Friday Freewrite: To the Curb

Friday Freewrite

Today’s freewriting prompt:

From the garbage can’s point of view, describe what it would be like to be taken to the curb and left overnight to wait for the garbage truck the following morning.

New to Freewriting?

Freewriting is that wonderful key that unlocks the writer within. It’s the vehicle by which we trick our inner selves into divesting the words and ideas that we want to share but are afraid won’t come out right on paper if we do. So, read the freewriting prompt, set the timer for 5-10 minutes then write whatever comes to mind. Just keep the pencil moving!

Need more help? Check out our free online guide.

Tags:
Posted in Friday Freewrite | Comments Off on Friday Freewrite: To the Curb

[Podcast #252] The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Brave Writer Podcast

Welcome to today’s Brave Writer podcast! Since Julie is taking a short break to focus on her newest book, we’re replacing our typical podcast with a broadcast of her webinar, The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling.

Throughout this episode, Julie weaves a metaphor for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

  • Grammar is the rules of the word-party.
  • Punctuation is the decorator and bouncer.
  • Spelling is the personal stylist!

Most importantly, Julie reminds anxious parents that, at the end of the day, what children really need to learn is how grammar, punctuation, and spelling serve their self expression. It’s not about memorizing rules or being perfect. It’s about repeated exposure to meaningful experiences with living literature.

Show Notes

Grammar

Grammar is the rules of a word party. It sets the expectations. If the readers are schoolteachers and grandmothers, the rules of the party will be more straightlaced. If the readers are the general public, the rules of the party will be generic. If the readers are people who can deeply relate to you personally, the rules will be more lax.

Punctuation

Punctuation is the party decorator and bouncer. It adds an extra layer of meaning to the party and controls the ambiance. Periods say “let’s stay put together, people.” Commas say “take a breath.” Exclamation points are like clapping loudly.

Spelling

To wrap up the metaphor, spelling is the personal stylist. It makes sure all the words are looking their best. Misspellings are like spinach stuck in your teeth or a mascara smudge–they’re not the end of the world, but they can be a little distracting.

This kind of metaphor helps adults and kids embody grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Embodiment of these tools, rather than memorization of rules, is at the heart of the Brave Writer curriculum. Through repeated exposure to meaningful experiences with living literature, your kids can truly learn how to write well.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA Media

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #252] The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Cooperation or Cheerfulness?

Brave Writer Cooperation or Cheerfulness

Our plan or their happiness? Which?

We can’t expect our kids to both cooperate and always be happy about it. That’s a tall order.

If we want cooperation with our agenda, and it’s an agenda our kids don’t want, the decent thing to do is to tolerate their poor reaction or sour mood or sulking.

Hold Space

We have to choose wisely: cooperation or cheerfulness. We don’t always get both. That’s okay! We’re the grownups. We can handle a little moodiness from our kids when they don’t yet see the bigger picture that we do. That’s part of being an adult—holding space for our kids’ big emotions.

It also matters to think about how much we’re asking of them. Sometimes letting go of our agenda is the compassionate and right thing to do.

So go forth and give some space to a child who isn’t yet on board with the plan. Make comments like:

“It’s hard to keep walking in the heat, isn’t it?”

Sometimes, once you notice, they feel freer to get over it too.

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

Brave Learner Home

Posted in Homeschool Advice | Comments Off on Cooperation or Cheerfulness?

Friday Freewrite: Sleepy

Friday Freewrite

Today’s freewriting prompt:

Think of a time when reading a book (or watching a movie or play) made you sleepy. Write about it!

New to Freewriting?

Freewriting is that wonderful key that unlocks the writer within. It’s the vehicle by which we trick our inner selves into divesting the words and ideas that we want to share but are afraid won’t come out right on paper if we do. So, read the freewriting prompt, set the timer for 5-10 minutes then write whatever comes to mind. Just keep the pencil moving!

Need more help? Check out our free online guide.

Tags:
Posted in Friday Freewrite | Comments Off on Friday Freewrite: Sleepy

[Podcast #251] The Joy of Slow with Leslie Martino

Brave Writer Podcast Joy of Slow

Once you view time as a gift to be savored, you can start to naturally exchange agendas for rhythms and arbitrary expectations for deep learning. This is one of the takeaway messages from The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning, a book by experienced homeschooling mom Leslie Martino.

Leslie is our guest on the Brave Writer podcast today. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees in education from Columbia University, taught as an elementary school teacher, and now homeschools her four kids, ages 10-14. Her book is a meditation on the joy of slow as well as a how-to guide for homeschooling families.

Leslie Martino
Leslie Martino

In our conversation today, we dive into:

  • creating time and space for critical reflection,
  • the importance of depth over breadth,
  • and savoring joyful connection with our loved ones.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the question, “Are my kids learning fast enough?” this episode will (hopefully) bring a little peace and calm to your soul.

Show Notes

Making Time for Critical Reflection

As homeschooling parents, often we’re good at guiding our kids through empathetic self-criticism and using mistakes as a positive impetus for growth, but we’re terrible at applying it to ourselves. The pressure to give our kids a good foundation for life can overtake us. In her book, Leslie reminds parents that slowing down is worth it. Mistakes and re-dos are invaluable for deep learning, if you take the time to reflect and adjust.

Depth over Breadth

Letting your kid become an obsessed little ornithologist or budding architect is okay, even if that means other subjects take a back seat from time to time. Leslie highlights the importance of letting your child have some say in what they are learning, because passion leads to curiosity and critical thinking. Plus, if the birder and builder are in the same family, they will end up learning about each others’ topics of interest because passionate kids are the most aggressive teachers (in a good way). 

Savoring Joyful Connections

One of Leslie’s points of emphasis is developing a meaningful relationship with your child. The connective tissue of relationships is sharing experiences, especially navigating mistakes and challenges together in a healthy way. It’s not that speed is evil, but taking your time can be more important when developing these lifelong connections. 

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA Media

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #251] The Joy of Slow with Leslie Martino