools has its perks and its pitfalls. It’s essential to remember that while technology offers ease, the depth, introspection, and personal growth that come from engaging with reading and writing are irreplaceable. As we gear up for the future, striking the right balance between efficiency and depth becomes even more important for fostering personal growth and preserving the timeless joys of reading and writing.

Resources

  • Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
  • Enrollment is open for our online classes! Brave Writer 101 is our flagship class, but it doesn’t end there! Learn more at bravewriter.com/online-classes.
  • 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
  • Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Go to bravewriter.com/getting-started
  • Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie

Produced by NOVA Media

Brave Writer Podcast

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