Brave Learning: The Brave Process of Teaching Writing through Literature

Brave Learning

Recently on Brave Learning…

The Brave Process of Teaching Writing through Literature 

Trust the process. I promise you! It works.

What I’ve noticed over the years of home educating five kids myself as well as the thousands of students we’ve now taught through Brave Writer is that the best education for the mechanics of writing is reading real writing.

Some parents complain, however, that their kids read a ton and aren’t making the connection between what they read and what they write. It worries them! And of course it does! These are your kids.Subscribe

That’s why it’s important to feature language arts elements in the context of great writing! Your kids naturally come to adopt the mechanics of writing in English through the soothing, repetitive practices of:

  • reading,
  • pondering,
  • and copywork. [More]

Watch our FREE webinar Make Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Stick—with Books!

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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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Character Comes from Within

Brave Writer

Character is not something you form in your child. It comes from within.

It’s having enough sense of self that you make good decisions. It means you are taking responsibility for yourself and the well being of others.

If you don’t have access to what it feels like to have well being, you will harm others trying to get it. The greatest gift we can give our children is the ability to make their own joy and contentment.

Of course they will face pain and suffering as all human beings do. But it’s those who have known joy (that inner wellspring of feeling rightside up in the world) who can grieve, recover, and imagine a brighter future for everyone.

Go forth. Enjoy. Let go a little.

Ask yourself: how will I bring a little joy into my kids’ lives this week (so they grow in character)?

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

Brave Writer Welcome Home Replays news

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Brave Learning: Why Reading Aloud Matters

Brave Learning Reading Aloud

Recently on Brave Learning…

Why Reading Aloud Matters [Public]

It’s the core of education.

Reading Together

I spent hours of my adult life nestled in the corner of the sectional, feet tucked under me, with a book in my hands. Sometimes a baby sucked on a bulging breast at the same time, and one of those babies didn’t like to listen to my voice resonating through my chest cavity. Some well-timed nips to the nipples drove home that message. Ouch!

Other times a toddler couldn’t be calmed or a middler would knock over the orange juice onto the carpet and the book would get flung back into the library basket. Reading time over! Waving the white flag.

But those were exceptions.

We made it a daily priority to read together for an hour. Read aloud time signaled the start to our homeschool day. It was the “coming together” of all of us of all the ages in all our stages, and it told us: “Yes, we homeschooled today.” [More]

P.S. I gave a FREE webinar about reading aloud (tears were shed!). Here’s the replay.

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[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

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