Imagine pieces of mail can talk to each other. What do the letters, bills, and packages discuss while waiting to be brought in to your home?
New to freewriting? Check out our online guide.
[Podcast #210] Pleasure in Writing
As an educator deeply embedded in the homeschooling world, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of writing when taught as a natural and enjoyable practice. Yet, the essence of our message transcends the confines of any single medium. It’s about fostering a love of writing in our children—seeing it not as a task but as a playground for their imagination.
Tune in to today’s Brave Writer podcast as we talk about pleasure in writing.
Show Notes
Writing as Play: Blurring the Lines Between Structured Learning and Creativity
Our approach to teaching writing is akin to nurturing a garden. It’s about creating an ecosystem where writing thrives as a form of play, not a chore. Children are at their most expressive when they play, uninhibited and vibrant. Imagine if writing held the same allure. This is the heart of our educational philosophy—where writing is an extension of a child’s natural way of communicating and interacting with the world.
Joyful Expression: Encouraging a Love for Words
In my years of guiding young writers, I’ve embraced methods like the ‘jot it down’ technique, encouraging children to spill their thoughts onto paper without the pressure of correctness. This method celebrates the raw delight of expressing oneself, awakening the rich vocabulary that lies dormant within. Creative exercises like blackout poetry or crafting word collages also serve this mission, presenting language as a tapestry of expression waiting to be woven by youthful hands.
The Personal Chronicle: Valuing Each Child’s Unique Story
I often speak of the profound value found in personal writings, whether they be diaries, journals, or even doodles on a whiteboard. They are more than just exercises in writing; they are archives of the soul. These personal chronicles capture a child’s unique view of their world, often offering more intimate glimpses into their thoughts and experiences than any photograph could.
A Morning of Laughter: Rethinking Routines to Embrace Playfulness
Why should our days begin with work when they can start with laughter and play? In my family, we often flipped the script, starting with what delights us. This philosophy can seamlessly extend to the educational space. By beginning with activities that spark joy, we set a tone that carries into more structured learning. Writing, in this light, becomes another facet of play—a delightful venture.
The narrative here is not just about writing. It’s about how we, as educators and parents, can kindle the fires of creativity and joy in our children’s education. Writing is a magnificent journey, and when taught with this spirit of enthusiasm and play, it becomes a lifelong companion to our children—one that holds the promise of endless exploration and delight.
Resources
- 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 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
- Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Produced by NOVA Media
Brave Writer Precept #5: We Are Seekers and Finders of Everyday Magic
The fifth Brave Writer precept is: We coordinate academics with our children’s delights, passions, and skills. We are the seekers and finders of everyday magic.
It’s the holidays where seeking and finding everyday magic is a little easier. Maybe it’s the twinkle lights or the fragrance of cinnamon in cookies and hot apple cider. Maybe its festive decor that helps us really see the room we’re in with new eyes.
Now is a great time to slough off the schedule and lean into learning through living. Academics can look a whole lot like preparing for the end of the year celebrations.
Learning through Living
Reading: poetry, lyrics to holiday songs and hymns, stories about the holiday, spiritual literature if that is a part of your family’s tradition.
Math: shopping for gifts with a budget, counting houses with lights on a drive, baking sweet breads and holiday cookies, assembling apparatus or hanging lights
Writing: place setting name cards, gift tags, letters to family and friends, the note to “Santa” if that is in your tradition, wishes and regrets as you enter the new year
History and Geography: identifying New Year’s celebrations around the world, tracing the history of the spiritual tradition your family celebrates, tracing the history of celebrations others enjoy, picking one tradition (like tree decorating or the dreidel) and doing a deep dive on its origin
Science: making candles, baking, sustaining the life of a cut tree, building a fire, shooting fireworks, stringing lights, mulling cider
Handicrafts: knitting, embroidery, making baked clay ornaments or earrings, rolling beeswax candles, creating window stars from kite paper, decorating a holiday table
Nature: making a wreath, collecting nature items for a centerpiece, creating a bird feeding bell from pinecones, peanut butter and birdseed, decorating an outdoor tree with dried oranges and cranberries for visiting birds
Brave Writer’s 12 Precepts
Friday Freewrite: Amazing Meal
Describe the most amazing meal you’ve ever had. It might have been because of the delicious food or it might have been because of the awesome surroundings (or both!).
New to freewriting? Check out our online guide.
[Podcast #209] The Emotional Impact of Divorce – Part Two
Today on the Brave Writer podcast, we dive deeper into a topic that holds immense significance in many of our lives: divorce. It’s an extension of our previous discussions (here is Part One if you missed it), and I genuinely believe it’s a conversation we need to have.
Many of us know someone, a dear friend or a family member, who has experienced divorce. The question then arises: how can we show up for them? How can we support not just them, but also their kids, in the best possible way?
This podcast episode aims to explore these questions and shed light on the intricacies of supporting loved ones during such transformative times.
Show Notes
The Complex Web of Decision Making
Every choice we make, from the deeply personal to the seemingly trivial, is often a result of myriad factors and experiences. It’s easy to observe someone’s decision from the outside and offer well-meaning advice. But we must remember: there’s always more beneath the surface.
The Power of Empathy in Judgment
When I opened up about my separation, I encountered a range of reactions. Some showed understanding, while others immediately questioned if I had considered all options, like marriage counseling. These moments highlighted a universal truth: everyone craves understanding. We all want to be perceived as rational, logical, and thoughtful. The challenge is extending the same courtesy to others.
Post-Divorce Relationships: A Delicate Balance
Navigating relationships after a divorce presents unique challenges. Mutual friendships can become complex, and the age-old dilemma of “choosing sides” emerges. But we’ve seen that with understanding, patience, and time, it’s possible to maintain rich and fulfilling relationships with both partners.
The Journey Ahead
Making life-altering decisions can be daunting, and the aftermath, even more so. But with each choice, there’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and understanding. It may take time, and the path might be riddled with challenges, but it’s a journey we’re ready to embark upon, hand in hand with those who support and understand us.
Resources
- Read: Between Two Worlds by Elizabeth Marquardt
- 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 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
- Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Produced by NOVA Media
